📍 LIVINGSTON, MONTANA

Dailey Lake

Distance: ~25 minutes from Livingston
Best For: Fishing, kayaking, wildlife viewing

Details:
A peaceful lake surrounded by mountains, known for:

Rainbow trout fishing

Birdwatching

Quiet, uncrowded setting

Visitor Info:
https://fwp.mt.gov/

Pine Creek Lake

Distance: ~30 minutes + hike
Best For: Hiking + alpine lake views

Details:
A stunning alpine lake reached by hiking:

Scenic trail

Waterfall along the way

Incredible mountain views

📍 GARDINER, MONTANA

Yellowstone River (Near Gardiner Access Points)

Best For: Fishing, relaxing near water

Details:
While not a lake, this is one of the most popular water access areas near Gardiner for:

Fly fishing

Scenic views

Wildlife watching

Lake Yellowstone (Inside Yellowstone National Park)

Distance: ~1.5 hours
Best For: Sightseeing, kayaking, photography

Details:
One of the largest high-elevation lakes in North America:

Stunning mountain backdrop

Wildlife sightings

Boat access and tours

Visitor Info:
https://www.nps.gov/yell/index.htm

📍 BOZEMAN, MONTANA

Hyalite Reservoir

Distance: ~30 minutes
Best For: Kayaking, hiking, picnics

Details:
One of the most popular recreation spots near Bozeman:

Paddleboarding

Hiking trails

Waterfalls nearby

Fairy Lake

Distance: ~1 hour
Best For: Scenic views, short hikes

Details:
A beautiful mountain lake at the base of Sacagawea Peak:

Clear water

Incredible photography spot

Quiet setting

📍 WILSALL, MONTANA

Shields River Area (Nearby Water Access)

Best For: Fishing, peaceful nature

Details:
While not a major lake area, nearby access points offer:

Quiet fishing

Scenic countryside views

📍 WEST YELLOWSTONE, MONTANA

Hebgen Lake

Distance: ~15 minutes
Best For: Boating, fishing, kayaking

Details:
A large, popular lake known for:

Trout fishing

Boating

Sunset views

Quake Lake (Earthquake Lake)

Distance: ~25 minutes
Best For: Sightseeing, history

Details:
Formed by a massive earthquake in 1959:

Unique landscape

Visitor center

Scenic drive

📍 RED LODGE, MONTANA

Cooney Reservoir

Distance: ~30 minutes
Best For: Fishing, boating, swimming

Details:
A family-friendly lake with:

Camping areas

Fishing access

Open water recreation

📍 CODY, WYOMING

Buffalo Bill Reservoir

Distance: ~10 minutes from Cody
Best For: Boating, fishing, scenic views

Details:
Large reservoir with:

Mountain views

Fishing

Water sports

📍 JACKSON, WYOMING

Jenny Lake (Grand Teton National Park)

Distance: ~1 hour from Jackson
Best For: Hiking, kayaking, sightseeing

Details:
One of the most iconic lakes in Wyoming:

Crystal-clear water

Boat shuttle

Incredible mountain views

Jackson Lake

Best For: Boating, fishing, scenic drives

Details:
A large lake in Grand Teton National Park offering:

Fishing

Wildlife viewing

Stunning landscapes

🏔️ LOCAL TIP FOR GUESTS

Make a Day Trip Out of It

Pack a picnic

Bring layers (weather changes quickly)

Arrive early for parking at popular lakes

Combine your lake visit with hiking or fishing