Every now and then, you take a trip that carves out a permanent space in your heart. For us, it was a Montana road trip from our home in Irving, Texas to the serene, wild beauty of Pray, Montana. 3,781 miles round trip. Four people. One black lab. A trunk full of snacks. And zero regrets.
We stayed at the dreamy Sage Lodge—a place so stunning, so peaceful, and so thoughtfully designed it deserves a blog post of its own. (Design girls, IYKYK.) This post isn’t about DIY or thrifting… but it is about something just as important: living well, being present, and finding inspiration beyond your own four walls.
Want to know what I packed? Scroll to the bottom or click here.
This post contains affiliate links. That means, while it’s the same price for you, I get a very small commission out of it that helps me and my family. But most importantly, helps fund my estate sale and coffee addiction.
Day 1: Amarillo Bound and a Giant Steak Spectacle
We kicked off our Montana road trip with a short drive to Amarillo—only 5.5 hours from DFW. Our goal? Catch some classic Texas sights and rest up. Naturally, we hit The Big Texan Steakhouse, home of the infamous 72 oz steak challenge. (Yes, you read that right. 4.5 lbs of meat + sides. Free if you finish in under an hour. Otherwise… $72.)
We watched three brave souls attempt it. Spoiler: not one succeeded. But hey, $72 for that much steak still seems like a decent deal?
While waiting for our table, we decided we had an hour to kill so we jumped in the car and drove to Cadillac Ranch, armed with spray paint and curiosity. It’s kitschy, artsy, weird, and wonderful. We left our mark, then headed back for dinner. Fortunately, we were seated soon after returning. Finally, we checked into the most charming Airbnb—with original hardwood floors, curved doorways, and the kind of charm that makes you swoon.
Day 2: BBQ in Denver and a Pitstop in Wyoming
The next morning, we hit the road early and drove to Denver to meet up with Andy’s aunt and uncle for lunch at his cousins’ restaurant in Littleton, The Rusty Tapp. It was full of good food and even better company. After catching up, we made our way to Cheyenne, Wyoming for the night.
We stayed at The Little America Hotel & Resort, which was giving serious vintage ranch-style vibes in the best way. 70s architecture, multiple buildings, pine trees for days, and a cozy atmosphere that made us feel like we were really away from Texas. The air was crisp, the people were friendly, and frankly the fact that so many places are pet friendly up in this part of the country had us hooked.
Day 3: The Lodge Dreams Are Made Of
Early the next morning, we tackled the 8-hour drive to Montana. As we approached Sage Lodge, I swear we could feel the air clear and our stress melt away. The lodge sits right in front of Emigrant Peak, and there’s a tranquil manmade pond in back. They served dinner on a patio facing both the pond and the peak. Oh, and I should mention—Sage Lodge is—obviously—dog-friendly, so our lab Milo was living. his. best. life.
They welcomed us with a house-made drink(yes, please), , and the staff treated Milo like the lodge’s unofficial mascot.
That evening, we explored the nearby trails after dinner and just took it all in—cool temps, mountain views, and quiet. It was the perfect reset halfway through our Montana road trip.
Day 4: Yellowstone National Park
Just 35 minutes away is Yellowstone’s North Entrance in Gardiner. We hit three major stops:
- Mammoth Hot Springs: steaming rock formations that look like they’re from another planet
- Old Faithful: classic, reliable, still wow-worthy
- Grand Prismatic Spring: the colors, y’all—nature’s version of tie-dye
As you can imagine, it was a full day after just those 3 stops, so we headed back to the lodge for dinner and rest. If you’re planning your own Montana road trip, Yellowstone is an absolute must-see.
Day 5: Bikes, Boards & Cowboy Dinners
The following day, we had a flexible schedule, so we went mountain biking right outside the lodge. It was the first time for me and the boys. Andy, of course, was in his element—he’s mountain biked Moab and Telluride. I, however, called it quits halfway through. Turns out, uphill biking under full sun is not 49-year-old approved.
After lunch, Andy and Micah took on standup paddleboarding in the chilly lodge pond (55º!) while Milo and I supervised from shore. Thankfully, no one fell in, which felt like a win.
That evening, we drove up the mountain to a working ranch for horseback riding, followed by a cowboy-cooked dinner under the sky. It was straight out of a movie.
Day 6: A Surprise-Filled Birthday
Wednesday was my birthday (shared with my identical twin, Stacy!). Andy wrote me the sweetest message on a lodge postcard (heart melt). After breakfast, we surprised the boys with whitewater rafting down the Yellowstone River through Montana Whitewater (who I highly suggest).
The boys had no idea until we pulled up. The river was perfect: thrilling waves, calm stretches, 55º water, and sunshine all day.
That evening, we dressed up a bit and had dinner at The Grill, the lodge’s more upscale dining experience. It did not disappoint. Neither did the view.
Day 7: Fly Fishing & Llama Besties
Early the next morning we met up with Buddy from Yellowstone River Outfitters since Andy’s only request for the trip was a guided fly fishing experience—and we delivered. Then, we hiked into the park to learn the art of casting in the most scenic stream ever. Even I enjoyed it—and I don’t fish. The boys each caught a Brook Trout, and Andy was beaming.
Later that afternoon, we did something totally different: a llama trek! Each of us got to “walk” our own llama along the Yellowstone River. We learned SO much from our guide Susi of Yellowstone Llamas, including that llamas rarely spit at people and that underbites are basically standard (and adorable). Andy went from skeptic to Lupe’s new best friend.
A Few Things I’ll Never Forget
- The staff treated Milo like the lodge’s unofficial mascot.
- Andy giggling on a llama trek like a 10-year-old
- My boys crushing paddleboarding, rafting, and biking
- The peaceful quiet of Montana mornings
- And most of all: that beautiful reminder that time together, away from everything, is never wasted.
Final Thoughts
This wasn’t just a vacation—it was a full-on reset. If you ever get the chance to take your own Montana road trip, take it. Stay somewhere beautiful. Try something new. Let it fill your soul, and then bring that inspiration home.
PS: If you love the sound of this trip but hate planning, I’ve got you—check out my custom travel itineraries here ➝. This very trip inspired the ones I create!
🎒 What I Packed for Our Montana Road Trip
If you’re planning your own Montana adventure—or just curious what I stuffed in our car for 3,781 miles of fun—here’s what made the cut (and what I wouldn’t travel without again):
🧥 Clothing Must-Haves
- Layers, layers, layers – temps ranged from 40s to 70s
- Hiking boots (click for all my fave reviewed ones) – perfect for Yellowstone trails
- Rain jacket – mountain weather shifts quick
- Swimsuits & water shoes
- Cute but comfy outfits for dinner
🧢 Gear & Accessories
- Daypack/backpack – for hikes and geyser stops
- Reusable water bottles
- Sunglasses & hats
- Phone tripod
- Bug spray & sunscreen
🛏️ Road Trip Essentials
- Car snacks (obviously)
- Blankets & neck pillows
- Downloaded playlists & podcasts
- Spray paint – for Cadillac Ranch!
🐾 For Milo
- Travel bed, collapsible bowls, leash, treats
- Sage Lodge loved him as much as we do 🫶🏼
This section contains affiliate links. That means, while it’s the same price for you, I earn a tiny commission—which helps support my estate sale habit and coffee addiction. ☕💛
Resources
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