Dinosaurs
In 1978, the world’s first site of dinosaur embryos was discovered along the Rocky Mountain Front, south of Choteau, at what came to be known as Egg Mountain. The site yielded the largest cache of dinosaur eggs, embryos and baby skeletons found in the western hemisphere and provided more information about dinosaur biology than any other site in the world. Palaeontologists later identified the baby bones as belonging to a new species of duck-billed dinosaur they named Maiasaura Peeblesorum, meaning ‘Good Mother Reptile’. Discover more of Montana's paleontological treasures on the Montana Dinosaur Trail, providing opportunities to see unique specimens and learn how to dig for fossils.
Logan Pass
Strikingly beautiful, Logan Pass, Reynolds Mountain and Clements Mountain all tower high above fields of vibrant wildflowers that carpet the ground throughout the summer months. Logan Pass is the highest elevation (2,025m/6646ft), reachable by car in the park, and is a hugely popular attraction in the summer. Discover beautiful Alpine plants that are adapted to the harsh conditions, along with amazing wildlife (if you get there early enough!), including mountain goats, Bighorn Sheep and the occasional Grizzly Bear ambling through the luscious meadows, then explore one of the two popular hiking trails – the Hidden Lake trail or the Highline trail – perfect opportunities to explore the park further.
Yellowstone National Park
Montana is home to the world’s first national park, Yellowstone, which sets the standard for national park criteria; it’s a place where the crisp air fills your lungs and cleanses the soul, where sulphur encased hot springs and thermal pools along with fire holes and steaming geysers – Old Faithful the most frequently erupting geyser, puts on a performance about every seventy-eight minutes - make for a misty terrain and out-of-this-world atmosphere, that is both beautiful and bewitching.
The First Nations
Known to the Indian Nations as ‘the first best place’ Montana is filled with the histories, religions, and philosophies of its Indian people and today there are some twelve tribal nations governing seven reservations living here, their rich heritage very much a part of Montana’s distinctive character. America’s most famous battle the Battle of the Little Bighorn (or Custer’s Last Stand) was fought in Montana in 1876 and the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, situated on the Crow Indian Reservation, memorialises the North Plains warriors and the men of the Seventh Cavalry who took part in the conflict.
Sapphire Mining
Although sapphires have been found in several locations in the United States the most famous of these locations is – Montana. A byproduct of the gold rushes, it was only when Tiffany purchased a number of the cornflower blue stones, dispatched in a cigar box by Yogo Gulch miner Jake Hoover, and declared them to be of ‘unusual quality’ that their true value was realised. A British company controlled the mine for many years, which is why the Yogo Sapphire can be found amongst the Crown Jewels.
Travel Planning
To make the most of your luxury holiday to America with Elegant Resorts, consider combining Montana with the more fast-paced Los Angeles on the way out and Seattle on the way home. Feel free to speak to your Travel Consultant about your holiday plans.
Flight Information
British Airways direct from London Heathrow to Chicago and Denver. Virgin Atlantic and United Airlines direct from London Heathrow. American Airlines direct from London Heathrow and Manchester to Chicago. Connecting flights with United Express from Chicago and Denver.
Flight Time
From London Heathrow to Chicago O'Hare International: 8 hours. London Heathrow to Denver: 9 hours, 40 minutes.
Onward connecting flights from Chicago to Missoula: 3 hours, 30 minutes.
From Denver to Missoula: 2 hours.
Travelling With Children or Without an Adult
Children travelling without both parents should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. Please contact the relevant Embassy for the county you are travelling to for further information.
Visa and Advance Passenger Information
All passengers must ensure they have a valid, acceptable passport, any required visa and any other documentation for both the final destination and any stop-off points en route. Please make sure that Advance Passenger Information is submitted in advance to travel for all destinations. Failure to hold correct documentation or submitting incorrect details with Advance Passenger Information or Visa applications may result in refusal of carriage or entry into a country. Please check with the relevant Embassy regarding visa requirements well in advance of your travel date. Charges may apply for some visas.
Travel Advice Update
The FCO travel advice for the USA has been updated with an amendment to the Entry requirements section - on 18 December 2015, the US Congress passed a Bill updating the requirements for the Visa Waiver Programme (VWP); under the new rules, with effect from 1 April 2016 all travellers wishing to enter the US under the VWP will need to hold a passport with an integrated chip.
The web-based Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) requires all passengers (including infants) travelling via or to the USA to apply for authority to travel a minimum of 72 hours prior to travel. You may be denied boarding or refused entry to the US if you have not registered and obtained authorisation. To apply visit the official website: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/ A charge of UD$14 per person (subject to change) will apply and must be paid by either credit or debit card.
Customs and Border Protection programme Global Entry gets pre-approved travellers through border control faster at some US airports. If you’re a British citizen and a frequent visitor to the USA you can now register to get a UK background check on www.gov.uk/apply-faster-entry-usa. If you pass the background checks, you’ll be invited to apply for Global Entry.
Passengers not travelling on a British Passport are advised to contact their relevant Foreign & Commonwealth office for individual Visa requirements.
For up-to-date resort information, visit www.fco.gov.uk
Health facilities, hygiene and disease risks vary worldwide and you should take health advice about your specific needs from your general practitioner or a specialist clinic as early as possible before travel. Those planning to become pregnant should discuss their travel plans with their healthcare provider to assess their risk of infection with Zika. For information about Zika, other mosquito-borne diseases (such as Dengue fever and Chikungunya), Lyme Disease (caused by tick bites), and to receive advice on mosquito bite avoidance measures, please visit Insect and tick bite avoidance.
In addition, we highly recommend that you seek specialist advice from your doctor and, where recommended, obtain vaccinations or tablets for protection against, for example: Malaria, Hepatitis A, Polio and Typhoid. In some cases, treatments for Malaria should begin well in advance of travel. Travellers may also be required to show Yellow Fever Certificates on arrival in certain destinations i.e, some African countries. Please note that you are strongly advised against scuba-diving for 24 hours before travelling by air. We would also like to draw your attention to the risk of DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) and recommend that you consult with your doctor before travelling.
Visit the FCDO website and select your destination country for the very latest travel advice: Foreign Travel Advice. Additional sources of information include: Public Health England, The National Travel Health And Network Centre, Foreign And Commonwealth Office and your General Practitioner or a specialised clinic.