Paradise Valley (Montana) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Paradise Valley |
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Paradise Valley and Absaroka Range
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 Paradise Valley
Location in Montana
Paradise Valley
Location in the United States
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| Geography | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Montana |
| Region | Greater Yellowstone |
| River | Yellowstone River |
Paradise Valley is a beautiful river valley in southwestern Montana, USA. It's located just north of Yellowstone National Park in Park County. The Yellowstone River flows right through the middle of it. This valley is surrounded by two mountain ranges: the Absaroka Range to the east and the Gallatin Range to the west.
Where is Paradise Valley?
Paradise Valley is separated from the Gallatin Valley and Bozeman, MT by the Bozeman Pass. The valley mainly runs from north to south. To the north, you'll find the town of Livingston, Montana. To the south, it reaches Yankee Jim Canyon, about 15 miles north of Gardiner, Montana. Gardiner is where the north entrance to Yellowstone National Park is located.
US Highway 89 goes through the valley and into Yellowstone National Park. This valley was the main route for early explorers heading into Yellowstone. It was also the only recognized way into the park when it was officially created in 1872.
Nature and Wildlife
The Yellowstone River flows through Paradise Valley. It's famous around the world for fly fishing. People love to fish in the river and in nearby spring creeks, like DePuy Spring Creek.
The valley also has several natural hot springs. These include Chico Hot Springs near Emigrant, Montana, La Duke Hot Springs near Gardiner, and Hunter's Hot Springs near Livingston. These springs offer warm, relaxing waters.
Mount Cowen is the tallest mountain near the valley. It stands at about 11,212 feet (3,417 meters) tall. It's located on the eastern side of the river, within the Absaroka mountain range.
Paradise Valley is an important winter home for elk. Two large groups of elk, called The Paradise Valley Herd and The Northern Herd, spend their winters here.
Famous People Who Live Here
Many interesting people have chosen to live in Paradise Valley. Some of them include:
- Jeff Bridges, a well-known actor.
- John Mayer, a famous singer-songwriter.
- Christopher Paolini, an author known for his fantasy books.
- Missi Pyle, an actress.
- Jim Harrison, an author.
- Margot Kidder, an actress.
- Peter Fonda, an actor and director.
