Dillon to Ennis to Dillon

By Liz on July 9, 2026

July 8, my last full day in Dillon … I biked to a Mexican restaurant for an early lunch and had not only a great meal but the BEST iced tea! I typically do not order restaurant iced tea but I didn’t want soda or water … anyway, so good. It turns out they brew their own blend.

I messed up settings on my Insta360 X5 video from the bike so nothing … so sad!

To today, Thursday July 9. A bit ago, I made reservations at a campground in Ennis, MT for today through 7/14. Ennis is in Madison Valley … a river runs through it … YES, that river: Madison River.

Based on reading and the internet, Ennis was high on my list for possible new place to live.

Maybe I over-hyped it in my mind.

And it is a crazy thing about new places. I often connect immediately or reject immediately or some places grow on me. I drove into Ennis and just thought … I do not want to stay here. I was 1.5 hours early for check in time so drove around and then into the RV park to see what it looked like. And I drove back out and headed back to Dillon.

The drive to and fro is absolutely beautiful so no regrets. A scenic overlook between Virginia City and Ennis …

I didn’t want to get out as it was not level and I didn’t feel comfortable with just parking brake.

Continuing on to Ennis. I don’t know if I have words for why I instantly did not like the area. It was busy. There were a lot of cookie cutter neighborhoods on the fringe. I just did not like it at all.

As noted above, I was early for check in and checked out the RV park which had the smallest, tightest spots that I have ever seen. The grounds were landscaped nicely and as advertised it was adjacent (walkable/bikeable) to town. I just wanted to be gone so I turned around and headed back to Dillon (74 miles).

My old spot was not available but I have a nice shady spot for 2 nights and then I’m headed back to Missoula for a night.

The other wrinkle in the travel is that Ennis was to be 101 and 103 on Saturday/Sunday. Dillon is forecast to be mid-upper 90’s as is Missoula.

Currently, my plan is to leave Dillon very early on Saturday, do a big shop in Missoula before noon check in at Jim and Mary’s. Then leave early Sunday for a slightly cooler destination north of Missoula.

Stay tuned!

***Lunchtime in Virginia City