Big Sky
Overview
Known for the legendary ski hill that opened in 1973, Big Sky has become a year-round outdoor hotspot for mountain bikers, backpackers, and anglers alike. Check out the lift-served downhill trails at Big Sky Resort, over three hundred miles of hiking trails throughout the surrounding Lee Metcalf Wilderness, or the blue ribbon trout fishing along the Gallatin River.
Many visitors stop at Big Sky as their base for western access to Yellowstone National Park. The drive through Gallatin Canyon along Hwy 191 from Bozeman to West Yellowstone isn't to be missed. As you head south from Big Sky, look west toward the peaks of the Madison Range. Then, as you enter the National Park and the road snakes along the border between Wyoming and Montana, look east toward the Gallatin Range. Check out the Bighorn Pass hike that heads straight through the Gallatin Range below Bannock Peak.
Local Info
- Beehive Basin Trail #40
- Wilson Peak
- Reflector Trail
- North Fork Trail #16
- Ousel Falls
Visiting Tips
At over 7,200 feet of elevation, visitors should prepare to be at altitude. This means lots of water, maybe a little caffeine, and a day or two to acclimate or between backpacking trips. As well as a slower pace and being conscious of symptoms associated with altitude sickness like a headache, dizziness, difficulty sleeping, or nausea. In the backcountry, the only thing that helps altitude sickness is to return to lower altitudes and higher oxygen levels.
For anglers, the Salmonfly hatch is an annual event between the end of June and the beginning of July, when the spring run-off is at its height. There's nothing like taking a rest day between hikes by soaking your tired legs and feet in the icy-cold Gallatin River full of hungry cutthroat, rainbow, and brown trout.
Camping & Lodging
Additionally, there are a wide range of campground experiences available around Big Sky and throughout the Gallatin Canyon to the north like the Moose Creek Flat Campground, Red Cliff Campground, and Windy Pass Cabin. As well as backcountry camping throughout Lee Metcalf Wilderness.
Food & Drink
Outfitters, Tours, & Shuttles
Other Activities
Maps & Guidebooks
Recommended Routes in Big Sky - 3
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Trails in Big Sky - 30
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3.3
mi
5.3
km
#1Beehive Basin Trail #40
Big Sky, MT
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Big Sky, MT |
15
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5.7
mi
9.2
km
#2Upper South Fork
Big Sky, MT
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Big Sky, MT |
1
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3.3
mi
5.3
km
#3Reflector Trail
Big Sky, MT
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Big Sky, MT |
1
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8.8
mi
14.1
km
#4Deer Lake Trail #481
Big Sky, MT
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Big Sky, MT |
5
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4.7
mi
7.6
km
#5Grizzly Loop
Big Sky, MT
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2
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1.9
mi
3.1
km
#6Ridge Trail #403
Big Sky, MT
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Big Sky, MT |
2
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6.6
mi
10.7
km
#7First Yellow Mule #162
Big Sky, MT
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Big Sky, MT |
1
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8.4
mi
13.6
km
#8Second Yellow Mule #42
Big Sky, MT
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Big Sky, MT |
1
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5.0
mi
8.1
km
#9Elk Horn Trail #165
Big Sky, MT
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Big Sky, MT |
1
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2.7
mi
4.3
km
#10Ralph's Pass
Big Sky, MT
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Big Sky, MT |
1
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Photos of Big Sky - 32
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