As the snow melts and the temperatures rise, a wealth of activities and wildlife emerge on Lone Mountain. A summer in Big Sky, Montana is a bucket list experience. Hike to pristine glacial lakes. Explore Yellowstone National Park’s colorful hot springs. Stay at a guest ranch and ride into the back country on horseback. Venture to the top of Lone Peak. Enjoy world-class fly fishing. And golf at an Arnold Palmer signature course. Here is your guide to the best summer activities in Big Sky! For more information on where to stay and the best restaurants, read the Ultimate Big Sky, Montana Travel Guide.
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Know Before You Go
- Big Sky Resort Summer Season: The resort’s summer season typically runs mid-June through mid-September. Popular summer activities include mountain biking, scenic lift rides, ziplining, golfing, and more. Read about Big Sky Resort’s summer experiences here.
- Weather: The average low in the summer months is 40°F while the high is around 75°F. It tends to be chilly in the morning, warm in the afternoon, and chilly again in the evening. Be prepared for cold weather as it can easily snow well into June.
- What to Pack: Layers! The temperature will drastically shift from the morning to the afternoon so you’ll want to bring everything from long pants and a jacket to shorts and short sleeve shirts. I recommend bringing a vest, athletic clothes, and appropriate shoes for your activities (etc. hiking shoes for hiking). Read the full Montana Summer Packing List for more packing tips!
- Rental Car: You’ll need a rental car if you plan on exploring. Tip: Look at booking a “flight + car” vacation package through the airline to get a good deal on a rental car.
- Bear Spray: If you plan on doing any hiking in the backcountry (no matter how short or long the adventure is), make sure to bring bear spray and know how to use it!
Hiking
Located in the heart of Custer Gallatin National Forest, Big Sky has hundreds of miles of hiking trails. You’ll find incredible views along every trail through the mountains, forests, and fields. Make sure to always carry bear spray with you! Here are the best hikes in Big Sky.
- Ousel Falls (1.6 miles roundtrip) – Big Sky’s most popular hike takes about 45 minutes and brings you to a stunning waterfall along the Gallatin River. You can wade in the chilly water when the waterfall resides to a more tranquil state late-June and on. The trailhead for Ousel Falls is just outside of the Meadow Village.
- Beehive Basin (7.1 miles roundtrip) – One of the top-rated hikes in the area with a plethora of wildflowers and alpine lakes leading to the base of the Spanish Peaks. The trailhead lies a couple miles from Big Sky Resort.
- Lava Lake (6 miles roundtrip) – Lava Lake is a favorite among locals. Traverse over streams and through forests on this challenging uphill climb that totals an impressive 1,600 ft gain in elevation. The reward is worth it once you reach the quiet lake set among the Spanish Peaks. The trailhead is just off Highway 191, a little over 20 miles from Big Sky Resort.
- Golden Trout Lakes (5 miles roundtrip) – The peaceful lakes are an ideal spot to fish. The trailhead is located 20 miles from Big Sky Resort and about 5 miles off Highway 191. Be aware the road back to the trailhead is rough and requires a 4WD vehicle.
- Uplands Trail (2.2 miles roundtrip) – Uplands Trail is an earthen path that loops around Big Sky Town Center. Here you’ll find great views without having to venture very far. Start from Big Sky Town Center and take this multi-use loop that offers views of the incredible landscape.
- Cinnamon Mountain (8.5 miles roundtrip) – A beautiful hike through meadows and forests to an old fire tower at the top of Cinnamon Mountain. You’ll be rewarded with incredible views of Lone Mountain, the Spanish Peaks and even Yellowstone National Park. Be prepared for some steep switchbacks as the trail gains over 2,500 ft in elevation. The trailhead is located by 320 Guest Ranch along Highway 191.
Fly Fishing
When I say “Summer in Big Sky”, one of the first images to mind is that of a fly fisherman (or woman) calmly casting a line into the crystal clear waters of a mountain stream. Montana is one of the world’s premier fly fishing destinations, and Big Sky is the ideal jumping off point to explore the state’s magnificent wilderness. Choose between the trout-rich Gallatin, Madison, or Yellowstone rivers. Or, hike back to one of the alpine lakes or mountain streams in the Custer Gallatin National Forest. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an amateur looking to cast your first fly, there are plenty of guides to show you all that the area has to offer.
Horseback Riding
Montana is one of the few states where the West is stil wild. Horseback riding into Montana’s wilderness is an epic adventure. Spend a day in the saddle clomping along mountain trails and exploring the remote Big Sky backcountry. There are several permitted outfitters in the area including Lone Mountain Ranch and 320 Ranch. If you’re looking for a guest ranch experience, consider staying at one of these properties.
Yellowstone National Park
Head an hour south from Big Sky and you’ll arrive at the gates of America’s first national park—Yellowstone. Bison, bears and wolves rule the wild terrain that is positioned over a highly active volcano. Yellowstone National Park is filled with geothermal features like geysers, colorful hot springs, mud pots and steam vents. Take a day trip to the park to experience the unparalleled landscape and observe the fierce wildlife. From Big Sky, you’ll enter the park’s West Entrance (West Yellowstone). The park gets crowded in the summer and the animals are most active early the mornings, so make sure to get an early start. Read more about Yellowstone in the Yellowstone Itinerary and Yellowstone National Park Travel Guide.
Lone Peak Expedition
Book a Lone Peak Expedition and adventure to Montana’s highest scenic overlook. Ride in a special open-air vehicle with a knowledgable guide from Big Sky’s base area all the way up to Lone Peak Tram. Take the tram the final stretch before exiting at 11,166 ft in elevation at the summit of Lone Peak. If you’re lucky, on a clear day you’ll be able to see both Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Teton Mountains off in the distance.
White Water Rafting or Kayaking on Gallatin River
The scenic Gallatin River originates in Yellowstone National Park and flows north into Montana and past Big Sky. The river’s diverse features allow for a variety of water activities including some of Montana’s best white-water rafting and kayaking. Different sections cater to different activities and skill levels so everyone can enjoy the dynamic waterway. Keep in mind the river rages more fiercely early in the season as snow melts off the mountains before mellowing out later in the summer.
Golfing
Imagine jaw-dropping mountain views, green as far as the eye can see, and moose and bighorn sheep roaming about. That’s golfing in Big Sky. In the meadow village lies Big Sky Resort’s scenic golf course designed by none other than Arnold Palmer. The 18-hole, 72-par course is open to the public. Member-only courses can be found in Moonlight Basin, Spanish Peaks Mountain Club, and the Yellowstone Club. Courses are typically open late-May to October. Book a tee-time to hit the greens while breathing in that clean mountain air.
Mountain Biking
With over 40 miles of mountain biking trails, Big Sky Resort has tracks for all levels of riders. Lone Mountain is littered with everything from inviting beginner trails to steep technical tracks. The downhill mountain biking trails are accessible via multiple lifts from the resort’s base area. And if you’re looking to take the scenic route, hire a guide and leisurely cruise down the mountain—no experience required!
Zipline
See Lone Mountain from the longest ziplines in the Yellowstone region. Choose from several of Big Sky Resort’s top-rated zipline tours. The Nature Zip—great for families—consists of four ziplines reaching heights of 50 feet and lengths just shy of 500 feet. The Adventure Zipline is designed for speed and adrenaline. The adventure starts by taking a chairlift partially up the mountain. From there, fly down to Lone Peak’s base area on four ziplines stretching up to 1,500 feet long and 150 feet high.
Lake Levinsky
At the base of Lone Mountain lies Lake Levinsky. Covered by snow in the winter, the peaceful lake is often missed by visitors. As the snow melts and the deep blue colors emerge, the picture-perfect lake becomes a popular spot for water activities. Choose from canoes, kayaks, pedal boats, and stand up paddle boards. Glide across the water and enjoy the stunning summer landscape in the heart of Big Sky.
