Why You Should Go To Big Sky, MT This Summer
I simply love Montana. We have spent many, many days at Big Sky, especially for winter skiing. But summer in Big Sky is an equally fantastic draw with its blooming wildflowers, scenic mountain ranges, and plenty of outdoor activities. Summer hiking trails like Beehive Basin, mountain biking and zip lining at Big Sky Resort, and the music festivals in Big Sky Town Center keep us coming back every summer.
You could easily spend a week here, especially if you add a day trip to Yellowstone National Park which is just one hour away. Or, consider a stop here for a couple of days of fun on your way to Yellowstone or Grand Teton National Park.
As you’ll see, you will find plenty of fun things to do during summer in Big Sky, MT! Here’s a list of what we’ve enjoyed on our visits along with our favorite dining and lodging spots.
Things To Do In Big Sky, MT During The Summer
Go Hiking In Big Sky
Beehive Basin Trail- Make sure not to miss the Beehive Basin Trail while you are here. This popular 6.6 mile total, out and back hike was named one of the world's best hikes several years ago and for good reason.
In the summer, you'll enjoy plenty of wildflowers, views of Lone Peak along the way, and a picnic-perfect view alongside a small clear lake at the summit.
It’s not an easy hike, and the trail can be difficult due to its elevation change. The trailhead starts at an elevation of 7900' and summits at about 9,300'. It's roughly 3.5 miles to the top which is doable if you take your time. A Mountain Hero’s website has an excellent overview of the trail with great photos.
Note: Bring your bear spray. You can buy bear spray inside the Bozeman Airport or in Big Sky Town Center at East Slope Outfitters. Cost is about $50, and note that you can't bring it back home with you on the plane, even in your checked luggage.
Directions to Beehive Basin Trailhead- From Big Sky Mountain Village, proceed up the mountain on Lone Mountain Rd. Turn right (before the entrance to Moonlight Basin) on Beehive Basin Road. Follow this road as it winds around the mountain until you hit the "Beehive Basin Trailhead" parking area on the left.
Tip: If that parking area is full, continue left out of that parking lot for another parking area just a few yards up the road on the right.
Ousel Falls Trail- This is Big Sky’s best short (and easy) hike. It’s a 1.6 mile roundtrip hike to the pounding cascades of Ousel Falls. It’s a scenic, shaded trail along the way and mostly flat.
The trailhead is located two miles from the Town Center on Ousel Falls Road, about 20 minutes from the Big Sky Resort. The parking area is on the left, and the trailhead is at the backside of the parking lot. This is a popular trail and for good reason.
Note: You can also reach the trailhead by walking 2 miles from Town Center on a pedestrian/bike trail.
After your hike, eat at one of the restaurants in Town Center. We recommend Ousel and Spur Pizza Company (yummy pizza and pasta).
Big Sky Community Trails- Throughout Big Sky, you’ll find a vast network of trails. Our girls enjoyed the Little Willow Way Trail near Big Sky Community Park. It’s a nice easy stroll along the West Fork of the Gallatin River with views of Lone Peak. Roundtrip mileage is 1.6 miles.
We like this trail, because the West Fork is easily accessible and offers many spots to fish or play on the banks. (Moose are often sighted in this area.) It’s also adjacent to the park with a fun climbing wall.
Note: You can also extend your hike by following the moderate Black Diamond Trail at the end of Willow Way for a longer additional 1.6 mile roundtrip hike.
Kircher Park- Visit another one of Big Sky’s community trails at Kircher Park where the little kids will enjoy the recently built Tree Fort. The fort includes a climbing wall and is the centerpiece of the newly updated park. It’s a super short, easy trail from Town Center. Note that there is no parking at the head of Kircher Trail, so it’s best to park in either Meadow Village or Town Center and access it via Lone Peak Trail.
Huckleberry Trail- Located at Mountain Village at Big Sky Resort, this trail is pretty easy and has some really nice views. I was pleasantly surprised and got some great photographs. If staying in Mountain Village, you can walk to the trailhead near the chairlifts. If you ski here in the winter, it’s pretty fun to see the runs without snow.
Lava Lake Trail - For a longer hike, check out the ever popular Lava Lake Trail located north of Big Sky on Highway 191. This 4.9 mile out and back hike is popular but worthy. It’s a steady climb with an elevation gain of 1643 feet, but you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular view and a cold lake to cool off. It’s located 25 minutes from Big Sky Town Center.
Have Fun At Big Sky Resort
During the summer, Big Sky Resort offers a a variety of fun activities for the family. You’ll have your choice of bungee trampolines, mountain biking, a zip line, disc golf, and more. Most of these activities can be arranged at the resort’s “Basecamp” in Mountain Village.
The Nature Zipline is super fun for the whole family. After a short walk up the Moose Tracks Trail, you’ll zipline on four different lines ranging from 350’ to 500’ in length and 30-60 feet in the air. Plan on about 2 hours for this activity. My oldest daughter loved it!
Ziplining at Big Sky Resort
Go Mountain Biking
Big Sky has over 50 miles of mountain bike trails to explore. The 4 mile Mountain to Meadow Trail is one of the most popular, but it’s not for the novice biker. During the summer, Big Sky Resort’s Bike Park operates its chairlifts to transport bikers up the mountain to access a variety of mountain bike trails. Big Sky Resort rents mountain bikes as well.
Scenic Chairlifts and the Big Sky Tram
If you want something a little more tame than biking down the mountain, you can take Big Sky's Scenic Lift Ride for a bird's eye view of the surrounding mountains. You can take the lifts up and get off and explore a bit before coming back down. You can also take the lifts to access the resort’s disc golf course.
The new Big Sky Tram will also be an option this summer to glide up to the peak of Lone Mountain for amazing 360-degree views. Walk out to the “Titanic Deck” to experience Montana's highest scenic overlook.
Scenic chairlift at Big Sky Resort
Paddleboard at Lake Levinsky
Located at the entrance of Big Sky Resort Mountain Village, the small and serene Lake Levinsky greets all visitors as they enter the resort.
During the summer, you can rent pedal boats, SUPs, kayaks and canoes from 10am-6pm at the resort's 10 acre lake.
Lake Levinsky has a nice sandy beach, adirondack chairs to lounge, and a portable restroom on site.
Go Whitewater Rafting or Take A Scenic Float Trip
If you’re looking for a bit more adventure, Montana Whitewater offers both mellow and adrenaline pumping guided trips down the nearby Gallatin River.
Go Horseback Riding
Jake’s Horses offer 1 hour to all day rides. 1 hour is $50. Minimum age is 7.
Lake Levinsky. Photo courtesy of Geyser Whitewater website.
Visit Crail Ranch
Take a free self-guided tour of nearby Crail Ranch, established as a homestead by Augustus Franklin Crail in 1902. This is an enjoyable, quick stop, and the self-guided tour is really informative. It was fun to see the unique, original log structures and imagine a time pre-resort! 20-30 minutes will be sufficient. You can drive or walk to Crail Ranch from the Big Sky Community Park.
Tip: Weekend guided tours are also offered which allow you to visit inside the log cabins.
Directions: If driving from the playground area, continue on Little Coyote Road past the Big Sky Community Park and turn left on Spotted Elk Rd. The ranch and its parking area is on the left.
Tip: The ranch is nestled between condos and homes, and it’s easy to miss!
Crail Ranch in Big Sky
Catch A Show
The Big Sky Town Center is located on Ousel Falls Road, a 10-15 minute drive down the mountain from Big Sky Resort. It offers a selection of shops, restaurants, and a theater, the WayPoint, where you can catch a show or a movie. Check their website to see what they have going on.
I’ve been wanting to check out the newly arrived Montage Hotel’s Beartooth Pub & Rec where you can go bowling (for a fee) or play pool, darts, shuffle board, etc while snacking on overpriced pretzels and pizza. I think the kids would love it as an option for a rainy day activity! It’s a 10 minute drive from Town Center.
Go To A Festival In Big Sky Town Center
Located at Big Sky’s Town Center Park, Music in the Mountains is a free outdoor concert series featuring the best up and coming touring musicians in the country as well as established, well-known artists. These family-friendly concerts are held every Thursday from June-September starting at 6 p.m.
The Big Sky Farmers Market is held every Wednesday from 5-8pm at Fire Pit Park at the Town Center from June-September. Over 90+ vendors will be at this outdoor venue to sell their fresh produce, baked goods, art, jewelry, clothing, photography, coffee, crafts, beer, antler art, and one of a kind items. This is a good opportunity to souvenir shop and mingle with the locals. Bring a blanket and enjoy live music, children’s activities, food trucks and beverages.
Big Sky Town Center also hosts the annual Big Sky PBR in July where you can see some of the best bull riders in the world, and the Wildlands Music Festival brings in a fantastic lineup every August.
Weekend Overview. Map courtesy of openstreetmaps.org. Annotated.
Take A Day Trip To Yellowstone National Park
The west entrance to Yellowstone National Park is roughly one hour south of Big Sky. However, driving time within in the park can be very slow with traffic. Keep in mind that Yellowstone National Park is huge!
For a day trip from Big Sky, I would select just one area to explore in Yellowstone. For a quick day trip, you could easily drive to the Norris Basin area (recommended) and/or Old Faithful (because it’s on your bucket list).
When we have friends or family visiting us in Bozeman, we often take them on a day trip to see Old Faithful, stopping at Grand Prismatic, and then head back to Bozeman. So it’s a very doable excursion to these points, especially from Big Sky which is closer to Yellowstone National Park than Bozeman.
For a really long day trip, you could drive the 140 mile scenic Grand Loop of Yellowstone entering the park at West Yellowstone. This would involve lots of car time but some people do it!
Yellowstone National Park is truly amazing and is certainly worthy of a multi-day excursion. See Our Family Vacation To Yellowstone for details.
Grizzly Bear and Wolf Discovery Center- Located a scenic hour's drive south in West Yellowstone, the Grizzliy Bear and Wolf Discovery Center could be a good activity for a rainy day. This not-for-profit, wildlife park and educational facility offers visitors a chance to uniquely experience the world of grizzly bears and gray wolves. All the animals at the Center are unable to survive in the wild and serve as ambassadors for their wild counterparts. Open 8:30-4pm every day.
Enjoy A Local Restaurant In Big Sky, MT
If you are staying at Big Sky Resort, the closest restaurants are located in the resort’s Mountain Village. Montana Jack is located right in the center of Mountain Village and is a good spot for burgers and beers on tap. We also recommend the “grab and go” sandwiches from Hungry Moose Market in the first level of the Exchange (next to Montana Jack).
For the most part, we’ve found the restaurants are generally better down the mountain in and around Town Center.
The Big Sky Town Center is located on Ousel Falls Road, a 10-15 minute drive down the mountain from Big Sky Resort. It offers a selection of shops and restaurants.
If you want to venture down the mountain for food, these options are tasty and worth it. You can also ride the free Skyline Bus Shuttle which picks up in Mountain Village. See timetables for each stop here.
Restaurants In and Around Big Sky Town Center
Ousel and Spur Pizza Company -Yummy pizza and pasta
Blue Moon Bakery - Pizza, deli, pastries
Beehive Basin Brewery - A new microbrewery located right next to Roxy’s Market. Unfortunately, they don’t serve food but you’re welcome to bring your own. You could grab deli sandwiches from neighboring Roxy Market or buy a growler to go.
Olive B’s Big Sky Bistro- A well-reviewed casual bistro where the food lives up to the hype.
Riverhouse BBQ- The perfect summer outing for BBQ! Located on the banks of the Gallatin River and well-loved by locals. Opens at 3pm.
Pinky G’s Pizzeria- Voted best pizza in Jackson Hole, Pinky’s G’s has now opened a new location in Big Sky to serve up their New York style slices. This is a fast and affordable food option. Keep in mind that seating is somewhat limited here with just a few tables.
Horn & Cantle- Located at Lone Mountain Ranch, Horn & Cantle may be the highest quality food found in Big Sky. Enjoy their cozy dining room or sit at the bar for a wonderful meal. Reservations recommended.
Bunker Deck & Grill- Located in Meadow Village at Big Sky Golf Course, Bunker Deck offers the best outdoor patio dining in Big Sky. Wraps and burgers complement the view.
Grocery Stores in Big Sky
If you’d like to pick up some staples or have a kitchen with your vacation rental, stop at Roxy’s Market located at the base of the mountain in Town Center, about 15 minutes from Big Sky Resort’s Mountain Village. This is a somewhat expensive option but convenient. It’s a nice, new store carrying many organic foods. You can order online 48 hours prior to pickup for a fee. 20 Huntley Drive, Big Sky MT.
You can also shop at the small Hungry Moose Market in Town Center or at their small location in Big Sky Resort’s Mountain Village. Note that it is small but should have everything you need (their produce and meat selection is actually really good as is their wine/beer choices). The prices are fairly reasonable for being so convenient and close. They also serve tasty deli sandwiches, breakfast burritos, and good takeaway picnic food!
My Short List Of Best Places To Stay in Big Sky During The Summer
I’ll cut to the chase here on my recommendations for where to stay when visiting Big Sky in the summer. Read on for more descriptions and everything you need to know about lodging in Big Sky!
Going To The Big Sky PBR Rodeo or A Music Festival? Stay in Big Sky Town Center at The Wilson Hotel. It’s walking distance to restaurants, shops, and Big Sky Events Arena. You could also look for a vacation rental in the Town Center area (typically townhomes and condos). Just be sure to note its location if you want to be within walking distance to restaurants, shops, and the Arena.
Need A Swimming Pool For the Kiddos? Walking Distance To Activities? Stay in Big Sky Resort Shoshone Condominiums or Huntley Lodge in Big Sky Resort. I really like Shoshone, because it has a full kitchen, access to a pool, and is in walking distance to activities in Mountain Village. For a standard hotel room, the newly renovated Huntley Lodge has all the same perks as Shoshone in terms of pool and location but has less space and no kitchen.
Want To Experience The Peace And Big Skies of Montana? Stay in the Moonlight Basin area. We loved our stay at Cowboy Heaven Cabins. The sunsets were unbelievable, and we enjoyed the evenings in our personal hot tub. Another great lodging option (but more expensive) during the summer would be Ulery’s Lake Cabins. Would love to stay there! The larger vacation homes found in Moonlight Basin would be ideal for a multi-family vacations.
You’ll find that lodging can be expensive in Big Sky, even during the summer.
Lodging Areas In Big Sky, MT
You’ll find four main lodging areas in Big Sky as shown on the map below.
Lodging Areas in Big Sky, MT. Map courtesy of Google and annotated.
Lodging In Big Sky Town Center
Big Sky Town Center is the town's “commercial hub” with shops, restaurants, a hotel, outfitters, a grocery store, and more. Festivals are held weekly here during the summer.
Condo w/private hot tub close to Big Sky Resort & Town Center | Comfort Awaits At Deer Run. VRBO 1477802. 3 bedroom, 2 bath. Comfortably sleeps 9. This condo is not located in the heart of Town Center but is a 10-minute walk.
Smashing Location! - Affordable, Max. Amenities, Hot Tub, Views. VRBO 305981. 3 bedroom, 3 bath with loft. The unit is a 3 level townhome with lots of privacy for each bedroom and bathroom.
Lodging In Meadow Village
Meadow Village is comprised of homes and townhomes along the Big Sky Golf Course with a small grocery store, two restaurants, a bank, and some shops. Located across the road from Town Center, this area is mostly residential compared to Town Center.
Contemporary Little Coyote Home | Right on the Cross Country Ski Trail. VRBO 3106141. 3 Bed, 2.5 Bath, Sleeps 8. Gorgeous home right off of the golf course!
A Million Dollar View! VRBO 1258278. 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo sleeps 7.
Lodging In Big Sky Resort
To get to Big Sky Resort, you'll continue past Town Center and Meadow Village and climb up the mountain (about a 10-15 minute drive). Moonlight Basin area is 10 minutes further up the mountain from Mountain Village.
Big Sky Resort is separated into two main areas: Big Sky Mountain Village and Moonlight Basin, which is part of the Madison Base Area, just 10 minutes up the mountain from the Mountain Village. Both of these two main areas have lots of lodging options.
Mountain Village is the hub of the resort and has better access to the resort’s restaurants and summer basecamp activities, but you are generally limited to smaller condos in this area. The Shoshone Condo Hotel in Mountain Village is our first choice for winter lodging at Big Sky Resort, but it would be terrific in the summer as well. Great location, pool access, and a full kitchen.
Shoshone- Central Big Sky Condo w/Mtn Views-Hike, Ski, Fish! VRBO 4647832ha. 3rd floor.
Shoshone- Gorgeous views! Visit Big Sky and Yellowstone! VRBO 8511435. 4th floor.
The Summit Hotel is another great option in the Mountain Village. It’s a bit more upscale than the Shoshone Condos with more of a distinct hotel feel but has an excellent location with standard hotel rooms as well as 1 and 2 bedroom options. Guest also have access to an outdoor heated pool.
Huntley Lodge is the “budget” option at Big Sky Mountain Village. It’s a standard hotel room right next to the Shoshone condos so it has the same great location and access to a heated outdoor pool. It's recently been renovated, and we’ve loved our stays here.
Moonlight Basin has larger townhomes and beautiful mountain homes, but it is further away (10 minutes) from the activities of Mountain Village and Town Center/Meadow Village. Although typically more expensive, Moonlight Basin properties offer a more serene mountain environment with decks and mountain views. Note that some properties require a minimum stay of 3-4 nights.
Moonlight Basin is located about 10 minutes from the activities of Mountain Village. During the summer, this is my favorite area to stay. It’s simply beautiful, the views are terrific, it’s not crowded at all, and the lodging is spacious.
I like Moonlight Basin lodging, because it offers the most serene location. If access to a swimming pool is important, you can find one at the beautiful Moonlight Lodge. Moonlight Lodge features an outdoor pool and hot tub, plus a family area with shuffleboard and pool tables. However, only certain rental properties give you access to these amenities and you must purchase a Moonlight Club Guest Membership if you choose to use them.
The membership is for the duration of your stay and allows access to the pool, workout area, dining room, bar or common areas at Moonlight Lodge as well as the amenities at Ulery’s Lake Camp.
At Ulery’s Lake Camp, you can canoe, explore a tree fort, roast marshmallows at the fire pit, or simply relax by the lake’s sandy beach. Membership cost is $100 per day for a family for the duration of your stay (arrival and departure day fees are waived).
Powder Ridge Cabins, Ulery Lake Cabins, Cowboy Heaven cabins, along with private mountain homes (like this awesome one) are popular options in Moonlight Basin. The outdoor living space is excellent in each of the options below.
Cowboy Heaven Cabin- Stunning Top Of The World Views. Hike Or Ski At Big Sky Out Your Front Door! VRBO 327077. Yet another great Cowboy Heaven cabin rental with excellent views. 2 bedroom/2 bath cabin with hot tub and fire pit. Sleeps 5. Avg. $385 night. Moonlight Club membership will be an optional additional cost.
Ulery`s Lakeside Cabin!- Private Hot Tub & More. VRBO 1339399. 2 bedroom + bunk room. Brand new mountain modern cabin. You won’t find a lot of space between cabins here but the surrounding area is amazingly beautiful, therefore it’s expensive.
Powder Ridge Cabin 3 Rosebud Loop - Ski Access. VRBO 2154888. 4 bedroom/3 bath sleeps 11. This three-story 2,550 sq. foot with a downstairs recreation room.
You might also like our simply awesome “Where To Stay When Skiing At Big Sky.”
Map showing Moonlight Basin area in relation to Big Sky’s Mountain Village
Getting To Big Sky, MT
To get to Big Sky, you'll fly into Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport and drive about 1 hour. Part of the trip is on a two-lane mountainous road through the scenic Gallatin Canyon winding along the beautiful Gallatin River.
It’s not an easy drive at night, and it’s a beautiful one, so try to drive it during daylight hours. If we have a late arrival or early departure, we stay in Bozeman (which by the way is also a great place to stay and visit).
Once you turn off Highway 191 to head up the mountain towards Big Sky Resort, you'll first pass through Big Sky's Meadow Village area and the Town Center, both of which reside at about 6300' elevation. Tip: Look for the elk herds and bighorn sheep that are often seen from Lone Mountain Trail Rd.
To get to Big Sky Resort, you'll continue past Town Center and Meadow Village and climb up the mountain to reach Big Sky Resort Mountain Village- about a 10-15 minute drive. Moonlight Basin area is 10 minutes further up the mountain from Mountain Village.
Tip: If you are flying in or out of Bozeman and your flight times allow, spend some time in downtown Bozeman to stroll its Main Street to shop and eat. We like to stay downtown at the Lark Hotel (request 2nd floor). See our Simply Awesome Day in Bozeman for more options for where to stay, where to eat, and what to do. For a closer to the airport stay, The Holiday Inn Express is 10 minutes from the Bozeman-Yellowstone Airport and is affordable, quiet, comfortable, and clean. We have stayed here several times and it has been super convenient and nice.
Sounds like a perfect summer vacation, doesn’t it?
Have fun this summer in Big Sky, MT!
Welcome to our series “A Simply Awesome Day in...” where we share a full day’s excerpt from one of our family vacation destinations. Today, we offer a fun day from our 7 day Southwest Utah Itinerary. Day 4 details a sunrise hike in Bryce Canyon, followed by a scenic drive and some more short, kid-friendly hikes.