Big Sky, Montana is the perfect summer destination. Located 45 minutes from Yellowstone Park, it is full of opportunities to engage with nature. Big Sky Resort and the Gallatin River both offer plenty of activities.
1. Yellowstone National Park
Big Sky is the perfect lodging location for day trips to Yellowstone National Park, it is located only 45 miles from the West entrance to the park and 65 miles from the iconic Old Faithful geyser!
We recommend splitting up Yellowstone excursions into 2 separate day trips for maximum enjoyment.
Day 1: Yellowstone Lower Loop
- Old Faithful
- Yellowstone Lake
- The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
- Norris Hot Spring
Old Faithful
Day 2: Yellowstone Upper Loop
- Mammoth Hot Springs
- The Lamar Valley
The Lamar Valley is often called the American Serengeti because of its population and variety of wildlife
2. Big Sky Resort
Big Sky Resort is best known for its winter ski lifts and operations, however, it is quickly becoming a world-class summer destination. With a wide variety of activities offered including a guided tour to the top of Lone Peak called the Lone Peak Expedition! Other activities include:
- Paddleboard and kayak rentals on Lake Levinsky
- Mountain biking
- 2 zipline courses
- Hiking
- Disc golf
- Scenic lift rides
Paddleboarding on Lake Levinsky is an amazing way to cool off on a hot day
3. Hiking
The Big Sky area is home to some of the most beautiful hikes in the United States! There are trails for all levels, ranging from short beginner trails to difficult expert trails. Beehive Basin is our favorite trail, it takes hikers high into the mountains above Big Sky and ends in a mountain basin with a small lake. Some of our other favorites are:
- Beehive Basin: Intermediate
- Lava Lake: Intermediate
- Hidden Lakes: Intermediate
- Ousel Falls: Beginner
- Lone Peak: Expert
See our blog post The 5 Best Hikes In Big Sky to learn more
Hidden Lakes
4. Gallatin River (rafting and fishing)
The Gallatin River runs from Yellowstone straight by Big Sky through the Gallatin Canyon. The river is home to plenty of activities, ranging from whitewater rafting, fly fishing, and even bridge jumping!
The Gallatin has some of the most exciting whitewater in the state. We recommend booking a trip with Geyser Whitewater, they have different trip options for all ages and skill levels and have great service!
The tradition of fly fishing on the Gallatin is as old as Big Sky itself. The legendary fly fishing movie “A River Runs Through It” was filmed on the banks of the river. If you’re looking to catch some trout during your vacation, we recommend you visit Grizzly Outfitters On The River. They have top-of-the-line gear and can connect you with a great guide!
5. Golf
Finish off your perfect vacation in Big Sky with a game (or two) of golf at Big Sky’s golf course. The course offers stunning mountain views and was designed by Arnold Palmer himself!
Enjoy your summer vacation in Big Sky! And stay safe out there!
For more information about Big Sky see our other blog posts at The Best of Big Sky Blog.
Looking for lodging in the Big Sky/Yellowstone area? Check out Moonlight Vacation Rentals, the best vacation rental company around, offering beautiful 2, 3, and 4 bedroom cabins, condos, and homes. They have some great deals on fall rentals right now.
