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Big Sky is a community of 2,300 in southwestern Montana, 45 miles from Bozeman. The town center includes 165 walkable acres. Eleven-thousand-foot peaks serve as a mesmerizing backdrop.
Why is Big Sky, Montana, Such a Great Travel Destination?
Big Sky is a wonderful travel destination regardless of the season. In the spring, snowmelt enhances whitewater rafting. In the summer, there’s hiking, mountain biking, golfing and horseback riding. The fall delivers a kaleidoscope of changing color across the countryside. Skiers and snowboarders delight in the arrival of winter.
Hiking and mountain biking
Hike the 1.6-mile Ousel Falls Trail routed along the south and west forks of the Gallatin River. After crossing three bridges, your reward awaits: Ousel Falls. Savor views of water artfully cascading down stepped rock ledges. Mountain bikers take off on more than 20 miles of lift-served trails. Other popular hiking and biking trails traverse the entire area.
Skiing and other winter sports
In the winter, skiing and snowboarding at Big Sky Resort are big attractions. Thirty-nine lifts serve 5,850 skiable acres. Try your hand at backcountry skiing in the Madison range. Nordic skiing at Lone Mountain Ranch is also popular.
Water-based pursuits
In the spring and summer, the Gallatin River attracts those interested in whitewater rafting and canoeing. Kayaking is first-rate as well. There’s also world-class fly fishing on the Gallatin, Yellowstone and Madison Rivers. Anglers set out in pursuit of cutthroat, rainbow and brown trout.
Horseback riding
Ranches in the area offer horseback riding. There’s nothing quite like viewing the mountains, valleys and rivers on horseback. The more adventurous might consider a multi-day ride into the backcountry.
Other outdoor activities
Golfers enjoy Big Sky Golf Course, an inspiring Arnold Palmer design. Area ranches offer horseback riding. Ziplining is also popular. The longest zip line is 1,500 feet long and as much as 150 feet in the air. At night, the dark skies deliver some of the best stargazing in the country.
When you’re in town, check out the trails along the rushing creek at the community park. There’s also disc golf, volleyball and a climbing wall. Vendors at the Big Sky Farmers Market fill more than 100 stalls. Business is particularly brisk during the fall harvest.
Yellowstone National Park
Big Sky is also a perfect base camp for day trips to Yellowstone National Park. The park’s west entrance is less than an hour’s drive to the south. Watch for wildlife. Explore the thermal basins. Set out on any of the thousand miles of trails.
Best Big Sky, Montana, Hotels
When you’re selecting accommodations in southwest Montana, consider these Big Sky options.
Rainbow Ranch Lodge
42950 Gallatin Road
Rainbow Ranch Lodge combines the rustic West with elegant sophistication. Handcrafted lodgepole beds come with down comforters. Each of the 21 guestrooms has a private furnished deck or patio. Some rooms overlook the resort’s trout pond, while others offer views of the Gallatin River.
Outdoor amenities include a fire pit, hot tub, river rock fireplace and large outdoor deck. Kick back in the outdoor hot tub and listen to the babbling brook nearby. The lodge is near the Warren Miller Performing Arts Center and Soldiers Chapel.
Huntley Lodge
50 Big Sky Resort Road
The historic 198-room Huntley Lodge is slopeside in Big Sky's Mountain Village. The Explorer Lift is just steps out the back door. It is named after renowned NBC news anchor Chet Huntley. The lodge was part of his vision for the original Big Sky Resort. Enjoy convenient ski in/ski out access.
The amenity-rich facility includes a fitness center, two spa tubs, tennis courts and spa services. Newly refreshed rooms are available for the winter of 2021-22. The lodge is close to historic Crail Ranch. Ousel Falls Park is also nearby.
The Summit at Big Sky
60 Big Sky Resort Road
The Summit at Big Sky offers slopeside Euro-Western accommodations in Mountain Village. A new renovation delivers a sleek alpine aesthetic. Select from hotel rooms, studios and one-, two- and three-bedroom condominiums.
Amenities include indoor/outdoor pool, fitness center and concierge services. Enjoy the convenience of on-mountain ski storage. Check out the selection of resort wear at the gift shop. Enjoy convenient dining at the in-hotel Peaks Restaurant. After a great day of skiing, relax with a cocktail in hand at the Carabiner Lounge.
Beaverhead Condos at Big Sky
50 Big Sky Resort Road
The Beaverhead Condos at Big Sky treats guests to rustic decor with stone fireplaces. Each of the 12 condos includes a private balcony and a kitchen with full-sized appliances. Amenities include a health club, outdoor pool and tennis courts.
Guests enjoy the convenience of ski-in, ski-out access at Big Sky. Moonlight Basin Ski Area is ten minutes away. The Big Sky Town Center and Crail Ranch are about seven miles away.
Shoshone Condos at Big Sky
40 Big Sky Resort Road
Each of the 29 Shoshone Condos at Big Sky includes a private balcony and kitchen with full-sized appliances. Stock the kitchen with supplies from the local grocery store nearby. The convention center, Big Sky Community Park and Crail Ranch are all nearby.
Guests enjoy the benefit of concierge services and a 24-hour front desk. Get in a workout in the fitness center. The full-service spa offers massages, body treatments and facials. After a great day on the slopes, soothe those muscles in the spa tub and a sauna.
The Village Center at Big Sky
48 Big Sky Resort Road
A stay at The Village Center provides you with ski in/ski out convenience in the winter. Accommodations include fireplaces. A menities include concierge services, spa, outdoor pool and spa tub. Guests are just minutes from the Big Sky Town Center, Big Sky Community Park and Crail Ranch.
Plan Your Big Sky, MT, Vacation Today
Guest Reservations is an independent travel network offering 100,000 hotels worldwide. Check out the accommodations noted above, or browse all our hotels in Big Sky, Montana.