The Top 5 Reasons to Visit Big Sky, Montana Now

There’s a lot more to Big Sky than the endless views and wide open skies that give this Montana town its name. A traditional Western flair, complete with real cowboys that blend easily with luxury and comfort in all aspects of life. Big Sky offers unlimited access to outdoor recreation: the wet and wild whitewater experience, blue ribbon trout streams, backcountry hikes, meandering wildlife, and widespread wildflowers.

1. THE HIKING

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For one of the world’s greatest hikes, check out Beehive Basin Trail. With easy access to stunning alpine terrain along a well-trodden trail, you'll discover lakes and towering peaks with an elevation gain of 1,625 feet. A U-shaped glacial cirque with crystal clear lake overlooks Lone Peak and is one of the best places to spot wild flowers during the summer.

2. THE FISHING

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Big Sky is surrounded by blue ribbon trout fishing, with rivers, alpine lakes and mountain streams, making the area a fly-fishing paradise. The legendary Gallatin River, where scenes from “A River Runs Through It” were filmed, flows right through Big Sky’s Gallatin Canyon. Throughout the winding canyon are numerous fishing holes for all experience levels, along with spectacular scenery.

3. THE COCKTAILS

Nestled in the Gallatin Range, Rainbow Ranch Lodge is an ideal retreat after a day of exploring Big Sky's adventurous side. Relax fireside (or check-in to spend the evening in their heated outdoor spa) and enjoy a handcrafted Huckleberry Martini—concocted with Huckleberry-infused Cold Springs vodka, blood orange liqueur, fresh-squeezed lime and house-made huckleberry bitters. But don't stop there..

Led by Executive Chef Curtis Waltman, this Montana steakhouse offers a seasonally-sourced menu which boasts wild game such as bison, elk, wild boar and duck—all with a modern flare. Among the extensive menu, signature dishes include Foie & Chocolate Ganache and Black Cod & Caviar.

4. THE SKIING

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Bigger than your imagination, Big Sky Resort is home to the "Biggest Skiing in America" with over 5,800 acres of terrain spread across 4 mountains, and a vertical of 4,350 feet. Whether it's the chutes off of Headwater's Ridge or 300 degrees of skiing off of Lone Peak, which stands at 11,166 feet—If you haven't experienced Big Sky, then you haven't experienced the biggest.

5. THE LAKES

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Big Sky, Montana is home to eleven notable Alpine lakes. Remote and wild, peaceful and pristine and filled with crystal clear water, these backcountry bodies of water are meant to be enjoyed. After climbing 1,600 feet up Cascade Creek though Cascade Canyon, Lava Lake awaits you with a beautiful lake setting and meadows surrounded by the 10,000 Spanish Peaks around Cascade Creek Valley. Voted by hikers as the most likely area to spot a moose.