Experience a Big Sky summer

Summertime, and the Big Sky living is easy, making it the perfect time to explore and experience Montana. A visit to Big Sky will provide you and your family with many adventures and memories that you’re sure to remember for a lifetime. 

Divided into three areas, Canyon, Meadow and Mountain, Big Sky offers an abundance of outdoor recreation and events during the summertime months. Check out Buck’s local recommendations for each area, and keep up to date on all the local events with the Visit Big Sky events calendar.

Canyon

Located near the entrance to Big Sky, the Gallatin Canyon is your gateway to Yellowstone National Park. Endless recreation, historic Big Sky establishments like Buck’s T-4, and only a short drive to the West Entrance of Yellowstone, where else would you rather be?

• Hike– Whether a novice or advanced hiker, Big Sky offers remarkable hiking trails for adventurers of all levels. Some of our favorites include Porcupine Creek, Storm Castle and Lava Lake, amongst many others. Find the perfect trail for you and your fellow adventurers here. Oh, and don’t forget your bear spray!   

• Whitewater Raft– Geyser Whitewater Expeditions, conveniently located next door to Buck’s T-4, and Montana Whitewater Rafting take you down the majestic Gallatin River. A scenic whitewater float provides a more-gentle trip, while a whitewater trip will take you through rapids like Screaming Left, around House Rock and down the Mad Mile. Make sure to keep an eye out for a wide array of wildlife.

• Fly Fish– The Gallatin River is a world-class fly fishery. With a plethora of fly-fishing outfitters in Big Sky, including East Slope Outdoors, Grizzly Outfitters, Wild Trout Outfitters and Gallatin River Guides, you’re certain to find a guide that will fit your ability level and style. Go on a guided trip or on your own, either will get hooked. Before you head out, make sure to stay up to date on the current conditions with Gallatin River Guides’ local fishing report. Did we mention? The Gallatin River is only a few steps out your door when you stay at Buck’s! 

• Horseback Ride– Enjoy the vast Big Sky scenery atop a fellow steed. Jake’s Horses and Canyon Adventures, both located a trot down the road from Buck’s T-4, offer guided trail rides for any experience level, from beginners to the most experienced riders. Giddy on up for an hour, full day trail ride or any amount between!

Meadow 

The Meadow, including the Meadow Village Center and Town Center, is the heart of Big Sky during the summer months, providing dining, shopping and a vast number of events for locals and visitors, alike, to enjoy. 

• Farmers Market– Held every Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Fire Pit Park in Town Center, the Big Sky Farmers Market hosts a variety of local and regional merchants including farmers, professional artisans, artists, food and beverage vendors and more. Check out this weekly event during the summer months, June to September. 

• Music in the Mountains– A family-friendly concert series, Music in the Mountains kicks off the 2019 season on Thursday, June 20 at the Center Stage at Town Center Park. Starting at 6 p.m. every Thursday, this free weekly outdoor event features up-and-coming touring musicians as well as well-known artists. Mingle, dance and enjoy live music in the heart of Big Sky. 

• Golf – Surrounded by Big Sky mountain views, the Arnold Palmer designed 18 hole 72 par golf course at Big Sky Resort provides an alternative option to summertime mountain recreation, a leisurely “approach”. Book an early morning or late afternoon tee time, whichever is your hole in one.

Mountain 

A few miles up Lone Mountain Trail, the Mountain Village Center is your hub for anything and everything going on “up top,” as locals would say. Lone Peak, combined with Big Sky Resort, and the surrounding mountains provide access to many more Montana adventures and activities.   

• Mountain Biking– The 40+ miles of downhill trails at Big Sky Resort offers the area’s only lift accessible downhill trails. With beginner, intermediate and advanced and expert terrain, every rider can find a trail to fit their ability level. Operations for mountain biking open on June 15 on the Explorer lift, with Swift Current and Thunder Wolf lifts opening on June 22.   

• Scenic Views – Take in the views! Whether you’re on top of the summit of Lone Peak, made easily accessible by Big Sky Resort’s Scenic Lift Ride, hiking or relaxing, Big Sky is surrounded by never-ending scenery filled with high peaks, alpine lakes and rivers, colorful wildflowers and animated wildlife. Blink and you may miss the bears.   

• Boat Rentals at Lake Levinsky – Give a new meaning to spending a day at the lake. Lone Peak ascends high above Lake Levinsky, providing a dramatic backdrop unlike most. Hangout on the shore or enjoy your time out on the lake in a pedal boat, canoe, kayak or stand up paddle board. All are available to rent from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., daily. 

Just down the road

• Yellowstone National Park– Big Sky is only a short distance to the West Entrance of Yellowstone National Park. Striking canyons, mountainous rivers, lush forests, abundant wildlife, hot springs and spouting geysers, make visiting the world’s first national park an unforgettable experience, especially for summertime visitors.