7 Hikes In Big Sky, Montana

Family-Friendly Fun:

Ousel Falls 

Location: Big Sky Town Center
Trailhead: Ousel Falls TH
Distance: 1.6 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 500 feet

This mellow 1.6-mile out and back trek follows the South Fork West Fork of the Gallatin River to a cascading waterfall. Easy access and minimal elevation gain make it perfect for all ages.

For a BIG Challenge:

Summit Lake 

Location: Summit Lake, Spanish Peaks, Lee Metcalf Wilderness, Madison Range
Trailhead: North Fork Trailhead - 7,250′
Distance: 15.7 miles total
Summit Lake Elevation: 9,560′
Elevation Gain: 3,250'+

Embark on a challenging 15.7-mile journey to Summit Lake, nestled amidst the Spanish Peaks. Ascend to high alpine meadows and soak in the feeling of accomplishment at the crystal-clear lake.

For the Adventurous:

Beehive Basin 

Location: Beehive Basin, Spanish Peaks, Lee Metcalf Wilderness, Madison Range
Trailhead: Upper Beehive Basin Trailhead - 7,900′
Distance: 6.6 round trip
Elevation Gain: 1,625′

Experience world-class hiking at Beehive Basin. This 6.6-mile trail winds through stunning alpine terrain, rewarding you with pristine lakes and majestic peaks

More Than Just a Hike:

Golden Trout Lake 

Location: Portal Creek, Gallatin Canyon, Gallatin Range
Trailhead: Upper Portal Creek TH - 8058'
Distance: 5 miles round trip
Golden Trout Lakes Elevation: 9075 feet
Elevation Gain : 1300'

This 5-mile trek leads you through scenic forests to a picturesque alpine lake teeming with golden trout. Camp under the stars and enjoy the tranquility of Montana's wilderness.

Volcanic Views:

Lava Lake  

Location: Lava Lake Trail aka Cascade Creek Trail
Trailhead: Lava Lake Trailhead - 5525'
Distance: 6 miles round trip
Lava Lake Elevation: 7115'
Elevation Gain: 1600'
Lava Lake is a popular hiking trail that is accessed near the 35 MPH bridge on Highway 191 in the Gallatin Canyon. The Lava Lake Trail parallels Cascade Creek and ends at Lava Lake - the only non-glacially carved lake in the Lee Metcalf Wilderness.

A short escape:

Uplands Trail  

Location: Big Sky Town Center
Trailhead: Uplands/Hummocks TH
Distance: 2.2 miles loop
Elevation Gain: 460'
This multi-use trail starts at the far end of Aspen Leaf Drive and wanders uphill on a 2.2 mile loop that provides amazing views of Big Sky Town Center and the surrounding area. Perfect for a quick afternoon escape or a scenic warmup.

Rocky Challenge:

Storm Castle

Location: Custer Gallatin National Forest (between mile markers 65 & 66 off of Highway 191)
Trailhead: Storm Castle Peak TH
Distance: 5.2 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 1,860'

A 5.2-mile out-and-back adventure with steady elevation gain.  Reaching the 7,280-foot peak named for its rocky crown, offers an outstanding reward with breathtaking views of the Gallatin River, sprawling forests, and majestic mountains.