Finally, the sun is shining – locals and visitors are venturing out on foot, with bikes, on horses and with kayaks or fly rods! The mountains beckon after the spring snow melt. Here are some the Big Sky Visitors Center’s favorite adventures:
Top ‘O The World Hike– Beehive Basin, named one of the world’s greatest hikes for the stunning alpine terrain with lakes and towering peaks on a 6.6-mile loop. Enjoy views of Lone Peak and the Lee Metcalf Wilderness from several points throughout the hike, stopping for the best view of the Peaks and Wilderness at the alpine lake at the top. From Hwy 191, take US 64, Lone Mountain Trail, about 10 miles until you get to Beehive Basin Road.
Fishing Hike– Pack your fly rod and head up to Lava Lake. The lake is approximately 3 miles from the trail head, but the wild rainbow trout are hungry, so pack a lunch and plan to spend a day enjoying the sunshine and fishing.
Educational Plant Hike– Explore Porcupine Creek Trail; east off Hwy 191, about 2.7 miles south of the Visitors Center, across from the local school. The trail loop is 4.5 miles through mountain meadows, forests, creeks and Aspen groves, offering a diverse spread of flora and fauna. Take along a guidebook or better yet, hire a naturalist guide to learn all about the Yellowstone ecosystem.
History Hike– Take an easy hike along Crail Ranch Trail (3 miles round trip) to compare current views with landscape views through Historic Crail Ranch Museum’s photo archives. Examine fencing from homesteading pastureland days and learn the stories they tell. Guided tours of the historic homestead are available every weekend and self-guided tours of the grounds are available every day.
Yoga Hike– Going to a mountain top, saluting the sun with deep, fresh air breaths is exhilarating and there’s no more stunning place to do it than the top of Lone Peak. An easy route is taking the scenic chairlift up Lone Mountain at Big Sky Resort for a spectacular view and lots of room to stretch-- or you can hike the whole thing starting from Basecamp.
For all these adventures and more remember to take bear spray and plenty of water!