24 Hours in Big Sky: The Perfect One-Day Plan!

For many summertime travelers heading to destinations like Glacier or Yellowstone National Park, Big Sky serves as a popular pit stop. Our mountain town offers a taste of Montana's beauty and adventure, even if you're short on time. With that in mind, we've created a quick list of must-sees when you only have 24 hours in Big Sky. 

Kickstart your day with coffee and breakfast at Cowboy Coffee or Caliber Coffee in Big Sky‘s Town Center. Fuel up for a full day of exploration and grab a pastry for later! 

Take the scenic 7-mile drive up the mountain from Town Center to Big Sky Resort.  The drive itself offers unprecedented views, and you may even spot elk, marmots, eagles, and other wildlife along the way.  During summer, Big Sky resort offers a variety of activities, but for a truly breathtaking experience, take a scenic chairlift ride.

Big Sky Resort Basecamp also offers activities such as ziplining, guided hiking tours, bungee trampoline and much more.  If your itinerary is more flexible, you may want to consider including one of these options into your day. 

Towards lunch time, make your way back down the mountain to Town Center, where you can fuel up for your afternoon adventure by grabbing some picnic items. Pre-made sandwiches and a couple of Uncle Dan's cookies at the Hungry Moose Market and Deli  are perfect choices, or grab some gourmet sandwiches to-go from Blue Moon Bakery These delicious options will ensure you have everything you need for a perfect afternoon on the trails.

While there are several trail options close to Big Sky’s town center, the most popular choice is Ousel Falls Trail. This is a moderate 1.6-mile out-and-back trek through a scenic forest to a cascading waterfall. In the summer, Ousel Falls can easily become crowded. If parking is not available, we encourage visitors to turn around and embark on a different trail, such as Hummocks or Uplands. Depending on the time of year, both Hummock and Uplands are perfect trails for wildflower viewing. While out on the trail, be sure to pack out everything you pack in and be bear aware.  

Refuel and unwind after your hike with a celebratory drink at Beehive Basin Brewery  Their inviting outdoor patio is the perfect place to relax and soak in the mountain views. To extend your afternoon, head to Big Sky's Town Center and Meadow Village Center, where you can browse the charming shops and boutiques.

As evening rolls around, why not treat yourself to dinner at one of Big Sky's delectable restaurants? For a taste of Texas, consider the Riverhouse BBQ, where you'll enjoy amazing river views, tasty cocktails, and a beautiful outdoor setting.

(BONUS) --Wednesday nights are the Big Sky Farmers Market in Town Center from 5 pm – 8 pm. We strongly recommend attending this event if you are in town.  Enjoy an array of handcrafted gifts, local produce, live music, and food trucks.     

 Thursday night is Music in the Mountains held at Len Hill Park.  Bring chairs or blankets, grab some quick bites from the visiting food trucks, and get ready for a little dancing!  

Flexibility is key! Feel free to adjust this itinerary based on your interests. If you're more into mountain biking, you could spend the morning exploring the resort's trails instead of taking a scenic lift ride. If you're traveling with children, you could factor in some time for exploring the storybook trail or playing at Kircher Discovery Park. No matter how you choose to spend your 24 hours, Big Sky is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories!