Things to Do in Big Sky, MT in the Summer
Credit: Big Sky Town Center
Whether you’re passing through on a road trip to Yellowstone or visiting from Bozeman, here are the best things to do in Big Sky, Montana in the summer.
Hike to Beehive Basin
Beehive Basin
Location: North of Big Sky in the Spanish Peaks
Duration: 6.6 miles, 3–5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
One of the most scenic hikes in Montana, the Beehive Basin Trail is a 6.6-mile round-trip trek that rewards hikers with wildflower meadows, alpine lakes, and breathtaking views. No fees or permits are required for this trail and it’s a great spot for photography and picnicking.
Fly Fishing on the Gallatin River
Location: Gallatin River, between Bozeman and Big Sky
Time Needed: Half-day to full-day
Cost: $240–$2,100 depending on length and type of trip
Fly fishing in Big Sky is legendary and the Gallatin River is home to some of the best trout fishing in Montana. Guided fly fishing trips are available through local outfitters, and fishing licenses can be purchased online or from an FWP provider.
In Montana, you will need both a conservation license and a fishing license.
Whitewater Rafting on the Gallatin River
Whitewater rafting on the Gallatin River // Watts CC License 2.0
Location: Gallatin Canyon
Time Needed: 3-4 hours
Cost: $109–$400 depending on trip type
For thrill-seekers, whitewater rafting the Gallatin River is a must. Guided trips with varying difficulty levels are available, including calmer family-friendly floats and Class III-IV rapids for adrenaline junkies. Tours depart daily from Big Sky.
Ziplining at Big Sky Resort
Location: Big Sky Resort
Time Needed: 1-3 hours
Cost: $70–$90, depending on course
Fly above the trees on Big Sky Resort's zipline courses for a thrill and incredible mountain views. The resort has multiple lines, including a high-speed option and a family-friendly adventure course.
Advance reservations are recommended and available May–September.
Mountain Biking at Big Sky Resort
Location: Big Sky Resort
Time Needed: Half-day to full-day
Big Sky Resort transforms into a mountain biking haven in the summer, with lift-access trails ranging from beginner-friendly scenic rides to expert downhill courses. Bike rentals and lift tickets are available on-site.
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Stroll Ousel Falls Trail
Ousel Falls
Location: 2 miles south of Big Sky
Time Needed: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Take a short and scenic 1.6-mile round-trip hike to the beautiful Ousel Falls. This easy trail is great for families and features wooden bridges, shaded paths, and a beautiful waterfall.
Browse the Big Sky Farmers’ Market
Credit: Big Sky Town Center
Location: Big Sky Town Center
Time Needed: 1-2 hours
Hours: Wednesdays 5–8PM; June–September
Shop Big Sky Farmers' Market for local produce, handcrafted goods, and food trucks while enjoying live music. It’s a great spot to stock up on fresh supplies for your RV.
Attend Music in the Mountains
Location: Big Sky Town Center
Time Needed: 2-3 hours
Cost & Hours: Free; concerts begin at 7pm on Thursdays, June–September
Big Sky’s free outdoor summer concert series, Music in the Mountains, features live performances at Center Stage in Town Center Park. Bring a blanket or camp chair and enjoy a relaxing evening under the stars.
Go Horseback Riding
Location: Lone Mountain Ranch, 10 minutes from Big Sky
Time Needed: 2-3 hours
Cost: Varies by length of ride
Lone Mountain Ranch offers guided horseback rides through alpine meadows and rugged mountain terrain. It’s the perfect way to experience Big Sky’s backcountry in true Montana style.
Take a Scenic Drive to Yellowstone
Dietmar Rabich // Wikimedia Commons // CC BY-SA 4.0
Location: 45 miles south of Big Sky to West Yellowstone, Montana
Time Needed: Half-day to full-day
Big Sky is a fantastic base for a day trip to Yellowstone National Park’s west entrance. Drive along the scenic US-191 highway, stopping at Yellowstone’s famous geysers, waterfalls, and wildlife viewing spots.
Hike to Lava Lake
Location: Gallatin National Forest, near Big Sky
Time Needed: 3-5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Lava Lake is a gorgeous alpine spot reached by a 6-mile round-trip hike through a beautiful forested trail. It’s a fantastic option for those looking for a moderately challenging trek with rewarding views at the end.
Adventure Off-Road
Credit: Summit Motorsports All Terrain Rentals
Location: Gallatin National Forest & Big Sky area
Time Needed: 1 to 4 hours
Cost: Inquire with Summit ATR
From June–October, rent an ATV or join a guided off-roading tour to explore the rugged terrain surrounding Big Sky. Off-road trails wind through forests, mountain ridges, and valleys. It’s an exciting adventure for all skill levels.
Shop in Big Sky Town Center
Credit: Big Sky Town Center
Location: Big Sky Town Center
Time Needed: 1-2 hours
Hours: 8AM–6PM daily
Big Sky Town Center is the perfect place to shop for outdoor gear, Montana-made gifts, and unique souvenirs. Stores like Christy Sports and Big Sky Sports Rentals sell quality gear for hiking, fishing, and biking.
Dine at Horn & Cantle
Location: Lone Mountain Ranch, 10 minutes from Big Sky
Dinner Hours: 5–9PM daily
Horn & Cantle is one of the best dining experiences in Big Sky, featuring locally sourced Montana cuisine. Try their famous bison short rib or wild game Bolognese in their rustic, cozy ambiance. Reservations are recommended.
Grab a Casual Bite at Blue Moon Bakery
Location: Big Sky Town Center; 120 Big Pine Dr #1, Big Sky, MT 59716
Hours: 8AM–9PM
For a quick and delicious meal, Blue Moon Bakery serves some of the best pizza, sandwiches, and baked goods in town. It’s a great spot to grab a bite before heading out on a hike or day trip.
RV-Friendly Campgrounds Near Big Sky
When you’re ready to settle into your RV for the night, you’ll find several Forest Service campgrounds along Highway 191, and a few RV Parks in West Yellowstone.
For a full list of options, read our post about the best camping near Big Sky, Montana.
Travel to Big Sky in a Blacksford RV
Big Sky is the perfect summer destination for RV travelers seeking adventure, relaxation, and easy access to some of Montana’s most beautiful landscapes.
Whether you’re hiking, fishing, rafting, or enjoying the local culture, there’s no shortage of things to do on your Big Sky summer adventure!
Rent your RV in Bozeman from Blacksford and get ready for fun in Big Sky!