20 minute read
Planning Your Trip
Big Sky, Montana is a vibrant mountain town and outdoor wonderland, where exciting year-round activities await. We invite you to visit and enjoy the local culture: friendly, down-toearth folks who are always up for an adventure.
This Official Visitor Guide is designed to help you plan your trip to Big Sky, and make the most out of every day here.
What time of year are you visiting?
For summer activities, turn to page 12. For winter fun, start with
page 22.
10
HOW TO GET HERE How will you be traveling?
Learn more about getting to and around Big Sky.
WHAT TO DO Ziplining, skiing, or a day at the spa?
Plan your trip with local adventures.
38
52
WHERE TO STAY Down home accommodations, luxury lodging or a family dude ranch?
Choose the perfect place to overnight.
WHERE TO EAT Local Dining
Explore spots to fuel up & get your foodie fix.
70
HAPPENINGS Year-Round
Check out the best of Big Sky happening each month.
Make the mostof every day
THE MEADOW
Big Sky, Montana
Big Sky is nestled in beautiful Southwest Montana, equidistant between the charming college town of Bozeman, and the West Entrance of Yellowstone National Park, on Hwy 191 covering about 90 miles.
Far from ordinary, closer than you’d think. There are multiple flights from US cities to Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN), Montana’s busiest airport. Most rental car companies are stationed in the main terminal, along with locally owned agencies that will meet you at the pick-up area. There are also several shuttle options to Big Sky, including coach bus transportation, and private or shared rides. (For regional view, see pages 36-37.)
BY PLANE
BOZEMAN YELLOWSTONE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (BZN)
30 NON-STOP DESTINATIONS | bozemanairport.com
SEATTLE /TACOMA PORTLAND BZN
OAKLAND SAN FRANCISCO
BURBANK LOS ANGELES SAN DIEGO SALT LAKE CITY
LAS VEGAS DENVER
PHOENIX/MESA MINNEAPOLIS /ST. PAUL DETROIT BOSTON
CHICAGO NY/LGA PHILADELPHIA NY/JFK NEWARK WASHINTON D.C.
NASHVILLE CHARLOTTE
DALLAS/FORT WORTH AUSTIN HOUSTON ATLANTA
BOZEMAN AIRPORT TO BIG SKY
FORT LAUDERDALE
From the airport to Big Sky is a short 45-minute drive. Rent a car or schedule a shuttle up the scenic Gallatin Canyon and into the mountains.
BY CAR
Transportation and Shuttles
RENT A CAR SCHEDULE A SHUTTLE
BIG SKY SHUTTLE, INC.
1-866-661-6836 bigskyshuttle.net
CLASSIC LIMO
406-585-5466 bozemanlimo.com
KARST STAGE
406-556-3540 karststage.com
LONE PEAK CONCIERGE
406-551-0340 lonepeakconcierge.com
MOUNTAIN AND CANYON
CAB CO. 406-551-3553 mountainandcanyoncab.com
RENTAL CAR
bozemanairport.com/ ground-transportation BSS Luxury Travel Service specializes in private luxury travel for airport service to Big Sky, Bozeman, and West Yellowstone.
Montana’s elite transportation company provides chauffeured transportation service for the greater Bozeman, Big Sky, and Yellowstone area of Montana. Montana’s premier transportation company, with the only shuttle desk in the Bozeman airport, offers a full service of everything from low cost shared shuttles to private door to door SUV rides. In addition, daily winter daytrip shuttles to West Yellowstone. Lone Peak Concierge is here to help you plan and schedule every detail of your upcoming visit to Big Sky. Our private car service also provides a safe, sanitized and fun transportation experience anywhere you’d like to go. Call or text 406.551.0340, we are dedicated to helping you get here! Mountain and Canyon Cab Co. is Big Sky’s premiere on-call ride service, shuttling throughout Big Sky as well as to and from the Bozeman Airport and West Yellowstone.
Renting a car from the Bozeman Airport offers flexibility of travel throughout and around the Big Sky area. Choose from these convenient on-site rental companies: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National and Thrifty. Big Sky’s only taxi service that offers safe & reliable personalized door-to-door service in and around the Big Sky area, to and from the Gallatin Field Airport, Bozeman and West Yellowstone.
Getting Orientated
The Big Sky destination is comprised of the Canyon, the Meadow and the Mountain. Whether arriving from the north or south you will wind through high alpine meadows into the rocky Gallatin Canyon on U.S. Hwy 191 alongside the pristine Gallatin River. Turn up MT Hwy 64/Lone Mountain Trail to the Meadow and Big Sky Town Center. Six miles further and you reach the Mountain, home to The Biggest Skiing in America®.
THE INN ON THE GALLATIN
LEE METCALF WILDERNESS STORMCASTLE PEAK MONTANA WHITEWATER
LAVA LAKE
GALLATIN NATIONAL FOREST
BIG SKY
CAFE 191 STAY MONTANA
SOLDIERS
CHAPEL GRIZZLY OUTFITTERS ON THE RIVER
GEYSER WHITEWATER BUCK’S T-4 BEEHIVE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT WILD TROUT OUTFITTERS
GALLATIN RIVER GUIDES
WHITEWATER INN CANYON ADVENTURES
JAKE’S HORSES
THE RIVERHOUSE BBQ & EVENTS
GALLATIN RIVER/STORMCASTLE PEAK DRIVING THE CANYON?
Have you spotted anyone fly fishing, whitewater rafting or rock climbing? Stay on the lookout through this section, made famous by scenes from the wellknown fly fishing movie, A River Runs Through It!
CORRAL BAR, STEAKHOUSE & MOTEL RAINBOW RANCH LODGE
CINNAMON LODGE
320 GUEST RANCH
COVERED WAGON RANCH
WEST FORK GALLATIN RIVER HORN AND CANTLE THE MOUNTAINLONE MOUNTAIN RANCH RD.LONE MOUNTAIN RANCH ACRE GRIZZLY OUTFITTERS ANDESITE RD. FAHERTY NISEKO RAMEN THE ROCKS TASTING ROOM
GALLATIN ALPINE SPORTS
CHOPPERS
CALIBER COFFEE BLUE MOON BAKERY
OLIVE B’S BISTRO LONE PEAK BREWERY MICHAELANGELO’S
BIG SKY COMMUNITY PARK
BIGHORN RIDGE DISC GOLF COURSE MI PUEBLITO TACO BUS
PINKY G’S THE STANDARD LOTUS PAD THE BUNKER DECK AND GRILL CRAIL RANCH
BIG SKY
CHAPEL
BLACK TIE SKI
RENTALS BIG SKY VACATION RENTALS ACE HARDWARE
LONE MOUNTAIN TRAIL THE COUNTRY MARKET
KIRCHER PARK
FAHERTY
BIG SKY GOLF COURSE
64
SKI BUTLERS BY WORD OF MOUTH MILKIES PIZZA THE WRAP SHACK THE BROKEN SPOKE BAR & GRILL TO YELLOWSTONE CLUB AND SPANISH PEAKS SIT & SPIN LAUNDRY LOUNGE HUNGRY MOOSE
LEN HILL PARK BIG SKY NATURAL HEALTH
SOUTH FORK WEST FORK GALLATIN RIVER OUSEL FALLS RD ASPEN LEAF DR. MAN OF THE WOODS BARBERSHOP THE WILSON COPPER BLUE BUDDHA SUSHI LOUNGE ROXY’S MARKET BEEHIVE BASIN BREWERY
OUSEL & SPUR PIZZA LONE PEAK CINEMA VISITOR INFORMATION CENTER NATURAL RETREATS ALBERTO’S MEXICAN CUISINE CHINA CAFE SKYWOOD RD.BLACK DIAMOND BIG SKY EYES STEELE PRESSED JUICES TIPS UP
BIG SKY EVENTS ARENA MUSIC IN THE MOUNTAINS
LEGEND
LODGING DINING ARTS+CULTURE ACTIVITIES SHOPPING HEALTH+WELLNESS SKI LIFT
MAPS NOT TO SCALE
THE MOUNTAIN
RISING BULL RD. WHITE OTTER MOOSE RIDGE RD. TO MOONLIGHT BASIN TO SPIRIT OF THE NORTH DOGSLEDDING TO HEADWATERS GRILL TO SADDLE RIDGE RENTALS
BIG SKY SPORTS RENTALS BIG SKY SPORTS DEMO CENTER BIG SKY SPORTS MADISON RENTAL & REPAIR THE BOARD ROOM BURTON STORE LONE MOUNTAIN SPORTS BIG SKY SPORTS
EXPLORER RISING BULL MOUNTAIN LODGE DR.SITTING BULL BIG SKY RESORT DAY PARKING LAKE LEVINSKY
SHOSHONE HOTEL HUNTLEY LODGE THE LODGE AT BIG SKY
ANDIAMO ITALIAN GRILLE
BIG SKY RESORT RD.TURKEY LEG VILLAGE CENTER MOCHA IN THE HUNTLEY CHET’S BAR & GRILL HUNTLEY DINING ROOM 64
TO BIG SKY RESORT
LONE MOUNTAIN TRAIL MIDDLE GEYSER WHITEWATER BOAT RENTALS FO LOW DOG RK WEST FORK GALLATIN RIVER
YETI DOGS, PIZZA WORKS
MONTANA DINNER YURT
BIG SKY RESORT
SWIFTCURRENT TO LONE PEAK TRAM TO SHEDHORN GRILL VISTA HALL THE EXCHANGE
SUMMIT HOTEL HUNGRY MOOSE SCISSORBILLS CABIN BAR & GRILL WESTWARD SOCIAL CARABINER LOUNGE MONTANA JACK PEAKS RESTAURANT
Big Sky State of Mind
Becoming Townsend BigSky YELLOWSTONE COUNTRY MONTANA Boulder Radersburg Toston Sixteenmile Creek C R A Z Y Enlarged Area BeaverheadDeerlodge National Forest Lee Metcalf Wilderness Custer Gallatin National Forest Crow Indian Reservation Custer Gallatin National Forest Custer Gallatin National Forest Custer Gallatin National Forest Lee Metcalf Wilderness Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness Targhee National Forest Jackson Lake WYOMING IDAHO Big Springs Canyon Village Mammoth Hot Springs Clark Elk Basin Frannie Deaver Cowley Lovell ByronGarland Gardiner Big Timber Columbus Red Lodge Tower-Roosevelt Madison Corwin Springs Jardine PrayEmigrant Pine Creek Miner West Thumb Lake Village Fishing Bridge Grant Village Old Faithful YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK JOHN D. ROCKEFELLER, JR. MEMORIAL PARKWAY Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area Lakeview Cameron Big Sky Resort Three Forks Ennis Jeffers Nevada City Willow Creek Trident TostonRadersburg Townsend Maudlow Wilsall Sedan Clyde Park t Grannis Springdale McLeod Greycliff Reed Point Melville Rapelje Nye Beehive R Fishtail Roberts Fromberg Edgar Silesia Pryor Fort Smith Rockvale Joliet Boyd Laurel Alpine Roscoe Absarokee Park City Ballantine Huntley Broadview Pompeys Pillar Worden BelfryBearcreek Bridger Warren Logan Manhattan Gallatin Gateway Churchill Amsterdam Sheridan Virginia City Macks Inn McAllister Norris Lower Red Rock L. Mt Jefferson 10203’ Island Park Reservoir Shoshone Lake Lewis Lake Lilypad Lake Heart Lake Swan Lake Elk Lake Cataract Res Willow Creek Reservoir Cottonwood Reservoir Ennis Lake Madison River Missouri River Hidden Lake West Yellowstone Big Sky Bozeman G Livingston 2 Belgrade Hebgen Lake Dailey Lake E. Rosebud Lake Bighorn Lake Fossil Lake Mystic Lake Hyalite Reservoir E Quake Lake Cliff Lake Wade LakeW C R E S T R A N G E BACCO ROOT MTNS GRAVELL Y R A N G E Lower Geyser Basin Norris Geyser Basin Roaring Mountain Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces Chico Hot Springs Bozeman Hot Springs Greycliff Prairie Dog Town Hailstone National Wildlife Refuge Halfbreed National Wildlife Refuge Obsidian Cliff Madison Canyon Earthquake Area Petrified Forest Devil’s Slide Lewis & Clark Caverns Madison Buffalo Jump Cooney Reservoir Missouri Headwaters Petrified Tree Roosevelt Arch Tower Fall Beartooth All-American Road GRAND CANYON OF THE YELLOWSTONE YELLOWSTONE FALLS SULPHUR CALDRON Upper Geyser Basin Fountain Paint Pot Gibbon Falls Artist Paintpots Mud Volcano WEST ENTRANCE NORTHEAST ENTRANCE NORTH ENTRANCE EAST ENTRANCE Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) Bridger Bowl Red Lodge Mountain n Billings Logan International Airport (BIL) Madison Dam Blaze Mtn 10384’ Hollowtop Mtn 10604’ Monument Mtn 10056’ i Ramshorn Pk 10289’ Henry’s Lake Yellowstone Lake Granite Pk. 12799’ Highest Point in Montana Mt Wood 12320’ Beartooth Pass 10947’ Closed in winter Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range Big Pryor Mtn 8786’ IDAHO IDAHO WYOMING MADIS O N R A N G E Island Park Ashton MONTANA Warm River Mt Douglas 11298’ Mt Cowen 11206’ Paradise Valley Scenic Drive Gallatin Canyon Scenic Drive Crazy Pk 11209’ Wilsall Pk 10581’ LAMAR VALLEY ABSARO K A A G E PRYOR MOUNTAINS GALLATIN R A N E G A L L A T I N R A N G E BRIDGE R R A N G E C R A Z Y M O U N T A I N S BEARTOOTH RANGE Upper Mesa Falls MONTANA MONTANA IDAHO Lake Adam Glasston Lake G PARADISE VALLEY Billings WYOMING Colter Bay WYOMING YELLOWSTONE COUNTRY MONTANA Bighorn River Pry or Cree k C la r ks For k Roc k Cree k Stillwater River B o u d e r R i ver Yellowstone River Yellowstone River Sloug h Cree k Sh ie lds River Sixteenmile Creek G al l a n Ri v r River M ad i son Ri ver Henry ’s For k d Rock River Lamar River Yellowtail Dam Sweet Grass Creek Silver Gate 249 509 287 84 87 2 287 287 212 310 310 14A 212 191 287 191 191 191 287 287 345 295 288 287 Shepherd 20 89 296 120 294 295 72 78 78 3 419 416 522 418 313 419 420 306 302 401 478 532532 87 89 to Cody, WY to Casper, WY and Rapid City, SD to Miles City, MT to Cody, WY SOUTH ENTRANCE HAYDEN VALLEY Norris Absarokee Loop Scenic Drive Beartooth Highway Scenic Drive Yellowstone National Park Scenic Drive Norris Hot Springs 295 540 Yellowstone Airport (WYS) Cooke City Enlarged Area BeaverheadDeerlodge National Forest Lee Metcalf Wilderness Custer Gallatin National Forest Lee Metcalf Wilderness Targhee National Forest Jackson Lake IDAHO Big Springs Canyon Village Mammoth Hot Springs Gardiner Tower-Roosevelt Madison Corwin Springs Jardine PrayEmigrant Pine Creek Miner West Thumb Lake Village Grant Village Old Faithful YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK JOHN D. ROCKEFELLER, JR. MEMORIAL PARKWAY Lakeview Cameron Big Sky Resort Three Forks Ennis Jeffers Nevada City Whitehall Willow Creek Trident Maudlow Wilsall Sedan Clyde Park Grannis Logan Manhattan Gallatin Gateway Churchill Amsterdam Sheridan Twin Bridges Silver Star La Hood Cardwell Jefferson Island Waterloo Virginia City Macks Inn Alder McAllister Norris Pony Harrison Laurin Monida Lower Red Rock L. Mt Jefferson 10203’ Island Park Reservoir Shoshone Lake Lewis Lake Lilypad Lake Heart Lake Lima Reservoir Swan Lake Elk Lake Ruby River Reservoir Cataract Res Willow Creek Reservoir Cottonwood Reservoir Ennis Lake Madison River Missouri River Hidden Lake West Yellowstone Big Sky Bozeman Livingston Belgrade Hebgen Lake Dailey Lake Hyalite Reservoir Quake Lake Cliff Lake Wade Lake SNOW C R E S T R A N G T A BACCO ROOT MTNS GRAVELL Y A N E Hogback Mtn 10572’ Lower Geyser Basin Norris Geyser Basin Roaring Mountain Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces Chico Hot Springs Bozeman Hot Springs Obsidian Cliff Madison Canyon Earthquake Area Petrified Forest Devil’s Slide Lewis & Clark Caverns Madison Buffalo Jump Missouri Headwaters Petrified Tree Roosevelt Arch YELLOWSTONE FALLS Upper Geyser Basin Fountain Paint Pot Gibbon Falls Artist Paintpots Mud Volcano WEST ENTRANCE NORTH ENTRANCE Ruby Dam Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) Bridger Bowl Madison Dam Blaze Mtn 10384’ Hollowtop Mtn 10604’ Monument Mtn 10056’ Ramshorn Pk 10289’ Henry’s Lake Yellowstone IDAHO IDAHO WYOMING MADIS O N R A N G E Island Park Ashton MONTANA Warm River Mt Cowen 11206’ Paradise Valley Scenic Drive Gallatin Canyon Scenic Drive GALLATIN R N G G A L L A T I N R A N G E T E T O N R A N G E BRIDGE R R A N G E M O U N T A I N S Upper Mesa Falls MONTANA IDAHO A PARADISE VALLEY to Butte, MT Jackson Colter Bay Visitor Center Jackson Lake Junction Jenny Lake Visitor Center Sh ie lds River G al ati n Ri ver Ruby River M ad i so Ri ver Henry ’s For k Snake River Red Rock River Je fferson River Bou l d r R i ver 357 249 509 287 84 87 41 41 69 255 287 287 287 287 191 191 191 287 399 287 345 288 359 283 287 20 89 89 SOUTH ENTRANCE HAYDEN VALLEY Norris Norris Hot Springs 295 540 Yellowstone Airport (WYS) Enlarged Area BeaverheadDeerlodge National Forest Lee Metcalf Wilderness Custer Gallatin National Forest Crow Indian Reservation Custer Gallatin National Forest Custer Gallatin National Forest Custer Gallatin National Forest Lee Metcalf Wilderness Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness Targhee National Forest Jackson Lake WYOMING IDAHO Big Springs Canyon Village Mammoth Hot Springs Clark Elk Basin Frannie Deaver Cowley Lovell ByronGarland Gardiner Big Timber G Columbus Red Lodge Tower-Roosevelt Madison Corwin Springs Jardine PrayEmigrant Pine Creek Miner West Thumb Lake Village Fishing Bridge Grant Village Old Faithful YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK JOHN D. ROCKEFELLER, JR. MEMORIAL PARKWAY Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area Lakeview Cameron Big Sky Resort Three Forks Ennis Jeffers Nevada City Whitehall Willow Creek Trident TostonRadersburg Townsend Boulder Maudlow Wilsall Sedan Clyde Park Grannis Springdale McLeod Greycliff Reed Point Melville Rapelje Nye Beehive Fishtail Roberts Fromberg Edgar Silesia Pryor Rockvale Joliet Boyd Laurel Alpine Roscoe Absarokee Park City Ballantine Huntley Broadview Pompeys Pillar Worden BelfryBearcreek Bridger Warren Logan Manhattan Gallatin Gateway Churchill Amsterdam Sheridan Twin Bridges Silver Star La Hoode Cardwell Jefferson Island Waterloo Virginia City Macks Inn Alder McAllister Norris Pony t Harrison Laurin Monida Lower Red Rock L. Mt Jefferson 10203’ Island Park Reservoir Shoshone Lake Lewis Lake Lilypad Lake Heart Lake Lima Reservoir Swan Lake Elk Lake Ruby River Reservoir Cataract Res Willow Creek Reservoir Cottonwood Reservoir Ennis Lake Madison River Missouri River Hidden Lake West Yellowstone Big Sky Bozeman Livingston Belgrade Hebgen Lake Dailey Lake E. Rosebud Lake Bighorn Lake Fossil Lake Mystic Lake Hyalite Reservoir Quake Lake Cliff Lake Wade Lake SNOW C R S T R A N G E T A BACCO ROOT MTNS GRAVELL Y R A N G E Hogback Mtn 10572’ Lower Geyser Basin Norris Geyser Basin Roaring Mountain Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces Chico Hot Springs Bozeman Hot Springs Greycliff Prairie Dog Town Hailstone National Wildlife Refuge Halfbreed National Wildlife Refuge Obsidian Cliff Madison Canyon Earthquake Area Petrified Forest Devil’s Slide Lewis & Clark Caverns Madison Buffalo Jump Cooney Reservoir Missouri Headwaters Petrified Tree Roosevelt Arch Tower Fall Beartooth All-American Road GRAND CANYON OF THE YELLOWSTONE YELLOWSTONE FALLS SULPHUR CALDRON Upper Geyser Basin Fountain Paint Pot Gibbon Falls Artist Paintpots Mud Volcano WEST ENTRANCE NORTHEAST ENTRANCE NORTH ENTRANCE EAST ENTRANCE Ruby Dam Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN) Bridger Bowl Red Lodge Mountain Billings Logan International Airport (BIL) Madison Dam Blaze Mtn 10384’ Hollowtop Mtn 10604’ Monument Mtn 10056’ Ramshorn Pk 10289’ Henry’s Lake Yellowstone Lake Granite Pk. 12799’ Highest Point in Montana Mt Wood 12320’ Beartooth Pass 10947’ Closed in winter Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range Big Pryor Mtn 8786’ IDAHO IDAHO WYOMING MADIS O N R A N G E Island Park Ashton MONTANA Warm River Mt Douglas 11298’ Mt Cowen 11206’ Paradise Valley Scenic Drive Gallatin Canyon Scenic Drive Crazy Pk 11209’ Wilsall Pk 10581’ LAMAR VALLEY ABSARO A R A N G E PRYOR MOUNTAINS RGALLATIN R A N G E G A L L A T I N R A N G E BRIDGE R R A N G E C R A Z Y M O U N T A I N S BEARTOOTH RANGE Upper Mesa Falls MONTANA MONTANA IDAHO Lake Adam Glasston Lake l PARADISE VALLEY Billings to Butte, MT WYOMING Colter Bay Visitor Center WYOMING YELLOWSTONE COUNTRY MONTANA Pry or Cree k C la r ks For k Roc k Cree k RStillwater River B o u l d e r i ver Yellowstone Yellowstone River Sloug h Cree k Sh ie lds River Sixteenmile Creek al l a i n Ri ver Ruby River M ad i son R ver Henry ’s For k Red Rock River Je fferson River Lamar River Yellowtail Dam Sweet Grass Creek Silver Gate Bou l d e r R i ver 357 249 509 287 84 87 41 41 69 55 287 287 287 212 310 310 212 191 287 191 191 191 287 399 287 345 295 288 359 283 287 Shepherd 20 89 296 120 294 295 72 78 78 3 419 416 522 418 419 420 306 302 401 478 532532 87 89 to Cody, WY to Casper, WY and Rapid City, SD to Miles City, MT to Cody, WY SOUTH ENTRANCE HAYDEN VALLEY Norris Absarokee Loop Scenic Drive Beartooth Highway Scenic Drive Yellowstone National Park Scenic Drive Norris Hot Springs 295 540 Yellowstone Airport (WYS) Cooke City 1.800.736.5276 VISITYELLOWSTONECOUNTRY.COM e i But a Big Sky mindset goes beyond the epic Rocky Mountain landscapes. It’s about possibility, and welcoming adventure, about feeling connected to people, and inspired by a sense of place— something bigger than ourselves. l Once you arrive, and see the sweeping expanses of open sky above rolling plains, green forests, and rugged mountain peaks, you’ll feel it too. Why Do We Call This Place Big Sky Country? K Big Sky is only an hour’s scenic drive from Yellowstone National Park’s West Entrance. Yellowstone is the beating heart of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, a selfsustaining, wilderness environment stretching from north of Big Sky, east to Red Lodge, Montana, south to Jackson, Wyoming, and beyond. It’s known as the best intact ecosystem in the lower 48—perhaps even the world. The Greater Yellowstone’s geologic wonders, abundant wildlife, eleven mountain ranges, countless lakes, and beautiful vegetation cover 2.2 million acres! E A Big Sky state of mind needs to be experienced to be understood. It’ll be unique for you, as it is for all of us. E Adventure awaits you in Big Sky, a little mountain town with endless possibilities. N Big Sky is a Gateway Community to Yellowstone National Park 8
Pre 1600s
1800s
YELLOWSTONE
1900s
2000s
Ancient peoples used the Gallatin area for big game hunting and camps.
Shoshone tribes (who called themselves Tukudika, or “eaters of meat”), as well as Bannock, Nez Perce, Crow, and others spend their summers in and around Big Sky, using the Cut-tuh-o’gwa (or Swiftwater), our Gallatin River, as a source of fish and plants for food, and the Gallatin Crest Trail as a “highway” for trading and travel.
1803: Most of Montana is purchased from France in the Louisiana Purchase
1805-1806: Meriwether Lewis and William Clark explore and map the northwestern United States, guided by Sacagawea, a young woman of the Shoshone tribe Mid-1880s: Mountain men trap fur-bearing animals along the valley and prospectors search the canyon for minerals 1872: Congress creates Yellowstone National Park, the world’s first national park 1880s: Ranchers begin moving herds of sheep, cattle, and horses to the area, seeking meadows for grazing 1889: Montana is admitted to the Union, becoming the 41st State 1890s: Homesteaders and ranchers begin building cabins and staking out homesteads in what is now Big Sky
Early 20th century: Dude ranches begin to welcome visitors to experience a taste of Montana life 1960s: National TV newscaster Chet Huntley purchases ranchland from the Crail family to begin developing what will become Big Sky Resort 1973: Big Sky Resort opens on Lone Peak, with a gondola and three chairlifts
2003: Moonlight Basin ski area opens on the north slopes of Lone Peak 2013: Big Sky Resort adds the former Moonlight Basin ski operation to create the Biggest Skiing in America® with more than 5,800 acres of skiable terrain and 4,350 feet of vertical drop 2016–2019: Big Sky Resort replaced four major aerial ski lifts with modern faster replacements: Shedhorn 4, Powder Seeker 6, Challenger, and Ramcharger 8
Plan Your Best Day Ever
With so much to do in Big Sky, we’ve created a few one-day itineraries for you to explore. Experience one of these classic Big Sky days sunriseto-sunset, or mix & match depending on your mood and interests.
OUTDOOR WANDERLUST
MORNING
Stop at the
Hungry Moose
Market for breakfast, and grab lunch supplies for later
LUNCH
Head north up the canyon to the Storm Castle Trailhead for a hike with amazing views you’ll have to earn with a steep climb
AFTERNOON
Cool off on your way back by taking a dip in the river, at the Deer Creek Bridge (AKA the Green Bridge)
YELLOWSTONEDAY TRIP
MORNING
Grab a delicious breakfast and some treats for the road at ACRE Kitchen, then head towards West Yellowstone and into the park
LUNCH
At historic Old Faithful, take a few hours to meander the Upper Geyser Basin and Morning Glory Pool
AFTERNOON
Head south to take in the majestic Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
EVENING
Enjoy local brews and pub fare at
Copper
EVENING
Head back towards Big Sky and call ahead for some comfort food from
Buck’s T4
FAMILY FUN
MORNING LUNCH AFTERNOON EVENING
Get wild in whitewater with a guided rafting adventure on the Gallatin River Refuel at
Mi Pueblito Taco
Bus on the way to your next activity Keep the adventure going with ziplining at
Big Sky Resort
Relive the day’s fun over pizza pies at
Pinky G’s
So much to explore...
FLY FISHING & CRAFT BREWS
MORNING
Hit the river while the trout are rising with a halfday of guided fly fishing
LUNCH
Step into Lone Peak Brewery for a tasty burger and a beer
AFTERNOON
Relax with the craft brews and open-air seating at Beehive
Brewery
EVENING
Take in some live music at one of our many fun venues like
The Riverhouse BBQ & Events
SKI HAPPY
MORNING
Nothing starts a day of skiing like coffee and baked treats from the
Mocha in the Huntley
LUNCH
After ripping up the slopes all morning, grab afternoon lunch and après on the deck of
Everett’s 8800
AFTERNOON
Take the Tram to the summit for the best views around
EVENING
Still skiing? No need to take your boots off— walk right into
Westward Social
for a satisfying, laid back meal
HONEYMOONING
MORNING
Start your day on top of the world, with a tram ride to the top of Lone Peak
LUNCH
Meander through the cool forest on an afternoon walk to Ousel Falls with a picnic lunch from Roxy’s
Market
AFTERNOON
Enjoy the good energy of a couple’s massage from Solace Spa
and Salon
EVENING
Make reservations at Horn and Cantle for an intimate, delicious dinner experience
RAINY DAY WITH THE KIDDOS
MORNING
Enjoy a tasty breakfast at Cafe 191, then travel up the canyon towards Bozeman
LUNCH
After exploring the dinosaurs and wonders of the
Museum of the
Rockies, head downtown for a bite and some shopping
AFTERNOON
Soak, swim, and play at the 12 hot and cold pools of Bozeman Hot
Springs
in Big Sky, Montana
EVENING
Back in Big Sky, finish the day with hearty fare at Alberto’s
