Big Sky - Yellowstone National Park Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Photo provided by Donnie Sexton
Ski or snowboard in winter, hike and fish in summer and enjoy spectacular scenery year-round in one of America’s finest mountain towns.

Visit Big Sky to enjoy skiing or adventure sports such as white water rafting and kayaking. Hike the mountain trails or fly-fish for trout in the famous Gallatin River.

Located on the northwestern border of Yellowstone National Park, Big Sky was a little-known ranch town until the early 1970s, when a television news reporter, Chet Huntley, noticed its potential to be developed as a ski resort. Now a popular year-round destination for lovers of the outdoors, Big Sky’s slopes remain relatively uncrowded compared to some of America’s more established destinations, making it a great place to come for a peaceful time alone in nature.

Winter is the most popular season to visit. Strap on your skis or snowboard and take on runs with names of Mad Wolf, Snake Pit, Wounded Knee and more. Explore over 250 ski trails covering 110 miles (177 kilometers). By summer the snow melts away to reveal a number of excellent hiking trails. Watch for bears, elk and birds as you explore the trails. Try catching trout in the Gallatin River, enjoy a round or two of golf in the fresh mountain air or drive an hour south to Yellowstone National Park.

Big Sky actually incorporates two towns: Mountain Village and Meadow Village, several thousand vertical feet below. The two hubs are a 10-minute drive apart with regular, free shuttle service between them.

Shop for local produce at the farmers market or watch summer rodeo tournaments. August welcomes the classical music festival when a number of venues in both villages host events. The Warren Miller Performing Arts Center, named for the international ski film director, hosts national and international acts year-round.

The best way to get to Big Sky is to fly to Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport and drive along the canyon road for about 45 minutes. Once you get to Big Sky, hit the ski slopes, hiking trails or rivers or simply relax in a fireside chair in a cozy bar.

Where to stay in Big Sky - Yellowstone National Park

Big Sky Resort featuring a hotel and interior views

Big Sky Mountain Village

If you're spending some time in Big Sky Mountain Village, Big Sky Resort and Explorer Ski Lift are top sights worth seeing.

Big Sky Mountain Village
Default Image

Spanish Peaks

While visiting Spanish Peaks, you might make a stop by sights like Cabin Ski Lift and Southern Comfort Express Ski Lift.

Spanish Peaks
Default Image

Powder Ridge

When in Powder Ridge, you can plan a visit to Big Sky Resort and White Otter Ski Lift, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Powder Ridge
Default Image

Lazy Acres

You might consider checking out Two Top Mountain while you're exploring Lazy Acres and the larger West Yellowstone area.

Lazy Acres
Default Image

Horse Butte

Plan a visit to nearby attractions like Hebgen Lake while you're exploring Horse Butte and the larger area.

Horse Butte
Default Image

Skywood Preserve

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Skywood Preserve and surrounding area, you can visit Big Sky Chapel and Big Sky Community Park.

Skywood Preserve
Whitewater Inn
Whitewater Inn
2 out of 5
47214 Gallatin Road, A quarter mile south of MT 64, Gallatin Gateway, MT
The price is NZ$295 per night from 23 Jun to 24 Jun
NZ$295
per night
23 Jun - 24 Jun
Book a stay at this ski hotel in Gallatin Gateway. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8/10 Very Good! (728 reviews)
"The room was so comfortable and accommodating with everything we needed to recover from our wonderful trip to Yellowstone. Thank you!"

Reviewed on 24 May 2024

Whitewater Inn
320 Guest Ranch
320 Guest Ranch
3 out of 5
205 Buffalo Horn Creek Rd, Gallatin Gateway, Gallatin Gateway, MT
The price is NZ$519 per night from 5 Jun to 6 Jun
NZ$519
per night
5 Jun - 6 Jun
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly ranch in Gallatin Gateway. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (798 reviews)
"It was such a great experience! Very friendly staff!"

Reviewed on 27 May 2024

320 Guest Ranch
The Lodge at Big Sky
The Lodge at Big Sky
3.5 out of 5
75 Sitting Bull Rd, Big Sky, MT
The price is NZ$348 per night from 25 Jun to 26 Jun
NZ$348
per night
25 Jun - 26 Jun
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Big Sky. Enjoy 4 spa tubs, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (998 reviews)
"They were cery helpfull its a bit hard to fond but a very nice place"

Reviewed on 26 May 2024

The Lodge at Big Sky
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Bunkhouse 1 at Gallatin Canyon Cabins
Bunkhouse 1 at Gallatin Canyon Cabins
Gallatin Gateway
Stay at this cabin in Gallatin Gateway. Enjoy a garden, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attraction Little Bear School House Museum is located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (14 reviews)
Gallatin Canyon - Perfect!
"Quality cabins in a great location. Exceeded expectations. Thanks!"

Reviewed on 16 May 2024

Bunkhouse 1 at Gallatin Canyon Cabins
Grey Wolf Cabin #6 at Gallatin Canyon Cabins
Grey Wolf Cabin #6 at Gallatin Canyon Cabins
Gallatin Gateway
Stay at this cabin in Gallatin Gateway. Enjoy a garden, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attraction Little Bear School House Museum is located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (12 reviews)
Clean and minimal
"The cabin was cute and clean. Very minimal with amenities, no extra blankets or anything but that was my only mild concern. would still recommend this property!"

Reviewed on 28 May 2024

Grey Wolf Cabin #6 at Gallatin Canyon Cabins
Golf Course Front Condo with Shared Hot Tub, WiFi, and Private Washer/Dryer
Golf Course Front Condo with Shared Hot Tub, WiFi, and Private Washer/Dryer
Big Sky
Book a stay at this golf condo in Big Sky. Enjoy tennis courts, balconies, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Big Sky Resort and Big Sky Golf Course ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (11 reviews)
Cozy, great location and wonderful views
"Stayed here 5 nights. It’s definitely on the rustic side but it’s got everything you need and is very comfortable. Can’t beat the views off the living room. Could use some updates but it’s great for a ski vacation."

Reviewed on 26 Feb. 2024

Golf Course Front Condo with Shared Hot Tub, WiFi, and Private Washer/Dryer
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Cities near Big Sky - Yellowstone National Park