Ousel Falls
Big Sky’s Ousel Falls hike is one of the most popular and most accessible hikes in Big Sky. The trail is 1.6 miles out and back featuring majestic Ousel Falls. Very well maintained, the trail follows the Gallatin River. Self-guided interpretive signs provide interesting information along the way. The hike has an elevation gain of 252 feet and is paved in some areas so is accessible for all ages and skill levels. Picnic tables and benches are available along the way so pack a lunch and made a day of it! Your four legged friends are also welcome on the trail. Pets and people alike love to take a dip in the cool pool at the bottom of the falls in the summer. This trail is open year-round, and in the spring you’ll see that falls rage with the snow melt, and freeze up in the winter. Pretty cool!
To get to the trailhead take Ousel Falls Road from Big Sky Town Center to the Ousel Falls Trailhead parking lot which will be on your left hand side. To make the hike longer, you can park at Big Sky Town Center and take a trail from there all the way the Ousel Falls Trailhead. This path will increase the hike distance from 1.6 miles to 5.6 miles.
Beehive Basin Trail
The Beehive Basin trail is one of Big Sky’s best hikes, and possibly one of the best in all of Montana! In the late spring/early summer you’d be hard pressed to find a more breathtaking view of wildflowers along the mountainous landscape. This 7.1 miles, out and back hike has an elevation gain of 1,650. The hike leads you to a picturesque Beehive Basin, U-shaped glacial cirque with a crystal clear lake that overlooks Lone Peak. Stay on the lookout for bears and moose who frequent the lake area. Don’t forget your bear spray!
To get to the trailhead, turn at the light and heads towards Big Sky Resort and Lone Peak. Continue up past the turn to Big Sky Resort. Prior to the Moonlight Basin entrance, take a right on Beehive Basin Road. Continue to trail head and park in the designated area.
Uplands Trail
The Uplands trail is another one of Big Sky’s best hikes. This is a moderately difficult two mile round trip hike. Steadily climbing to an area of higher elevation, Uplands Trail offers expansive views of Big Sky. Trail users can also view the exposed Huckleberry Ridge Tuff, a volcanic rock formed by the 2.1-million-year-old Huckleberry Ridge eruption of Yellowstone’s caldera. This trail is enjoyed by mountain bikers and hikers. Part of its appeal is its close proximity to Big Sky Town Center, making it a great spot for a quick morning hike.
Getting to the Uplands Trailhead is a short drive or walk from Big Sky Town Center. Just take Aspen Leaf Drive to the designated parking lot.
