From scenic gondola rides and family hikes to Yellowstone National Park day trips, here’s why Big Sky belongs on your summer travel bucket list.
Everyone knows Big Sky as one of North America’s premier ski destinations. I certainly did.
After nearly a dozen winter visits, I thought I knew this Montana mountain town inside and out. Then I visited in June and realized I’d been missing half the story.
The ski runs had transformed into wildflower-covered hiking trails. Chairlifts carried mountain bikers instead of skiers. Families lingered over outdoor concerts, children searched for gemstones in a mining sluice, and patios filled with travelers soaking in Montana’s endless blue skies.
It turns out I wasn’t the only one discovering Big Sky without the snow. According to the University of Montana’s Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research, nearly half of Montana’s annual visitors arrive between July and September, making summer the state’s busiest tourism season.
After spending a week exploring Big Sky, I completely understand why.
Whether you’re planning an active family vacation, a romantic mountain getaway, or looking for the perfect home base for Yellowstone National Park, here’s why Big Sky deserves a spot on your summer travel list.
Why Visit Big Sky in Summer?
The biggest surprise about Big Sky isn’t the scenery—although it’s spectacular.
It’s the variety.
One morning you can hike to an alpine lake. That afternoon you’re floating through whitewater rapids. The next day you’re watching Old Faithful erupt before returning to Big Sky for dinner beneath Lone Peak.
Unlike many mountain towns that feel sleepy after ski season ends, Big Sky comes alive in the summer. Weekly farmers markets, free concerts, mountain biking, horseback riding, fly fishing, hiking, rafting, and scenic lift rides create the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.
It’s also remarkably easy to navigate. Big Sky sits roughly 45 miles south of Bozeman and 45 miles north of Yellowstone National Park’s West Entrance, making it an ideal basecamp for exploring southwest Montana.
Where to Stay in Big Sky
Choosing where to stay depends on how you want to experience Big Sky.
If your focus is mountain adventures, stay in Mountain Village.
The Summit Hotel (check out our full review) places you steps from the lifts, hiking trails, mountain biking, restaurants and scenic gondola rides. Waking up surrounded by mountains—and not having to drive anywhere—is one of the luxuries of staying here.
Families looking for a more walkable experience should consider The Wilson Hotel in Town Center (read the full review).
The Marriott Residence Inn property offers spacious suites, complimentary breakfast, a heated outdoor pool and easy walking access to restaurants, shops and community events. We parked the car after checking in and barely touched it again.
Don’t Miss: Ride to Kircliff Observatory
Every destination has one experience you simply shouldn’t miss.
At Big Sky, that’s Kircliff Observatory.
Perched atop 11,166-foot Lone Peak, Kircliff is unlike anything else you’ll find in North America. Equal parts architectural masterpiece and scenic overlook, the glass observatory welcomes both skiers and non-skiers to Montana’s highest accessible viewpoint.
The journey begins with the Explorer Gondola before transferring to the Lone Peak Tram, a remarkably quiet ride that climbs above forests, alpine meadows and rocky cliffs.
As the tram gained elevation, something unexpected happened.
Everyone stopped talking.
Phones slowly lowered. Conversations faded. Complete strangers quietly stared out the windows as mountain goats navigated rocky ledges below and endless mountain ranges stretched toward the horizon.
An Architectural Marvel in the Mountains
The base station immediately catches your attention.
Its soaring glass structure feels more like an art museum than a ski lift terminal, evoking the clean lines of I.M. Pei’s Louvre Pyramid in Paris.
The observatory itself is equally impressive.
Cantilevered over the cliffs of Lone Peak, Kircliff features towering glass walls and a transparent glass floor that creates the sensation of floating above the mountain.
Even if architecture isn’t usually your thing, it’s impossible not to appreciate what the designers accomplished.
Instead of competing with the landscape, the building frames it.
The View From the Top
Once you arrive, take your time.
Inside, panoramic windows reveal 360-degree views stretching across Montana’s mountain ranges.
Outside, an open observation deck lets visitors step directly into the alpine environment.
Even during our June visit, patches of snow remained scattered across Lone Peak.
We wandered across the snowfields, spotted marmots darting between rocks and could just make out the distant Tetons shimmering on the horizon.
Far below, the Yellowstone Club and Big Sky Resort looked almost miniature.
During winter, expert skiers begin one of North America’s legendary descents from this very summit.
For everyone else, simply standing at the top is enough.
Know Before You Go
- Open during summer beginning mid-June
- Accessible for all ages
- No hiking required
- Tickets include the Explorer Gondola, Lone Peak Tram and scenic lift access
- There are no restrooms or food service at the summit
More Family Adventures at Big Sky
Kircliff may be the headline attraction, but it’s only one piece of the experience.
Mountain Biking
Big Sky offers more than 50 miles of lift-served mountain biking trails ranging from beginner-friendly rides to technical downhill terrain.
Hiking
Families will love nearby Ousel Falls, while more adventurous hikers should head to Beehive Basin for one of Montana’s prettiest alpine lake hikes.
Whitewater Rafting
One of our favorite afternoons was spent rafting the Gallatin River.
The Class I through III rapids are exciting enough for first-timers while still being family-friendly, making this an ideal introduction to whitewater rafting.
Live Music & Farmers Markets
Summer evenings belong in Town Center.
Every Wednesday, the Big Sky Farmers Market fills the streets with local vendors, artisans and live music.
On Thursdays, Music in the Mountains transforms Len Hill Park into one giant community picnic with free concerts beneath Lone Peak.
Where to Eat in Big Sky
Big Sky’s dining scene has grown right alongside the destination itself.
Some favorites from our trip:
Cowboy Coffee
Start your morning with locally roasted coffee before heading out for the day’s adventures.
Montana Jack
Perfect after hiking or biking. Don’t skip the loaded nachos.
Block 3 Kitchen & Bar
One of our favorite meals of the trip.
Fresh Montana ingredients, excellent cocktails and a relaxed atmosphere make this a great choice for date night or a celebratory family dinner.
320 Ranch Chuckwagon Dinner
Looking for a true Montana experience?
Ride a horse-drawn wagon to a riverside cookout complete with steaks grilled over an open fire, live music and campfire s’mores.
Kids absolutely love it.
Yellowstone National Park Is Just an Hour Away
One of Big Sky’s biggest advantages is its location.
Yellowstone National Park’s West Entrance sits just over an hour away, making it easy to experience one of America’s greatest national parks without changing hotels.
Even with only one day, you can visit iconic sights like:
- Old Faithful
- Grand Prismatic Spring
- Fountain Paint Pot
- Fairy Falls
- Wildlife viewing throughout the park
We spotted bison, steaming geothermal features and one of the most colorful landscapes I’ve ever seen.
Just don’t expect to see everything.
Yellowstone covers more than 2.2 million acres, and one visit will almost certainly leave you planning your next.
Read our Complete First-Timer’s Guide to Yellowstone National Park.
A Three-Day Big Sky Itinerary
Day One
- Check into your hotel
- Explore Mountain Village
- Ride to Kircliff Observatory
- Dinner at Carabiner
Day Two
- Hike Ousel Falls or Beehive Basin
- Relax in Town Center
- Farmers Market or Music in the Mountains
- Dinner at Block 3
Day Three
Choose your adventure:
- Whitewater rafting on the Gallatin River
- Full-day Yellowstone National Park excursion
- Horseback riding
- Fly fishing
- Mountain biking
Planning Tips for Visiting Big Sky in Summer
- Fly into Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport.
- Rent a car.
- Pack layers—even sunny days can turn cool at elevation.
- Bring sunscreen, hats and reusable water bottles.
- Reserve Yellowstone activities well in advance.
- Spend at least three nights to fully experience the destination.
Why Big Sky Belongs on Your Summer Bucket List
I’ll admit it.
Like many skiers, I assumed Big Sky existed for winter.
Now I’m not so sure.
Summer reveals a completely different side of this remarkable mountain destination—one filled with alpine hikes, rivers, concerts, family adventures and some of the most breathtaking scenery in the American West.
Whether you’re traveling with young kids, planning a couples’ escape or introducing grandparents to the beauty of Montana, Big Sky offers that increasingly rare combination of world-class experiences without feeling overly crowded or manufactured.
And then there’s Kircliff. Yes, it’s an engineering marvel. Yes, the architecture is stunning. But what you’ll remember most isn’t the glass or the steel. It’s that quiet moment inside the tram when everyone stopped talking, looked out the window, and simply soaked in the vastness of Montana.
Learn More on The Ski Moms Podcast
In this episode, the Ski Moms welcome Tallie Lancey, a real estate expert with 18 years of experience representing buyers and sellers in Montana’s premier ski destination. Tallie shares her comprehensive insights into Big Sky’s unique geography, explaining the three distinct areas: the Mountain (base area with ski-in/ski-out access), the Meadow (six miles away with walkable amenities and better value), and the Canyon (the scenic Gallatin River corridor). Tallie details lodging options from hotels to Airbnbs, private clubs and the ultra-exclusive . She offers practical travel tips including , renting a car and stocking up on groceries before the drive.
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