ALL THINGS BIG SKY

Eat/Drink

Pinky G’s Pizzeria   (https://pinkygs.com/big-sky)  A casual eatery and local vibe known for their hand tossed pizza, good people, music, sports, cocktails, and beer. 

 

Ousel & Spur Pizza  (https://www.ouselandspurpizza.com)  Conveniently located in Big Sky Town Center, Ousel & Spur prides itself on fresh house-made sauces, hand-tossed crust, and fresh vegetables from Montana farms. Specialty pizza’s include Montana’s favorites like elk sausage.

 

Blindside Burgers (https://www.blindsideburger.com)  is a cool and hip burger joint with mouthwatering smash-burgers and amazing old-fashioned shakes in the heart of Big Sky.

 

Riverhouse BBQ  (https://riverhousebbq.com)  Located on the banks of the Gallatin River in Big Sky, the Riverhouse serves up authentic Texas barbecue, Montana style.  It’s a great hangout for locals and a destination for visitors looking to get a good meal or sip a beer on the back porch while taking in the views of the Spanish Peaks.

 

Cowboy Coffee (https://cowboycoffee.com/big-sky) is just a good place to get strong, bold, fresh-roasted cowboy coffee.   A taste of the old west.

 

Tips Up (https://www.tipsupbigsky.com) Where locals and visitors gather to have a cold beer, great cocktails, burgers and sandwiches, live music, sports on the TV’s, and all kinds of games like pool, corn hole, and shuffleboard.   Located in the heart of Big Sky’s Town Center.

 

Beehive Basin Brewery (https://www.beehivebasinbrewery.com)  A microbrewery located in Town Center.  They operate a 7-barrel brewing system and also run a small tap room with handcrafted brews.  Grab a pint and enjoy mountain views from the tasting room!

Hike

Explore a network of trails catering to all experience levels, from challenging peaks to serene alpine wildflower meadows.  Each trail leads to something different, offering scenic and natural experiences. 

Ousel Falls Trail is an easy, 1.6-1.8 mile round-trip, well-maintained trail leading to a 50–100-foot waterfall, featuring bridges and forest views.    Located just south of Town Center, with an accessible trailhead from the road.

 

Lemondrop Loop is a moderately challenging 3.7-mile loop, known for birding and hiking.  It has an amazing 360-degree view of the Gallatin Canyon, the Gallatin River, and the surrounding mountains.

 

Storm Castle is a 4.7-mile out-and-back steady climb to a 7,280-foot summit.  It’s a tough hike, but the payoff is big – panoramic views of the Gallatin River, dense forests, and jagged peaks that define Montana’s wild side.   It’s a nice drive into Gallatin Canyon and the Storm Castle Trailhead.

Lava Lake is a 5.4-mile adventurous hike that follows Cascade Creek through shaded forest to a striking alpine lake formed by ancient volcanic forces.   One of the most scenic (and surprising) and only non-glacially carved lakes in the Lee Metcalf Wilderness.   Another nice drive into Gallatin Canyon and the Lava Lake Trailhead.

 

Beehive Basin is a 6.9-mile out-and-back trip that takes you through wildflower-strewn meadows and ends in a glacial basin framed by jagged peaks.  The stunning views are a favorite for Instagram followers!  Located outside in the Beehive Basin and Upper Beehive Basin Trailhead.

 

 

  • Be prepared.  Montana shares the beautiful outdoor spaces with a variety of wildlife, including black bears and grizzly bears.  Recommend carrying bear spray. See https://www.visitbigsky.com/bear-aware/ to learn how to stay safe in bear country.  For longer or more remote hikes, make sure you are prepared with enough water and download a map of the trail.  We recommend bringing a packable rain jacket and bear spray. 

    Fishing

    Experience fishing Montana’s world-class trout streams.   We recommend hiring a fishing guide.   They are all great and better chance of you getting a fish while having a good time.

    Riding

    Big Sky is a horse-riding paradise.   There are several reputable outfitters with experienced wranglers to guide you through trail rides or pack trips into the Gallatin Range, Madison Range or Yellowstone National Park.   A few include:

     

    • Rockin’ HK Outfitters

    • Hell’s A-Roaring’ Outfitters

    • Jakes Horses

    • Canyon Adventures

     

ALL THINGS BOZEMAN

EATS

Revelry (http://www.revelrymt.com),  this neighborhood eatery, never disappoints.  It’s one of our go-to spots to grab a smash-burger.

 

Map Brewing Company (http://www.mapbrewing.com).   Just a short drive from downtown,  this brewery offers fantastic Comeback Chicken Sandwiches and brews, along with great views of the Bridger Mountains.    Note that Montana breweries close at 8 p.m. and limit to three beers per person.

 

Blackbird Café (http://www.blackbirdlb.com).  Known for its pasta, Blackbird Café is a local favorite and is often voted the best in Bozeman.  It’s a good idea to make reservations, though their community table is always welcoming and never awkward.  

 

SHAN Thai Restaurant (http://www.shanresaurants.com).  Hands down our favorite restaurant, SHAN Thai, offers a unique blend of local meats, interesting wines, and craft beers.  Be sure to make a reservation if you’re craving some spice.  It’s just a few minutes’ drive from the heart of downtown Bozeman. 

THINGS TO DO

Downtown Historic Bozeman.  Explore the shops, galleries, and eateries in downtown Bozeman.  Don’t miss Schnee’s, Bozeman’s iconic outdoor store.  (http://www.schnees.com)

 

Bozeman Hot Springs.  (https://bozemanhotsprings.co).   Relax and rejuvenate in one of 12 natural hot spring pools with temperatures ranging from 59 to 106 degrees, and enjoy the dry and hot saunas.   Open until 11:00 p.m.     

 

Hikes.  There are several noteworthy trails:

 

  • Quick nearby hikes:  The “M” Trail is a popular trail near Bozeman.  The views of the Gallatin Valley and the Story Hills are spectacular.   Drinking Horse Mountain Trail climbs 700 feet from Bridger Creek through to the summit of Drinking Horse Mountain, offering scenic vistas in the Bozeman area and the surrounding mountain ranges.

 

  • For a more challenging hike, try Ross Peak Saddle Trail – a beautiful drive into the Bridger Mountains.  Or park at Ferry Lake and hike up to Sacajawea Peak.   You can also rent a mountain bike at Crosscut, with over 15 miles of trails.

 

  • Hyalite Mountains also offer beautiful waterfalls like Palisades Falls and Grotto Falls.

 

Note:   For longer or more remote hikes, make sure you are prepared with enough water and download a map of the trail.  We recommend bringing a packable rain jacket and bear spray. 

 

STAYING A LITTLE LONGER IN SOUTHWEST MONTANA?

Are you planning to spend a few more days out here in Southwest Montana?  We have some ideas for you:

Fly Fishing.  Southwest Montana is known for having some of the best trout fisheries in the world. If fly fishing is on your list, we highly recommend hiring a fishing guide to enhance your experience.   Some top-notch guides in the area include Dan Bailey, Kelly Galloup’s, The Tackle Shop, and Montana Angler.  With their expertise, you’ll be reeling in some impressive catches in no time!

Hunting.  If you are a hunting enthusiast, you’re in luck.  It’ll be archery elk and deer hunting season.  Although it may be a bit expensive for out-of-staters and requires putting in for a tag in March, it’s definitely a bucket-list-worthy experience.   To ensure a successful hunt,  we suggest getting a guide from reputable outfitters like Stockton Outfitters, Elk Ridge Outfitters, or Sage Peak Outfitters.

 Yellowstone National Park.  And of course, no trip to Southwest Montana wouldn’t be complete without visiting the geologic wonders of Yellowstone National Park. The Park is truly one of a kind. As you cruise through the Park, make sure to park in the designated lots and pullouts to explore steaming geothermal features and watch the geysers explode.   It’s a sight you won’t want to miss!

 Horseback riding.  Finally,  why not get on a horse and ride!     There are lots of dude ranches and wrangler outfitters throughout southwest Montana that offer rides for all levels.  It's a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Montana!

We hope these suggestions help you plan an unforgettable trip. Enjoy your time in Montana!

 

Hannah and Will