Overview

Big Sky, Montana, is perched on the edge of the wilds, surrounded by wilderness. Blue ribbon trout streams lure anglers, and trails to the top of spires draw hikers for ample views of the rugged west. A quick leap down the road leads to Yellowstone National Park with its gushing geysers and iconic wildlife - grizzly bears, wolves, and bison.

Big Sky is a growing resort community located midway between Bozeman and West Yellowstone. The area services skiers in winter with lifts running at Big Sky, Moonlight Basin, and the private, posh Yellowstone Club. But summer brings golf, scenic lift rides, mountain biking, hiking, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, and fly-fishing to this wildlife corridor.

The resorts of Big Sky and Moonlight Basin tuck under Lone Peak, which soars to 11,166 feet. The two resorts serve as lodging destinations with luxury condos to budget hotel rooms, cabins, and homes available. Lounge in the Village Center, Big Sky's newest luxury lodge with its views of Lone Peak. Feel really like you're in Montana in one of Moonlight's Cowboy Heaven cabins, where you can soak in your own private hot tub under the stars. Treat yourself at either resort to spa treatments after a big day outdoors. 

Many visitors set up a base camp at Big Sky or Moonlight Basin for exploring Yellowstone National Park. Big Sky and Moonlight Basin sit 51 miles from the west entrance to Yellowstone, where you'll spot bison, elk, and bears on the drive up the Madison Valley. Take easy day trips to marvel at both Norris and Old Faithful geyser basins with their bubbling mud pots, spouting plumes of steam, and clear blue hot pools.

Sightseers hop on Big Sky's Ramcharger lift for scenic rides to the Pinnacles restaurant for spectacular views of the Spanish Peaks Wilderness. Hikers also ride the lift to reach trails across Andesite Mountain. Mountain bikers use the lift to access downhill trails or head to Moonlight Basin to tour their cross-country riding paths.

Hike in the Gallatins, Madisons, and Spanish Peaks, where carpets of wildflowers can last well into July at higher elevations. Go horseback riding at some of the area's famous guest ranches. Splash in whitewater rapids on the Gallatin in a kayak or raft.

Golfers head to Big Sky for its par-72 Arnold Palmer links-style golf course. Moonlight plans to open their private golf course in late summer 2010.

Get to Big Sky by flying into Bozeman's Gallatin Field, which is serviced by six airlines. Non-stop flights originate in Denver, Salt Lake City, Chicago, Las Vegas, Seattle, and Minneapolis-St. Paul.

Rent a car and drive about one hour south through the Gallatin Valley, following Highway 191 through the Gallatin Canyon along the Gallatin River. (Anglers will take longer to arrive as they won't be able to resist the Gallatin's trout.) Then turn west on Lone Mountain Trail (Hwy. 64) and wind your way up toward Lone Peak and Big Sky Resort or Moonlight Basin.