Summary: Big Sky, Montana, is a well-known ski resort area that is also a great outdoor spot during the summer. We passed through here on our way to Bozeman, and decided hike the Beehive Basin Trail. This trail is 7.1 miles round trip with 1650 feet of elevation gain. We agree with AllTrails "moderate" rating. This is a B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L hike and our favorite spot of the places we visited in Montana. It had all Montana had to offer, including beautiful views, single-track trails, snow, wildflowers, and towering trees. We definitely recommend this hike even if you run into snow like we did.
About Big Sky, Montana. Big Sky is a resort area located in southwestern Montana. We passed through here coming from Wyoming, through Idaho, and on our way to the Bozeman/Gallatin area. In the winter, the area boasts one of the largest ski mountains in the Country while in the summer, the area is known for hiking trails, fishing, hunting and other outdoor summer activities.
What Gear To Bring. This is bear country so be sure to pack readily available bear spray. In our day pack we also brought snacks, water, sun screen, and bug spray. There is very little shade here so if you're sun sensitive be sure to wear a hat and SPF clothing.
Getting to Beehive Basin Trailhead. This trailhead is located just two miles North of the central ski resort area of Big Sky. The drive to the start will take you through some high-end residential neighborhoods and drop you at a parking lot, where there should be plenty of parking between the first and second available lots.
Hiking up the Mountain. This out and back trail is also an "up and down" trail, meaning you go up the mountain on the way out and down on the way back. Sections of the trail are fairly flat so there are a couple of short and steep sections on this trail. Otherwise, the elevation gain is pretty moderate. The first part of this hike features wildflowers, green hill sides, and tall trees.
Vista point. On the way up, there is a great view of the mountain range.
Reaching the Snow. Next, the trail takes you over a creek and through more woods. About roughly 1/2 mile to 3/4 of mile to the turn-around point we reached heavy snow and were unable to continue - though we tried! Our visit was in early June and as it turns out, it was too early in the season to reach the final vista point. After trying to make our way through the snow, we took a break and headed back.
Hiking Downhill. Going back, of course, was much easier. We breezed through the second-half enjoying the views all the way down the mountain.
This is a B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L hike and our favorite spot of the places we visited in Montana. It had all Montana had to offer, including beautiful views, single-track trails, snow, wildflowers, and towering trees. We definitely recommend this hike even if you run into snow like we did.
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