Big Sky Summer Activities
Big Sky’s mountain majesty might be best known for its miles and miles of wide-open ski runs, but when the snow thaws and the temperatures rise, it’s time to trade in first tracks and black diamonds for fly-fishing, honky-tonks, and afternoons by the Montage Big Sky pool. Add in a day of exploring the best of Bozeman, and you’ve got the perfect escape – and a list of things to do in Big Sky, Montana in summer.
Big Sky Views from Kircliff
Get a bird’s-eye view of 10 mountain ranges and two national parks at Kircliff, the just-debuted, two-story, glass observation deck soaring 11,166 feet high above Big Sky Resort.
Summer at the Montage Big Sky Pool
On Saturday afternoons through mid-September, Montage Big Sky’s pool is putting on a variety of gatherings complete with an SPF bar (including moisturizing face masks), DJs, and themed cookouts.
Whitewater Rafting on the Gallatin River
Conquer the rushing rapids of the Gallatin River with a whitewater rafting adventure. Hardcore paddlers can’t miss the Mad Mile, a high-octane stretch featuring the House Rock section, the river’s most technical section.
A Big Sky Rodeo
Most Thursday evenings during the summer in Big Sky, you can watch cowboys and cowgirls compete in bull riding, barrel racing, ranch roping, and more at Valley View Rodeo.
Hike to Ousel Falls
The scenic Ousel Falls hike is a gentle, family-friendly, mile-and-a-half trail that will take you to one of Big Sky’s most stunning natural attractions, a 100-foot waterfall.
BBQ & Live Music in Big Sky
Perched along the banks of the Gallatin, Riverhouse BBQ is known for its juicy Hill Country–style ribs, briskets, and sausages. All of it is dry-rubbed and mesquite-smoked for 18 hours. Come for the meat; stay for the line dancing and live bands.
Fly-Fishing in Big Sky
One of the Rockies’ most sought-after summer excursions is fly-fishing —and the angling experts at Gallatin River Guides or Silvertip Adventure Company can guide you through the Madison River and Yellowstone River for a chance at a big catch, from rainbow trout to whitefish.
Golf at Spanish Peaks
Perfect your par-four strategy at the Tom Weiskopf–designed, 18-hole Golf Course at The Club at Spanish Peaks. Montage Big Sky guests receive exclusive access to one of the country’s most stunning mountain greens.
Explore Bozeman, Montana
From country swing-dancing lessons to live music, get your hootin’ and hollerin’ going at The Westerner, Bozeman’s newly opened honky-tonk.
Visit the Museum of the Rockies
The Museum of the Rockies might be famous for its collection of dinosaur bones (including a full skeleton of a Montana T-Rex), but it’s also a great cultural stop for your trip, especially the year-round exhibit on regional history, covering centuries-old quilts to locally made planes from the 1930s.
Visit Wild Crumb Bakery
Pick up a treat at Wild Crumb, a James Beard–nominated bakery beloved for its organic sourdough loaves and flaky pastries. The classic eclairs dipped in chocolate ganache and fluffy, cheesy focaccia always hit the spot.
Shopping in Bozeman
And for a hit of retail therapy, scope out the shopping scene in Bozeman: customize a hat at Crossbow, shop signature Montana style at Meridian, find boots at Lucchese, and get outfitted in performance-ready activewear at Beringia House.
