Things To Do
Hiking
Ousel Falls: A popular hike that ends at a beautiful waterfall! 1.5 miles roundtrip; easy hike; great for all ages Beehive Basin: This trailhead has been named one of the world's greatest hikes! 6.6 miles roundtrip; medium difficulty Lava Lake: This trailhead starts right off of highway 191, just a few miles north of Big Sky. It is a beautiful hike and Lava Lake (at the top) is postcard worthy. 6 miles roundtrip; medium difficulty Lemondrop Trail: Named for the Lemon Family, early settlers on the site of Rainbow Ranch, the trailhead is located behind Rainbow Ranch, across the Gallatin River. The hike leads to the top of a knob with 360° views of the Gallatin Canyon, the surrounding mountains and the Gallatin River. 3.7 miles roundtrip Cinnamon Mountain: Located south of Rainbow Ranch, this trailhead is off 191. Beginning in an aspen grove, the out and back trail leads to an old fire tower with stunning 360° views of the area mountains. 8.2 miles roundtrip; medium difficulty
Horseback Riding
- 320 Ranch: Visit 320Ranch.com or call (406) 995-4283 for more information. - Canyon Adventures: Visit Canyon Adventures for more information. - Jake’s Horse: Call (406) 995-4630 for more information.
Fly Fishing
If you plan to fish, make sure to pick up a fishing license (and bear spray) at any of the outfitters below. If you plan to fish in Yellowstone, you’ll need a federal license. Gallatin River Guides: Full-service fly fishing outfitter, offering walk / wade options and float trips for all ages and skill levels. MontanaFlyfishing.com or 406.995.2290 East Slope: Big Sky’s largest retail & fly selection and trusted local guides with walk / wade options or drift boat options in multiple rivers. EastSlopeOutdoors.com or 406.995.4369 Yellow Dog Flyfishing: If you are interested in extending your stay with a few nights in a fishing lodge, Yellow Dog can help. Yellowdogflyfishing.com or 888.777.5060
Golf
Big Sky Golf Course: Big Sky’s public, Arnold Palmer-designed golf course located in the Meadow. For reservations and pricing, go to BigSkyResort.com or call the Pro Shop at (406) 995-5780.
Rafting
Montana Whitewater: For more information visit montanawhitewater.com or call (406)763-4465. Geyser Whitewater Expeditions: For more information visit raftmontana.com or call (406) 995-4989.
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone is a scenic 45-minute drive from Rainbow Ranch Lodge, offering a perfect opportunity to explore its iconic geysers, wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. We highly recommend going to see bison, grizzlies, elk, bighorn sheep, hot springs, waterfalls, and soaring views. This can be done in one day but the park is massive so it does take a lot of driving.
Other Summer Activities
Big Sky Resort offers numerous other activities for the adventure seekers. For information on the following, visit the resort website: bigskyresort.com - Big Sky Farmer's Market - Mountain Biking - Ziplines - Scenic Lift Rides - Archery - Rock Climbing
Explore Bozeman
Downtown Bozeman is a short 15 minute drive from the BZN airport and is a great stop to make either after you land or before you depart for your flight! You can stroll down Main Street, grab or a bite, and pop into boutiques and stores. Shopping: Meridian, Schnee’s, Revolvr, Rare Bird Vintage, Head West (if you need Western wear), Country Bookshelf, anywhere on Main Street! Activities with Kids: Museum of the Rockies, Bozeman Pond Coffee: Roly-Poly Coffee, Ghost Town, Rockford, Treeline Coffee Food: Wild Crumb, Fink’s Deli, Revelry, Blackbird, Little Star Diner, Western Café, Cat Eye Café, Jam, Vienne, Stacey's Old Faithful Bar & Steakhouse, Sidewall Pizza Company, Shan Breweries/Wine Bars: Map Brewing, Mountains Walking, Shine Beer Garden, Bozeman Tap Room (has a Rooftop), Lockhorn Cider House, Mischa's
Weekly Events
Tuesdays 5:30-9:30pm - Lone Mountain Ranch Rodeo. Your rodeo entrance includes: elevated Montana street food, beer/wine, and non-alcoholic beverages. Wednesdays 5-8pm - Big Sky Town Center Farmers Market. Immerse yourself in 90+ of the region's finest vendors and the best of Big Sky’s mountain culture. Enjoy local produce, crafts, cuisine, enjoy performances from various artists, and much more. Thursdays 6pm - Music in the Mountains (free, park opens at 6pm and music starts at 7pm). For more than a decade, Music in the Mountains has been Montana’s finest free outdoor concert series, featuring the best up and coming touring musicians in the country as well as established, well-known artists. The Town Center Park provides the perfect backdrop for locals and visitors to come together and enjoy live music under the Big Sky.
Breakfast + Coffee
The Hungry Moose, Big Sky Base and Meadow Village: Breakfast sandwiches Cowboy Coffee Company, Meadow Village: Coffee shop connected to Montana Supply (great for shopping!) Blue Moon Bakery, Meadow Village: Get a BEC Benny! The Corral, nearby Rainbow Ranch: Casual diner-style breakfast
Lunch
The Hungry Moose, Big Sky Base and Meadow Village: Pick up pre-made sandwiches at the Big Sky Resort location or have one made at the counter in the Meadow location – great for packing lunch for a hike. Blue Moon Bakery, Meadow Village: Best pizza in Big Sky! Horn & Cantle, Between Big Sky Base + Meadow Village: Upscale food with a great outdoor patio for lunch, located at Lone Mountain Ranch Yeti Dog, Big Sky Base: Hot dogs and beer
Dinners
The Riverhouse - Fun, BBQ joint with great views and outside space right on the Gallatin River Blue Moon Bakery, Meadow Village: Pizza, sandwiches and salads Horn & Cantle, Between Big Sky Base + Meadow Village: Upscale food and cocktails with a great bar at Lone Mountain Ranch Scissorbills, Big Sky Base: Casual bar food and local watering hole Westward Social, Big Sky Base: Casual bar and restaurant Pinky G’s Pizzeria, Meadow Village: Casual pizza Blue Buddha, Meadow Village: Sushi Niseko Ramen, Meadow Village: Ramen Buck’s T-4, Near Rainbow Ranch: Casual steakhouse
Drinks
Carabiner, Big Sky Base: Upscale bar Horn & Cantle, Between Big Sky Base + Meadow Village: Upscale bar with live music most nights (great for lunch and dinner too), located at Lone Mountain Ranch Beehive Basin Brewery, Meadow Village: Brewery with indoor and outdoor seating Tips Up, Meadow Village: Casual bar Broken Spoke, Meadow Village: Local bar The Waypoint, Meadow Village: Live music, craft cocktails