Surrounding Area

Our close proximity to the west entrance of Yellowstone National Park makes visiting the park easy to do in any season. In about an hour, you can be in West Yellowstone ready to independently tour the park (summer season) or to begin your snowcoach or snowmobile tour (winter season). Guests also have the option to learn more about the park at the Yellowstone Giant Screen Theatre and to view typical wildlife at the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center - both located in West Yellowstone.

We recommend the Lower Loop tour for our guests who want to make a day trip to Yellowstone from mid-May to mid-October. This route covers many of the park’s most famous highlights: Old Faithful Geyser, Grand Prismatic Spring, Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Hayden Valley wildlife, Yellowstone Lake, and West Thumb Geyser Basin. Start early, bring a picnic lunch, and plan to spend the day making stops, viewing wildlife, and taking a few short hikes. It’s a long day, but a very worthwhile and enjoyable experience.

For guests wishing to explore the park further, it is certainly possible to return and complete the Upper Loop tour. Highlights of this region include Mammoth Hot Springs, Norris Geyser Basin, Artist Paintpoint Hike, Tower Falls, Lamar Valley wildlife, Roosevelt Lodge and Arch, Fort Yellowstone, and a repeat visit to Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon. Whichever loop you tour, you’ll have the opportunity to see plenty of wildlife. Grizzly bears, black bears, bison, moose, elk, bighorn sheep & wolves all call Yellowstone National Park home.

Virginia City & Nevada City are located about 2 hours from Big Sky Resort, and their proximity to each other makes it possible to visit both in the same day. Both are considered historic “ghost towns” and were prominent locations during the Gold Rush.

Virginia City is a National Historic Landmark and one of the largest, best preserved Old West Towns in the United States, featuring over 100 original Gold Rush era buildings. It is a “living” ghost town frozen in time with commercial activities and residents still living there. Some fun family activities in Virginia City include taking in a Vaudeville Show performed by the Virginia City Players, visiting an old-fashioned candy shop, stagecoach and train rides, panning for gold or garnets, and dressing up for a family picture at Old Time Photo. Adult groups might enjoy a show at Brewery Follies, visiting the the graves of outlaws at Boot Hill, or spending some time at the historic Pioneer Bar.

Nevada City is less than 2 miles from Virginia City, and some guests choose to ride the Alder Gulch Shortline Railroad between the two cities just as they did long ago. There is a small admission fee to access Nevada City. Highlights of your visit include touring many historic homes & shops (don’t miss the ornate Sedman House), the collection of old player pianos, music boxes, and calliopes in the Nevada City Museum & Music Hall (bring quarters!), historic railroad engines and cars, and local folks dressed up in costumes to bring the scene to life.

Taking a day trip to Bozeman or spending time before or after your flight is easy to do. Bozeman's downtown area offers a vibrant mix of shops, restaurants, art galleries, and breweries. It has a charming and historic feel, with many preserved buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Consider sampling local craft beers at one of the many breweries in town, such as Bridger Brewing or MAP Brewing Co. Or stop by the always popular Montana Ale Works featuring a more unusual menu of bison steak, elk burgers, and “Montana Meatloaf” while attempting to choose from an enormous selection of locally and regionally produced beer and spirits. The downtown district also hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, and has a lively arts and music scene at venues such as the Emerson Center for Arts & Culture, Ellen Theatre, Rialto Theater and several others.

You also will not want to miss the Museum of the Rockies, located on the Montana State University campus. It houses an extensive collection of dinosaur fossils, including a T. rex named "Big Mike." It was also the research home of Dr. Jack Horner, the real-life paleontologist who inspired the main character from Jurassic Park. The museum also offers exhibits on regional history, Native American culture, and the geology of the area. Other interesting things include vintage cars, life-sized animal replicas, a “living history” farm with costumed staffers, and the Taylor Planetarium.

Another interesting way to spend some time is at the Montana Grizzly Encounter. Located just outside of Bozeman, this sanctuary offers a chance to see rescued grizzly bears up close. Learn about these majestic creatures and their conservation while supporting their rehabilitation efforts.

Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park is located approximately 1.5 hours from Big Sky. The main attraction of the park is the limestone caverns themselves. They were formed over millions of years and feature stunning geological formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, and even cave bacon and popcorn! There are also several underground streams and a healthy population of bats, including Townsend big-eared bats which were previously endangered. Guided tours are available from May through September. During this “more natural” cave experience, there are areas with tight passages and visitors may be asked to slide or scoot on their backsides, making this not a great choice for those with physical limitations or claustrophobia. There are abbreviated tours available which may be more appropriate for those with the above concerns. Please call ahead to discuss the options available to you.

Aside from the caverns, the park itself offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities. There are several hiking trails that provide opportunities for scenic walks and wildlife viewing. The park is home to diverse plant and animal species, and visitors may encounter deer, elk, and various bird species during their visit. The park also offers picnic areas, two visitors centers, and interpretive displays that provide information about the park's natural and cultural history. During the summer months, there are evening programs available to the public. Overall, this is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, history buffs, and families looking to experience the wonders of the underground world.

Bozeman Hot Springs is a 40 minute drive from Big Sky. It is a year-round destination that offers visitors a chance to relax and soak in natural mineral water.

The hot springs in Bozeman are geothermally heated and contain a rich mineral content, known for its potential therapeutic benefits. The facility features 12 different pools and tubs ranging from 57-106 degrees, allowing visitors to find their preferred level of comfort. Some pools are hotter for a more intense soak, while others are cooler for a refreshing dip.

In addition to the hot springs, Bozeman Hot Springs also offers other amenities such as saunas, steam rooms, and a fitness center. Visitors can enjoy the healing properties of the mineral-rich waters, unwind in the saunas, or take advantage of the fitness facilities for a well-rounded experience.

Bozeman Hot Springs is open to both locals and tourists, and can be enjoyed by guests of all ages. Whether you're looking to soothe sore muscles, unwind after a long day of outdoor activities, or simply enjoy a peaceful soak, Bozeman Hot Springs offers a serene setting for relaxation.

Earthquake Lake is located approximately one hour from Big Sky. It was formed as a result of a catastrophic earthquake (magnitude of 7.5) that occurred on August 17, 1959. The earthquake caused a massive landslide along the Madison River, which blocked the river's flow and created a natural dam. Water levels rose rapidly, flooding the canyon and destroying everything in its path. Tragically, 28 people lost their lives as a result of the earthquake and subsequent landslide. The event also caused extensive damage to infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and buildings.

Today, Earthquake Lake serves as a reminder of the destructive power of natural disasters. It is part of the Madison River, and visitors can see the remnants of the landslide, including uprooted trees and other debris. There is also a visitor center, the Earthquake Lake Visitor Center, which provides information about the earthquake, the lake's formation, and the subsequent recovery efforts.

The area around Earthquake Lake is also popular among outdoor enthusiasts due to its scenic beauty. It offers opportunities for fishing, camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The lake itself is known for its fishing, particularly for trout species such as rainbow trout and brown trout.