Wildlife – Page 3 – BookBigSky Blog

October 11, 2021November 1, 2024

When Is The Best Time To Visit Big Sky?

One of the most common questions our guests ask is “When is the best time to ski in Big Sky?”

Big Sky boasts the Biggest Skiing in America with 5,850 acres of diverse terrain for every level, a vertical drop of 4,350 feet (one of the longest vertical drops in the US), 300 runs, 7 terrain parks with over 100 features, luxurious heated lifts to keep you warm and an average annual snowfall of 400+ inches. Big Sky is one of the best uncrowded resorts in the US, thanks to the expansive terrain, averaging two acres per skier on even the busiest days.

Read on to learn about each month during winter season in Big Sky, and why you should put it at the top of your list for travel!

November

Average High/Low in °F: 38/15

Big Sky Resort opens for the winter season around Thanksgiving and there’s no better way to celebrate Turkey Day than warming up your ski legs and getting back to the slopes. Early season snowfall is unpredictable but with Big Sky’s snowmaking facilities you’re always guaranteed a snowy slope. Big Sky Resort is ideal for a family ski vacation with 2,300 acres of terrain dedicated to beginners and intermediates.

December

Average High/Low in °F: 28/6

Celebrate the Christmas season in Big Sky, a winter wonderland that comes alive with festivities. By mid-December, a larger portion of the mountain is open for skiers and snowboarders to explore the trails and while the snowstorms are fewer than later in the season, Big Sky has had a number of record-breaking Decembers to remember.

January

Average High/Low in °F: 31/8

After Big Sky’s NYE celebrations, the crowds disperse. January is the quietest time of year to ski Big Sky resort with perfect powder stashes and without the holiday season crowds or lift lines. If you’re in search of peace and quiet, January is the best time to visit Big Sky for smaller crowds.

February

Average High/Low in °F: 35/8

By February, Big Sky has a deep base depth, and the snowstorms are more frequent. Apart from the Presidents Day long weekend, the crowds are still thinner making February the best time for untouched powder in Montana’s favorite winter playground.

March

Average High/Low in °F: 42/16

March is historically the snowiest month of the winter and peak season at Big Sky Resort. Big Sky is one of the top spring skiing destinations in the US with warmer temperatures, legendary snowstorms and long bluebird powder days. The best time of year to experience all of Big Sky’s diverse terrain.

April

Average High/Low in °F: 50/22

Late season skiing is a completely different experience and Big Sky doesn’t disappoint. The afternoons may be slushier, but the slopes are sunny, outdoor patios come alive with music and thirst-quenching après ski and Big Sky celebrates the last day of the ski season with fun festivities. Visiting Big Sky in April has an added bonus of combining your ski trip with a unique experience exploring the natural wonders of Yellowstone National Park.

STAY WITH BIG SKY VACATION RENTALS

After each full day of exploring the resort, retreat to your luxurious, comfortable vacation home for an evening to remember. We proudly boast one of Big Sky’s largest selections of vacation rentals, so you’re bound to find one that perfectly suits your group’s size, style, and budget. Luxuries include private hot tubs, lavish outdoor patios and the best mountain views in Big Sky. Please give us a call today at +1-888-915-2787 or email us at info@bookbigsky.com to inquire, or simply browse through our available properties.

August 10, 2021August 9, 2024

How To Enjoy The Gallatin River In Big Sky, MT

The mighty Gallatin River that flows through Big Sky is one of Montana’s most iconic rivers. The Gallatin River is wild and scenic with one of the best whitewater runs in the Yellowstone region, world-class flyfishing, free-roaming wildlife, and captivating Big Sky Country landscapes that will leave you in absolute awe!

The Gallatin Canyon was first discovered by Native American tribes who survived by fishing the trout-rich waters, hunting wildlife, and trading with other tribes. The Gallatin River was originally named “Cut-tuh-o-gwa”, a Shoshone name meaning “swift water” and renamed in 1805 by Meriweather Lewis in honor of Albert Gallatin, the US Secretary of Treasury.

The Gallatin River carves a channel between the Madison and Gallatin mountain ranges from Wyoming’s Gallatin Lake in the high peaks of Yellowstone National Park north through Big Sky and on to form the headwaters of the Missouri River in Three Forks, Montana.

The river descends 4,800 feet between Wyoming and Montana with a wide variety of water changing from meandering trout streams to rapid whitewater and is a world-class recreational hub for hikers, bikers, rafters, anglers, and nature lovers of all ages.

GETTING ON THE GALLATIN RIVER

Scenic Drive on US191

The scenic drive from Bozeman or West Yellowstone into Big Sky is an awe-inspiring introduction to Montana’s mighty Gallatin River. US Route 191 follows the Gallatin River from Bozeman south to Big Horn Pass near the West Entrance to Yellowstone National Park with many pull-outs and trailheads to access the river. Plan to take your time! The Gallatin River Canyon is a wilderness corridor for bighorn sheep, black bears, elk, and moose so expect wildlife encounters! The drive to Big Sky, MT is beautiful.

World-Class Fly-Fishing

The Gallatin River is world-renowned for its blue ribbon trout fishing. If you’ve watched Robert Redford’s classic movie “A River Runs Through It”, then you know all about the world-class fly fishing experience that awaits on the trout-rich Gallatin River. The Gallatin River hosts hovers of rainbow, brown, brook, and cutthroat trout for year-round flyfishing and is best fished with waders, from the river banks, or with a professional, local guide that knows the secret fishing spots on the Gallatin River. A Montana Fishing License is required!

Scenic Float Trips

The Gallatin is one of the best rivers for whitewater rafting in Montana and most Gallatin River trips leave right here from Big Sky! The upper stretch of the Gallatin River between West Yellowstone and Big Sky features gentle waters and easy Class I-II rapids for a scenic float trip with stunning views and endless opportunities for wildlife sightings.

Wild Whitewater Rafting

The wild whitewater stretch of the Gallatin River is between Big Sky and Squaw Creek Bridge about 15 miles north. The lower whitewater section ranges from Class II-III rapids for a fun cruise through the cliffs to wild Class III-IV rapids with big waves, big drops, and extensive whitewater. Whitewater enthusiasts will find never-ending thrills on famous wild waters like Screaming Left, House Rock, and Mad Mile. For the wildest whitewater rafting experience, the Gallatin River reaches its peak flow in June with spring runoff.

Hiking & Biking Trails

If you prefer your feet on the ground, the Gallatin River is best explored on the riverside hiking and biking trails. There are endless trailheads along US191 accessing the Gallatin River. Our favorites are the Ousel Falls Trail, a short, stunning hike from the heart of Big Sky, and the Gallatin Riverside Trail which follows the river from the Lava Lake trailhead near Big Sky to Storm Castle Creek, an easy 5.5-mile round trip along the Gallatin River. Big Sky is bear country! Always carry bear spray and be on the lookout for our local wildlife sharing the trails.

Horseriding on the Gallatin River

During your stay in Big Sky, you can even experience the Gallatin River on horseback! The Original Paddle and Saddle Tour with Geyser Whitewater Expeditions includes a two-hour trail ride through the mountains followed by an afternoon of river running the Gallatin River. Saddle up for another unique outdoor adventure in Big Sky, MT.

GALLATIN RIVER OUTFITTERS

Gallatin River Guides

Location: 47430 Gallatin Road, Big Sky, MT
Contact: (406) 995-2290

Take your Gallatin River flyfishing experience to the next level with Gallatin River Guides in Big Sky, MT. Serving visitors to the Gallatin Canyon for over 30 years, Gallatin River Guides know when, where, and how to fish our world-class blue-ribbon trout waters and offer a wide variety of professionally guided fly fishing trips for every angler, year-round! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler, you’ll find a fly fishing experience with Gallatin River Guides. Choose from flyfishing lessons, half-day and full-day walking & wading trips, full-day floats, three rivers in three days, or a flyfishing package customized just for you and your crew!

Gallatin River Trip Options
Winter Fishing Trips
Family Fishing Trips
Half-day & Full-day Walking & Wading Fly Fishing Trips
Duration: 1-hour to 8-hour trips

Geyser Whitewater Expeditions

Location: 46651 Gallatin Road, Big Sky, MT
Contact: (406) 995-4989

Geyser Whitewater Expeditions are the local whitewater experts for rafting trips on the Gallatin River departing from Big Sky, MT. Situated minutes from Big Sky, Geyser Whitewater Expeditions offers half-day and full-day trips on the gentle sections of the upper Gallatin Canyon and the raging rapids in the lower whitewater.

Geyser Whitewater Expeditions also offer great combo packages like the Rafting & Zipline Adventure Park and the Rafting & Horseback Adventure. The Yellowstone Pass is another great value package for families with Gallatin River whitewater rafting, a pass to Zipline Adventure Park, unlimited entry to the climbing wall, savings on Yellowstone Park tours, and unlimited boat rentals at Big Sky’s Lake Levinsky.

Gallatin River Trip Options
Half-day Gallatin River Rafting Adventures
Full-day Gallatin River Rafting Trips
Daily Kayaking Trips on the Gallatin River
Whitewater Rafting & Zipline Package
Saddle & Paddle – Horseback Riding & Rafting Package
Duration: 3-hour to 7-hour trips

BIG SKY VACATION RENTALS

The charming mountain town of Big Sky Montana sits high in the Madison Mountains above the Gallatin Canyon and is the ultimate base camp to adventure and explore the wild and scenic Gallatin River.

However you choose to experience the Gallatin River, you’ll find the perfect place to relax at the end of the day with Big Sky Vacation Rentals. Our elite collection of 125+ Big Sky vacation rentals ranges from classic cowboy cabins in the alpine peaks to luxury mountain lodges for large groups in the heart of Big Sky Town Center.

Let the Gallatin River be the backdrop to unforgettable Montana memories with Big Sky Vacation Rentals! Search our selection of mountain-inspired homes, find travel inspiration in our Big Sky Travel Guide, or call our team at (888) 915-2787 to customize your vacation in Big Sky.

We live here, we play here, and we know Big Sky!

SEE ALL BIG SKY HOMES

August 10, 2021November 1, 2024

Top 5 Fall Activities in Big Sky, MT

Fall is the perfect time of year for epic leaf-peeping adventures in Big Sky with cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, festive fall events and the soft golden hues of the aspens and cottonwoods highlighting the spectacular outdoor beauty that surrounds Big Sky.

1. Resort Activities

Big Sky Resort offers award-winning golf, ziplining, a bungee trampoline, disc golf, archery and scenic chair rides up Andesite Mountain for hiking, mountain biking or an off-road experience on the Lone Mountain Expedition. On a clear day you can see from the summit of Lone Peak across two National Parks and three states!

2. Autumn Hikes in Big Sky

The trail lined mountains of Big Sky boast endless adventures for all ages, close to town and in the secluded backcountry. Below are a few of our favorite trails highlighted for vibrant fall foliage and gorgeous mountain views. Always be prepared for approaching wildlife and carry bear spray when adventuring in Big Sky country!

Ousel Falls

This popular fall trail is easy to access and hike! The 1.6 mile trail follows the South Fork ravine through the pines, along the river, creeks and pools to the beautiful Ousel Falls. The Yellow Mule Trail and South Fork Loop join this trail for a longer hike. There are several picnic sites along the trail for a picnic break.

Beehive Basin

Big Sky’s best hike is a scenic moderate 6.6-mile out and back hike that leads to Beehive Basin, a crystal clear lake surrounded by the incredible Spanish Peaks wilderness and overlooking Lone Peak. Pack a picnic and spend the day soaking up the fall colors, mountain views and cool alpine waters.

Storm Castle

The Storm Castle trail is a popular 5.3 mile moderate trail in the Gallatin River Canyon. The trail begins at Storm Castle Creek and climbs up steep switchbacks through the forest and rocky slopes to the summit of Storm Castle Peak for magical views of Garnet Mountain, the Gallatin River and the upper Madison Range.

3. Horseback Riding

Horseback riding in the Montana backcountry is best in the cooler months when beautiful fall foliage surrounds you and you can find many opportunities to observe wildlife. Book a trail ride on an authentic Montana ranch or combine a day in the wilderness with an epic fly fishing adventure on the Gallatin River.

SEE ALL RANCHES

4. Yellowstone National Park

Take a day-trip to Yellowstone National Park for leaf-peeping, geyser gazing and wildlife viewing! The west entrance of Yellowstone is only a 50 mile scenic drive south of Big Sky, Montana. Interested in learning more about what Yellowstone National Park is like in the fall? Click here!

5. Stargazing from our Luxury Rentals

Fall is one of the best times to see the Milky Way, and even the Northern Lights over the Montana skies. Stay with Big Sky Vacation Rentals and choose from our selection of vacation homes and condos with luxury amenities including outdoor hot tubs, private wrap-around decks and quiet, secluded settings ideal for a night under Montana’s big skies.

BOOK WITH BIG SKY VACATION RENTALS

August 8, 2021November 1, 2024

5 Best Things To Do In Yellowstone In The Fall

Yellowstone National Park is one of the top most visited and one of the most beloved parks in the USA. While the summertime brings in the most visitors to the area, locals know that autumn is Yellowstone’s better and quieter season. With thinning crowds, bright sunny days, cool crisp air and a vibrant display of golden aspens, these gorgeous times make for some of the best days the park sees all year. Read on to learn about our tips for visiting the park this fall.

Local’s Tip: Use these two handy resources about opening & closing dates and park roads to help plan your trip!

1. Fall Foliage Hikes in Yellowstone

Prime time for fall foliage in Yellowstone is from mid-September in the higher elevations above 7,000 feet through to mid-October in the lower valleys. The best way to see the autumn glow is on one of the many Yellowstone National Park hikes with ample leaf-peeping opportunities, wildlife viewing and panoramic vistas. The Bunsen Peak Trail south of Mammoth Hot Springs boasts 360-degree views of the Gallatin Mountains and Yellowstone River Valley. Safety first!

Local’s Tip: Be sure to carry bear spray at all times and know how to use it!

2. Autumn Fishing in Yellowstone

Fishing in Yellowstone during the autumn months offers some of the best fly fishing and the potential for the perfect catch. The brown trout spawn between late-October and mid-November, perfectly timed with Yellowstone’s fall foliage season. The Madison River near the west entrance to Yellowstone National Park and the Gardner River near Mammoth Hot Springs are prime spots for fall fishing in Yellowstone.

3. Check Out Yellowstone’s Geological Wonders

More than half the world’s hydrothermal features (more than 10,000!) are preserved at Yellowstone National Park from hot springs and mud pots to the world-famous geysers. “Geyser Gazers” flock to Yellowstone throughout the year to view these geological wonders. Top geysers easily accessible on a day trip to Yellowstone from Big Sky include the spectacular Grand Prismatic Spring and Old Faithful to the south and Artists Paintpots, Norris Geyser and the terraces and thermal pools of Mammoth Hot Springs up north.

4. Wildlife Viewing

Fall is the best time to see the Iconic Yellowstone wildlife, with best viewing times at dawn and dusk. Herds of elk and humpbacked bison migrate from higher elevations to the valleys for winter grazing, bears forage for food in preparation for winter hibernation and the hawks and raptors begin their annual fall migration (best seen in the Hayden Valley). Mid-September to mid-June is prime time for wolf watching in Yellowstone and the musical bugle of the elk during rutting (breeding) season can be heard from September and often as late as mid-October (best seen at Mammoth Hot Springs). Safety first! Stay well away from wildlife as the park suggests 100 years from bears and wolves, 25 yards from all other animals.

5. Don’t Forget: Check the Weather & Road Closures

The autumn weather in Yellowstone can be highly unpredictable and snow can begin to accumulate as early as October in the higher elevations! Be prepared to experience a wide range of temperatures from cool lows of 20s to highs in the 60s.

Many of Yellowstone’s restaurants, services and lodging facilities close by mid-October, however the roads remain open until November 8th for guided and self-drive tours of Yellowstone. Always check for seasonal road closures when planning an autumn trip to Yellowstone.

Big Sky Vacation Rentals offer a premier portfolio of vacation rentals near Yellowstone, an easy drive from the west entrance on Highway 191, and our local team are ready to help you choose the perfect home-away-from-home and best tour of Yellowstone National Park for a memorable autumn escape and fall-foliage trip to Yellowstone National Park.

VIEW ALL BIG SKY VACATION RENTALS

January 15, 2021August 12, 2024

Why Visit Yellowstone In The Springtime?

Spring is one of the most dynamic times of the year in the Yellowstone National Park. The landscape changes almost daily as the hillsides start turning green and the days grow longer. The rivers run higher and the waterfalls become more prominent from the snow melt while snow still lingers in higher elevations. As the temperatures increases, wildlife including grizzly and black bears will start coming out of hibernation and become more active in the meadows.

Escape the Crowds and Enjoy Yellowstone National Park as it Opens this Spring 2024!

While most visitors don’t come to Yellowstone National Park until the months of July and August, there is a certain beauty to the park in the spring time making it worth a visit before the crowded summer months. Please check the National Park Service website for current weather and road conditions.

Travel Tips

Dress Warm While the weather is generally milder than in March, April still brings occasional snow storms with temperatures dropping below freezing on some days.

Rise Early Before sunrise if possible as Yellowstone in the spring has some of the most exciting wildlife watching. Rising early is the best time to observe animals in their natural habitat.

Be Prepared If you plan to hike make sure to bring bear spray, water, sunscreen and rain gear as Yellowstone is a mountain wilderness and being prepared will ensure you have an enjoyable trip.

Pack Your Lunch Most restaurants and services in the park will still be closed for the season so make sure you bring enough food for an entire day’s explorations.

Biking in Yellowstone National Park

Every spring, biking, including e-bikes are allowed on Yellowstone National Park roads while they are still closed to motorized, public travel. Spring bicycling season usually starts by early April with no set date as designated routes are opened once they are cleared from snow. The closest route to Big Sky that is open to biking is from the West Entrance to Mammoth Hot Springs.

This is a wonderful way to explore the vastness and wildlife of the park in all tranquility while getting some exercising in as well!

Yellowstone Wildlife in the Spring

Spring is the best season to view wildlife in Yellowstone. Baby animals start appearing all over the park, including grizzly and black bear cubs starting mid March, bison calves in April and elk calves later on from May to June. While bears and bison are incredibly exciting to observe, please be sure to respect wildlife, follow all park safety guidelines and keep your distance for your safety and theirs.

Bison calves tend to be born from late March through May and have a fuzzy, orange-reddish fur, earning them the nickname “red dogs”. The bison calves are able to keep up with their mothers just a couple hours after they are born and they are protected from danger by the rest of the herd surrounding them at all times. You will be able to see the herds with the red dogs in the meadows, make sure to watch from a distance as bison can get aggressive if too close.

Stay With Us! Check Out Our Big Sky Homes…

After each full day of exploring Yellowstone National Park, hiking or biking around Big Sky, retreat to your luxurious, comfortable vacation home for an evening to remember. We proudly boast one of Big Sky’s largest selections of vacation rentals, so you’re bound to find one that perfectly suits your group’s size, style, and budget. Luxuries include private hot tubs, lavish outdoor patios and incredible mountain views. Please give us a call today at +1-888-915-2787 or email us at info@bookbigsky.com to inquire, or simply browse through our available properties.