We are the usable and sensible guide that inspires 300,000 readers bimonthly with useful, fresh and compelling ideas for discovering our region. VIDEO: Big Bison Sends Other Bison Sailing Through Air. land. It is about 6.6 miles round trip, and offers spectacular views of Lone Peak and Big Sky Resorts ski runs. That may mean strapping on some snowshoes, and you should always check road conditions beforehand, but the truth is, winter hiking in Montana can be absolutely beautiful. Turn right to stay on Blodgett Camp Road and continue to the trailhead. BSCO engages and leads people to recreational and enrichment opportunities through thoughtful development of partnerships, programs and places. To access the trailhead, head down Ousel Falls Road, past Town Center for about 2 miles; the parking lot will be on the left side of the road. Scramble another half mile up to 10,742-foot Beehive Peak to enjoy even more views. It serves as a still need someone to get help. At the glacial cirque, cast a line for cutthroat, then, for Even Bigger Sky Country, scramble another half mile up 10,742-foot Beehive Peak, where the Taylor-Hilgard Range saws into the far horizon. Youll journey through a ponderosa forest, along the base of limestone cliffs, and past the Devils Kitchen, a distinct cave in the cliff side. freezing, or pack a thermos with your favorite hot beverage. You may even see a few ice climbers! Lava Lake is a challenging hike that climbs to a beautiful mountain lake in the Spanish Peaks section of the Lee Metcalf Wilderness. Make the hike a 3.2 loop by taking Hogback Trail then Prospect Shafts trail on the way back down. head out, check the GNFAC website at mtavalanche.com for a daily condition advisory. Follow the signs to the Mount Helena City Park Trailhead at the end of Reeders Village Drive. daniels sky montana hike trail beehive basin 2022 Outlaw Partners, LLC. No matter how experienced you are, if something goes awry, you If you head left at the beginning, youll walk along the rim of the plateau that is edged with cliffs that drop 200-500 feet down to the Yellowstone River. Share your favorite winter trails with us in the comments, or by using our nomination form for a chance to see them featured. mile of the trail is a Forest Service easement located on private property. Sign up for Outside+ today. Visit bscomt.org to learn more about Big Skys parks, trails and recreation programs. Jessica Wick is a writer and travel enthusiast who loves exploring new places, meeting new people and, of course, beautiful Big Sky Country and every part of Washington State. At 5,468 feet, Mount Helena City Park looms prominently over Montanas state capitol and features numerous trails of various levels of difficulty across its 620 plus acres. Never go it alone in the Backcountry winter recreation has inherent risks, keep these tires, and remember that downhill traffic must yield to uphill traffic. In fact, some might say thats when the best hiking starts. This area has some of the best views in the entire Big Sky area, which is really saying something. Follow the Bring the basic are easy to eat and have a low-moisture content like dried fruit, jerky, string Lots of visitors come to Big Sky in the winter to alpine ski or cross country ski. 191 toward Big Sky. This section of railroad was one of the first in the country to be electrified; Thomas Edison even came out to Butte to ride the Milwaukee Road. Upon the reaching the top, youll have a breathtaking view of the entire Helena valley. Take a left onto Hwy. In the Look for the Ousel Falls Park sign on the left. There is a small parking lot, but no restrooms. outings dont go quite as we expect, so be prepared. The Upper If ski touring interests you, be sure youre safe in avalanche terrain. Winter in Montana is a great time to hit the trails for more reasons than one. Consider wrapping your water bottle in a sock to keep it from Located on a plateau high above the Yellowstone River, the area affords spectacular views of the valley and the city itself. Love Montana? Again, the GNFAC website is to the Four Dances parking lot. And depending on when you depart, you should plan on packing bear spray as well. breathe the crisp, fresh air and appreciate the beauty around you. A good lunch spot and turnaround point for winter hikers falls around the 3.5 mile mark, which is also where youll be met by the charming Blodgett Falls. Respect the landowners by staying within the blue blazes mounted on wooden caution. Educate yourself. Discover how displays a green circle if your beacon is functional and turned on. The majority of the hike follows Cascade Creek up and through a dense evergreen forest. The trail is located in the Gallatin Canyon between Bozeman and Big Sky and is one of the most popular trails in the area. St. Helens, Cowlitz County, Washington, Independence, Oregon Becomes Bike Indy Oregon. Stay in a Working Waterfront Town: Anacortes, Washington, Best Views, Beaches & Easy Trails on Oregons South Coast, Road Tripping to Mt. hydration. How to get there: From Old Hardin Road (U.S. Highway 87), turn south onto Coburn Road just east of the Interstate 90 exit. montana underrated reasons why the10 happiest cities state most Not only is the Milwaukee Railroad Trail a fairly easy hike, it also gives hikers an unforgettable glimpse into Montanas history. posts that mark the private property boundaries until you reach Forest Service Just a few miles south of Butte, the Milwaukee Railroad Trail through Thompson Park offers a scenic and historic journey along a section of the former Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad. weather and be prepared for conditions that can go from bad to worse quickly. The trail has a gradual climb as it wraps around the north side of the mountain. How to get there: From downtown Bozeman, head west on Huffine Lane toward Four Corners. Before you important, bring your sense of adventure and positive attitude. The trailhead will be on the right side of the road just past the bridge over the river. Drive about 30 miles, then turn right onto Big Sky Spur Road. Visit biggestskiinginamerica.com to learn more or to plan your trip to Big Sky. cheese and chocolate. Ousel Falls Trail is a short but stunning hike in the heart of Big Sky along a well-maintained trail system with beautifully crafted timber frame bridges. The hike is a steady uphill climb on a well-trodden, rocky single-track. The Ultimate Roommate Compatibility Test: Backpacking the Oregon Coast Trail, 9 Hiking Adventures to Make Your Spring Pure Gold, 9 Spectacular Early Spring Backpacking Trips You Can Do Right Now, The 20 Best Backcountry Lakes to Hike This Summer, In Montanas Bear-Filled Crazy Mountains, Hikers Are Never Alone. skis or snowshoes. And tell someone at home what your plans are. Montana tourism 2019: Nonresident spending down, visitor numbers up. Dogs are welcome on this trail. At just over 2.5 miles, Four Dances is a great challenge for intermediate hikers. gallatin crossings After, drive only 20 minutes from the trailhead to find a bar worthy of aprs: Replenish lost calories at the Gallatin Riverhouse, a honky-tonk locals den with ace barbecue and all-night country dancing. Continue up this windy road for 1.8 miles fun a winter adventure can be, stop and look for animal tracks in the snow, States as of Jan. 20. Dress warmly, bring plenty of layers, water and your camera. This 1.6 mile hike crosses a ravine over the South Fork of the Gallatin River and meanders through the woods before ending at the 100-foot Ousel Falls. Get full access to Outside Learn, our online education hub featuring in-depth fitness, nutrition, and adventure courses and more than 2,000 instructional videos when you sign up for Outside+ avalanche will occur, you can take several steps to reduce your risk. yellowstone winter tetons grand national park magical time to explore this spot for a unique backcountry experience, be it on backcountry. If youre a seasoned hiker in Montana, you know that the hiking season doesnt end when the sun sets on summer. This 6.6 mile hike slopes up moderately giving stunning views of Lone Peak along the way. Sign up for our email newsletter to receive a current digital issue of the magazine, exclusive subscriber content, and access to special contests, discounts, and giveaways! a good resource to find a listing of educational opportunities. How to get there: From Four Corners, head south on Hwy. The Nez Perce Buttress, Blackfoot Dome, and Shoshone Spire pass by on the right as you make your way to the three-mile mark, where a bridge crosses the creek from south to north. Drive 1.5 miles on Coburn Rd. For a more challenging hike, head toward Moonlight Basin to Beehive Basin Trail, which has been rated one of the top 5 Worlds Greatest Hikes. montana sky visit site 191 toward Big Sky and drive 34 miles. This gently sloping trail extends from the forest boundary south to Pipestone Pass and the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. The trail ends just 100 yards from the 2,300-foot-long Pipestone Pass tunnel, which is closed to the public. refresher. Northwest Travel & Life Magazine represents trust and inspires a passion for Experiencing All Things Northwest., 2022 - Northwest Travel & Life Magazine. 191 south into Gallatin Canyon. A favorite local hike in both the summer and winter is Ousel Falls. This is an easy, 1-mile round trip hike. The trail can be slick in the afternoon once the sun goes behind the hill, so wear tracks on your boots. While you cant predict exactly when or where an Starting on the 1906 trail is your best bet for a direct and scenic route to the summit. Winter hiking in Montana offers silence, solitude, and serenity that cant be described, only experienced. For a good family-friendly winter hike, head a half mile past Town Center to the South Fork Loop trail. Big Sky Community Many a 2019-2020 winter season there have been 12 avalanche fatalities in the United Get more stories delivered right to your email. In just 3.3 miles, the hike to Beehive Basin offers every hallmark of Big Sky Country: glacier-cut mountains, alpine lakes, wildflowers galore, and non-stop chances to spot megafauna. How to get there: Take Highway 93 south and turn right onto Bowman Road. Would you hike the Beehive Basin in the winter? The falls will most likely be frozen, depending on when you go, making it a spectacular sight and a great photo opp. So zip up your jacket, strap on your Yaktrax, and head for the trailhead for a quick remedy to your cabin fever. Drive 20 miles to the Lava Lake trailhead parking area on the right, just north of the Gallatin River Bridge. tips in mind to help make a safe and memorable day. The first safety reminder by displaying a red X if you do not have a working beacon and If you have winter gear, this is actually a perfect trail to hit. Join Outside+ to get Backpacker magazine, access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. Take an avalanche course, be it the first time or a Be prepared for icy roads, have a 4-wheel drive vehicle with snow The hike to Beehive Basin offers every hallmark of Big Sky Country: glacier-cut mountains, alpine lakes, and top-of-the-world views. The 2-Mile Drinking Horse Mountain Trail In Montana Is Full Of Jaw-Dropping Views, Montanas Trail Creek Merc Is Filled To The Brim With Local Treasures, The Champagne Falls Trail In Montana Makes An Easy, Beautiful Winter Hike, In 2021, Take These 12 Incredible Montana Hikes, One For Each Month Of The Year, Everyone Should Take This Spectacular Holiday Trail Of Lights In Montana This Season, For An Easy Winter Hike With Amazing Payoffs, Check Out The Four Dances Trail In Montana, Take An Easy Loop Trail Past Some Of The Prettiest Scenery In Montana On The Trail Of The Cedars, The Lion Mountain Trail Is A Low-Key Montana Hike That Has An Amazing Payoff. Continue 3 miles and turn left onto Ousel Falls Road. You can leave the bear spray at home, because those creatures are hunkered down in hibernation for winter. But did you know about the great Big Sky hikes that are beautiful during wintertime too? If so, pull them back out. until reaching the trailhead on the left. Your comment will not appear until we have reviewed and approved it. The waterfall itself is very broad and forms a large, ever-changing wall of ice during the winter. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. Its a great trail for hiking, biking or cross-country skiing. How to get there: Take State Route 2 south of Butte for about nine miles and follow the signs. Most Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Sometimes There is plenty of parking, a picnic table and restrooms. This is a short, 1.6-mile round trip hike to Big Skys most beautiful waterfall on the South Fork of the West Fork of the Gallatin River. Take the first left onto W. River Road, turn left onto Ricketts Road and continue onto Blodgett Camp Road. It was even ranked in the top ten greatest hikes in the world by Austin-Lehman Adventures for Fox News. Driving in the Steps of the Corps of Discovery, Travelers' Rest: A Study in Precision on the Lewis and Clark Trail, The Crazy Mountains: Montanas Less-Heralded Alternative to the Tetons, By Doug Schmittou, with photos by Robert Schmittou, The Elkhorn Mountains Majestic Crow Creek Falls, By Chris Muhlenfeld | Illustration by Rob Rath, The Legends, the Lore, and the Wild Horses of the Pryor Mountains, Bannack - Montana's Best Preserved Ghost Town, On the Trail with Sheepherders, Groundskeepers of the Land, By Hallie Zolynski, with photos by the author, VIDEO: Camera Captures Lightning Strike Hitting Cow in a Field, VIDEO: Bear Charges and Tackles Bow Hunter. However, if you've never attempted a winter hike before, you'll definitely want to go with someone more experienced. Joseph T. O'Connor is the Editor-in-Chief for EBS newspaper and Mountain Outlaw magazine. For a perfect example, just head to the Beehive Basin. However, by this time of year, the snow is often packed down by early hikers, making for a fairly easy trek. Blodgett Canyon was carved out by ice age glaciers, which left behind sheer granite cliffs that rise more than 2,000 feet above the waters of Blodgett Creek. Dogs are allowed on a leash or voice control. The latest gear, trips, stories, and more, beamed to your inbox every week. And if you're lucky, it will just be you, your hiking buddy, and the snowy scenery. The trail is surprisingly gentle as it slowly meanders along and above the creek. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); NORTHWEST TRAVEL & LIFE MAGAZINE is the informative resource in the Northwest for travel, food, adventure and living life to its fullest. Sara Marino is theBig Sky Community Organizationcommunity development manager. How to get there: From Downtown Helena, head south on Park Avenue, then take a right on Carriage Lane at the Reeders Village Subdivision entrance. Learn more about what to look for and how to dig a snow pit to gauge Bring snacks that Not only are the crowds and mosquitoes gone, but you can experience the beauty of Montanas landscape from a whole new perspective once everything is dusted in snow. install a beacon station at the Upper Beehive Basin trailhead. Turn right and drive 2 miles to the posted trailhead on your left. We're lucky to get to experience all four seasons here in Montana, and there really is nothing like Big Sky Country dusted with snow. the stability of the snow you want to ski or board. Thank you! VIDEO: Watch as Grizzly Bear Bolts Towards Bear-watching Group! At the end of the hike you will emerge from the trees to a stunning view of the 47-acre Lava Lake, nestled among its snow-dusted mountain surroundings. Beehive Basin trailhead road sign. Its been called by some the Bitterroot Valleys version of Yosemite. Photo credit: Shannon May | www.shannonamay.com. Organization and Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center have teamed up to Four Dances Trail is located in the Four Dances Natural Area, a special recreation management area comprised of 765 acres of undeveloped open space two miles east of downtown Billings. Beehive Basin trail may see more visitors in the summer, but winter is a All Rights Reserved. Be sure to bring a camera to capture the panoramic views of Billings, the Yellowstone River, and Pryor Mountains. safety gear of a beacon, probe and shovel, and know how to use them. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! vehicle has slid off the final steep windy section in the winter, so use Distance 6.6 miles (out and back) Trailhead 45.306901, -111.385532 Drive time 1:12 from Bozeman Season June to October Contact. From Highway 191, head up Lone Mountain Trail (Highway 64) for about 11 miles and turn right on Beehive Basin Road and continue for 1.7 miles to the trailhead. Turn right onto Big Sky Spur Road and continue 10 miles to Beehive Basin Road on your right. signs to Big Sky Resort and continue 1.5 miles past the resort entrance and Watch the How to get there: Take Hwy. Wildlands Festival: A Farm Aid For Last, Best Wildlife Ecosystem In Lower 48? After 3.3 miles, the trail enters Beehive Basin, a u-shaped glacial cirque with an unnamed crystal clear lake that overlooks Lone Peak. The relics of the past are highlights of this trail and include two tunnels and a breathtaking 600-foot trestle that rises 130 feet above the valley floor. Bring enough layers of clothing to keep you warm, and dont forget a snack and turn right on to Beehive Basin Road just past the brown U.S. Forest Service To access the trailhead, head east down Aspen Leaf Drive toward the South Fork of the West Fork of the Gallatin River. This hike turns into more of a snowshoe trek in the winter months. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Here are seven trails worth exploring when the temperatures drops and the snow descends. Signs for the Pictograph Caves State Park mark the spot to turn onto Coburn Road. There are multiple locations to observe the falls once you reach it and the chance of seeing ice climbers.
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