A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near Big Sky, Montana

Shorter Routes icon

Shorter Routes

These hikes keep it under 5 miles and climb less than 1,500 feet, making them ideal for quicker outings or lower-key days. Perfect for a morning stretch, a casual afternoon, or getting outside without committing to a big push. Don’t let the stats fool you — many still pack in great views and rewarding moments.

Ousel Falls

Hike Route

Ousel Falls

Fall Colors
moderate
0.31 mi
+36 ft
Ousel Falls

Hike Route

Ousel Falls

Views
easy
1.65 mi
+642 ft
Golden Trout Lakes Trail CE

Hike Route

Golden Trout Lakes Trail CE

Lake
easy
4.38 mi
+1,178 ft
Gallatin Petrified Forest

Hike Route

Gallatin Petrified Forest

easy
1.19 mi
+1,006 ft
Bear Trap Canyon

Hike Route

Bear Trap Canyon

Lake
easy
3.47 mi
+102 ft
History Rock

Hike Route

History Rock

easy
1.77 mi
+350 ft
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Adventurous Routes

These routes go beyond 10 miles and are built for days when you want to cover more ground and push a little deeper. Expect longer distances, more effort, and bigger payoffs — whether that’s remote terrain, summit views, or a full-day challenge. Ideal for hikers looking to go farther and stay out longer.

Wilson Peak

Hike Route

Wilson Peak

Lake
strenuous
12.2 mi
+4,482 ft
Hell Roaring Creek Trail CE

Hike Route

Hell Roaring Creek Trail CE

Birding
moderate
21.65 mi
+5,078 ft
Mirror Lake

Hike Route

Mirror Lake

Lake
strenuous
12.63 mi
+2,322 ft
Spanish Creek and Jerome Rock Lakes Loop

Hike Route

Spanish Creek and Jerome Rock Lakes Loop

Lake
strenuous
18.47 mi
+4,154 ft
Montana Trail Section 13

Hike Route

Montana Trail Section 13

Commonly Backpacked
strenuous
47.53 mi
+8,041 ft
Gallatin Crest Trail

Hike Route

Gallatin Crest Trail

Lake
strenuous
36.92 mi
+8,928 ft

Other Nearby Routes

Not finding what you're looking for? These additional nearby hikes offer more ways to get outside and explore the area. With a mix of lengths, difficulty levels, and terrain, you're likely to find something that fits your plans for the day. And remember, you can always use the onX Route Builder to create your own adventure from scratch.

Deer Lake

Hike Route

Deer Lake

Lake
strenuous
5.93 mi
+3,396 ft
Lava Lake

Hike Route

Lava Lake

Lake
moderate
5.48 mi
+1,649 ft
Lava Lake Trail

Hike Route

Lava Lake Trail

Birding
moderate
5.29 mi
+1,706 ft
Sphinx Mountain

Hike Route

Sphinx Mountain

River/Creek
strenuous
5.89 mi
+4,623 ft
Cinnamon Mountain Lookout

Hike Route

Cinnamon Mountain Lookout

Less Crowded
moderate
8.36 mi
+2,642 ft
Buffalo Horn Trail

Hike Route

Buffalo Horn Trail

Lake
strenuous
8.25 mi
+1,991 ft