Big Sky Trails
Surrounded by towering mountains, evergreen forests, and world-class rivers, Big Sky makes an ideal playground for outdoor recreationists. For some, the best part of Big Sky is the 12+ miles of trails constructed, managed, and maintained by the Big Sky Community Corporation Trails Committee. Our trails represent a place to reflect on the day, to take a break from the routine, and to explore a part of the Big Sky community.
The Trails Committee works to add to the local trail system while deepening the experience for users of the trails. We seek to provide environmental education and activities that help users discover the world around them.
If you would like to make a donation to trails through the Buy a Bridge Plaque program download the form here
Surrounded by towering mountains, evergreen forests, and world-class rivers, Big Sky makes an ideal playground for outdoor recreationists. For some, the best part of Big Sky is the 12+ miles of trails constructed, managed, and maintained by the Big Sky Community Corporation Trails Committee. Our trails represent a place to reflect on the day, to take a break from the routine, and to explore a part of the Big Sky community.
The Trails Committee works to add to the local trail system while deepening the experience for users of the trails. We seek to provide environmental education and activities that help users discover the world around them.
If you would like to make a donation to trails through the Buy a Bridge Plaque program download the form here
Big Sky Hikers
Download the Big Sky Hikers Schedule.
Welcome all residents and visitors to Big Sky and Gallatin Canyon
Meeting Place and Time: Big Sky Hikers meet each Thursday morning, at the Big Sky Community Park, located on Little Coyote Road next to the Golden Eagle Lodge. A hikers will DEPART from here at 8:00 am, B hikers at 8:30, and C hikers at 8:30 unless otherwise noted. Please gather there at least 15 minutes earlier, sign up for the hike, meet your group and help prepare for a prompt departure. Transportation to the trailhead will be organized by car-pooling in each group. Roads to some trailheads will require four wheel drive vehicles with adequate ground clearance. Multiple Hike Groups: To better accommodate larger numbers of hikers and differing abilities, three hikes have been scheduled for every Thursday. Each hike group will go to a different trailhead, and to minimize impact to the environment there will be a limit of 15 persons for each hike. At the meeting place, hikers will sign a roster/waiver sheet for each hike; when 15 people have signed up, that hike will be closed. Hikers are welcome to choose one of the other hikes with available space as an alternate. Of course, all hikes are subject to change due to weather or trail conditions. Hike Rating System: None of our hikes require technical climbing techniques or gear. “A” hikes are strenuous, involving long distances and significant altitude gain; these hikes are best suited to fit, altitude-acclimated and well-prepared hikers. “B” hikes represent more moderate efforts. “C” hikes are easy, and suitable for hikers of all ages. The information provided for each hike in the table below is representative, but approximate. If you have any questions regarding the details of a particular hike, call one of the assigned leaders who will have recent, personal experience in hiking that trail. Donation: A donation of $2/person per hike is asked from each hiker. This pays for administration costs (paper, postage, park fees), hike supplies (coolers, first aid kits), after hike refreshments, and donations to relevant causes or organizations. Hiking Etiquette: Remember the policy of “Pack it in, pack it out,” and “Leave no trace” when hiking in the wilderness or YNP. No toddlers or pets, please. Our practice is to keep our groups together on the trail, taking occasional breaks to allow the entire group to regroup. This not only ensures that no one becomes separated or lost, but also is the single best way to avoid surprising a bear. Big Sky country is grizzly bear country, and this is a serious consideration on all of our hikes. Please stay together! Equipment: Experienced hikers carry a well-sorted daypack, with plenty of water, lunch and snacks, rain gear and other clothing layers to cope with the abrupt changes in weather that are typical in the mountains. Sturdy (and broken in!) shoes are suggested, as many of the trails are rocky, may cross patches of snow and streams, and at times the footing can be unstable. Hike leaders will have a basic first aid kit. Hikers should bring their own bear spray, insect repellant, toilet paper, sunscreen and big SMILES!! If you have questions regarding gear, ask a hike leader.Big Sky Hikers – 2010 Season –
Hike Coordinators:
A Hikes: Rich Piercy (993-2303) & Rebecca Shopay (995-2767B Hikes: Rumsey Young (995-2629) & Lance Krieg (995-3312)C Hikes: Rumsey Young (995-2629) & George MacDonald (995-7172) NOTE: Two leaders (leader, sweeper) are needed on each hike. If an assigned leader is unable to lead a hike, that person is responsible to find an appropriate substitute. Assigned leaders are also responsible to scout their hikes in advance. Based on their scouting, hike destinations may be changed at the leaders’ discretion. Wildfires, road maintenance delays, weather and trail conditions are all possibilities that may make this happen!Note: C Hikes are in the process of rebuilding – a leader is named for each hike, and a “Leadership Development Trainee” (LDT) will be selected each date from those who hike that day. Potluck Picnic:Date: July 13th Location: Big Sky Community ParkTime: 6-8pm If you have any questions, please call Leslie Piercy (993-2303) Outing Details:Date: August 17-19 (Tues to Thurs, hike on Wed)
Location: Rock Creek Resort, Red Lodge
A block of rooms is on hold, and reservations can be made by calling the resort. Cancellations may be made until 2 weeks prior to the event.
If you have any questions, please call Jeanne Johnson (995-4566) or Barbara Blesch (995-2422).