Big Sky Resort is the main attraction in town and not just in winter. While it’s known for world-class skiing, it’s also a year-round spot for outdoor fun. In summer, ride the scenic chairlift, hike through wildflowers, or grab a bite with mountain views. Even if you’re not skiing, it’s worth a visit for the views and mountain atmosphere.
Lone Mountain rises over Big Sky at 11,166 feet and is hard to miss. You can see its dramatic peak from just about anywhere on the drive. If you’re up for it, take the tram to the top for views of three states and two national parks. Or enjoy it from below with a picnic or coffee at a scenic overlook.
Just off Highway 191, the Lava Lake Trail is one of Big Sky’s best hikes. The 6-mile round-trip trail takes you through forested hills and past small waterfalls before reaching a clear alpine lake. Even if you don’t do the full hike, this is a quiet stop to breathe in the fresh mountain air and enjoy the scenery.
Start your drive along the Gallatin River, one of the most scenic rivers in Montana. This fast-flowing river is popular for fly fishing, kayaking, and even appeared in the movie A River Runs Through It. As you drive beside the rapids, you’ll find scenic pull-offs to snap photos, watch wildlife, or just enjoy the views.
Just off the main road, Clay Butte Lookout offers a big-picture view of the Beartooth Mountains. From up here, you’ll see wide valleys, wildflower meadows, and distant peaks. The lookout tower often has signs that explain the area’s geology, wildlife, and history. It’s a great stop to get your bearings and enjoy a quiet moment above the trees.
Bears Tooth View is one of the top scenic stops along the Beartooth Highway. From here, you’ll see the sharp rock spire called the “Bear’s Tooth”, the landmark that gave this mountain road its name. It’s a great spot for a photo, with epic views of the mountains all around. You’ll also learn how this wild landscape was shaped over time.
Vista Point gives you a bird’s-eye view of Rock Creek Valley. This is where the Beartooth Highway begins its steep, winding descent toward lower elevations. You’ll see forests, meadows, and the curving Rock Creek far below. It’s a perfect place to stop, take photos, and admire how this scenic drive cuts through such dramatic terrain.
Before you leave the high country, don’t miss West Summit Overlook. It’s one of the last big viewpoints heading west on the Beartooth Highway. From here, you can look back at the peaks and alpine scenery you’ve just traveled through. It’s a great place to pause and take in one last view before the road winds down.
Island Lake is a peaceful alpine lake just off the Beartooth Highway. With clear water and mountain reflections, it’s one of the prettiest spots along the route. In summer, colorful wildflowers bloom around the shore. It’s a nice place for a short walk, a picnic, or just to relax and enjoy the view.
Beartooth Pass is the highest point on the Beartooth Highway, over 10,000 feet above sea level! At the summit, step into cool mountain air and enjoy wide, sweeping views of the Absaroka and Beartooth Mountains. This is one of the most scenic spots on the drive, where you might even see snow in summer. It’s also a great place for photos and to take in the scale of the landscape.
