Big Sky, Montana offers world-class mountain recreation and stunning alpine scenery perfect for family reunions. From skiing and hiking to scenic gondola rides, this resort destination provides year-round outdoor adventures for all ages.
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Big Sky Resort
Premier mountain resort with skiing, hiking, scenic gondola rides, and family activities perfect for reunions seeking outdoor adventure and mountain experiences.
SCOUT LOGISTICS
Group rates start at $89 per night for parties of 10 or more rooms when booked at least 8 weeks in advance through the group sales office at 406-995-5769. The resort is ADA accessible with wheelchair-friendly lodges, accessible ski lifts, and adaptive equipment rentals available by reservation. Mountain pass roads to Big Sky can close without warning from October through May due to sudden snowstorms so carry tire chains and check MDOT conditions before departing.
Website: bigskyresort.com
Ousel Falls Trail
Ousel Falls Trail is a scenic 1.6-mile out-and-back hike that leads to a stunning 39-foot waterfall, making it one of the most accessible and rewarding trails in the Big Sky area. The well-maintained path winds through lush forest along the South Fork of the West Fork of the Gallatin River, offering shade and beautiful scenery throughout. Families with members of varying fitness levels appreciate the moderate difficulty and relatively short distance. The waterfall viewpoint provides an excellent backdrop for group photos, and the trail is wide enough for family members to walk side by side and enjoy conversation along the way.
SCOUT LOGISTICS
The trailhead parking lot holds 30 vehicles and fills by 9:30 AM on summer weekends from June through September when the short hiking season peaks. The first half mile is paved and ADA accessible with a gentle grade but beyond that point the trail becomes rocky and narrow with no wheelchair passage to the falls. Bear spray is required in this area as grizzly and black bear sightings occur weekly along the South Fork corridor from May through October.
Website: bscomt.org
Gallatin River
The Gallatin River runs through the heart of Big Sky and offers world-class fly fishing, whitewater rafting, and kayaking opportunities that make it a premier outdoor destination for reunion groups. Several local outfitters provide guided rafting trips suitable for families with children as young as six, with options ranging from gentle scenic floats to thrilling Class IV rapids. Fishing enthusiasts in the family can arrange guided trips targeting native trout species in crystal-clear mountain waters. The river's accessibility from multiple points along Highway 191 makes it easy for large groups to coordinate activities, and riverside picnic areas provide natural gathering spots for post-adventure meals together.
SCOUT LOGISTICS
Guided group float trips for 8 or more people cost $75 per person with a 15 percent discount when booked 4 weeks ahead through local outfitters in Big Sky or Bozeman. River access points along Highway 191 have gravel pullouts with limited ADA accessibility though the Greek Creek put-in has a paved ramp suitable for wheelchairs. Water temperatures remain below 55F even in August so wetsuits are strongly recommended and the river runs highest with dangerous currents from late May through early July during snowmelt.
Website: montanawhitewater.com
Big Sky Town Center
Big Sky Town Center serves as the community hub with shops, restaurants, a fire pit plaza, and regular events that create a welcoming gathering space for reunion groups. The pedestrian-friendly layout features a central park area where families can relax while others explore boutique shops and art galleries. During summer months, the Town Center hosts outdoor concerts, farmers markets, and community events that provide built-in entertainment for large groups. Multiple restaurants with patio seating can accommodate reunion dinners, and the open green spaces are perfect for informal games and activities that bring all generations together.
SCOUT LOGISTICS
Free parking is available in 3 lots with a combined capacity of 200 vehicles and all sidewalks and storefronts are ADA accessible with curb cuts and automatic doors. Restaurants can accommodate group reservations of 12 to 20 people but require 2 weeks advance booking during the short summer season from June through September. Remote lodging options within 5 miles range from $150 to $350 per night and sell out quickly so reserve at least 10 weeks before your reunion dates.
Website: bigskytowncenter.com
Lone Mountain Ranch
Lone Mountain Ranch is a historic guest ranch offering horseback riding, cross-country skiing, sleigh ride dinners, and naturalist-guided adventures in a stunning mountain setting. The ranch can accommodate large groups with its variety of cabins and lodge rooms, making it an ideal base camp for a multi-day family reunion. Activities are designed for all skill levels, from gentle trail rides for beginners to backcountry excursions for experienced riders. The ranch's dining hall serves family-style meals that bring everyone together, and their event coordination team can help plan group activities, bonfires, and western-themed entertainment that creates lasting reunion memories.
SCOUT LOGISTICS
Group lodging packages for 10 or more guests start at $275 per person per night including meals and activities when booked at least 12 weeks in advance. All main lodge areas and 6 of the 30 cabins are ADA accessible with roll-in showers and paved paths connecting them to the dining hall. Bear safety orientation is mandatory at check-in and all food must be stored in provided bear-proof containers as grizzlies frequent the ranch meadows from May through November.
Website: lonemountainranch.com
Beehive Basin Trail
Beehive Basin Trail is a spectacular 7-mile round-trip hike that rewards families with breathtaking views of alpine meadows, wildflowers, and dramatic mountain peaks in the Spanish Peaks Wilderness. The trail gains elevation gradually through open meadows before reaching a pristine alpine lake surrounded by towering peaks, offering one of the most scenic payoffs in the Big Sky area. While the full hike is moderately challenging, families can turn around at any point and still enjoy stunning scenery. The wide-open meadows along the first portion of the trail are perfect for picnics and photography, making it accessible for reunion members who prefer a shorter walk while more adventurous family members continue to the basin.
SCOUT LOGISTICS
The trailhead lot holds only 20 cars and overflows by 8:30 AM on July and August weekends so carpool or arrive before 8 AM during the short summer window of June 15 through September 30. This trail is not ADA accessible with 1500 feet of elevation gain over 3 miles on rocky terrain requiring sturdy footwear and trekking poles for less experienced hikers. Carry bear spray for every member of your group as this drainage has one of the highest grizzly densities in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
Website: fs.usda.gov/gallatin
Yellowstone National Park (West Entrance)
Big Sky's proximity to Yellowstone National Park's west entrance makes it an ideal base for reunion groups wanting to explore America's first national park. Located just 50 miles south, families can plan day trips to see Old Faithful, the Grand Prismatic Spring, wildlife like bison and elk, and dramatic canyon views. The park offers ranger-led programs suitable for all ages, from junior ranger activities for children to geology talks for adults. Large groups benefit from carpooling together for the scenic drive through the park, and multiple picnic areas along the route provide opportunities for group meals surrounded by some of the most remarkable geothermal features on Earth.
SCOUT LOGISTICS
Park entry is $35 per vehicle valid for 7 days and the West Entrance opens mid-April through early November with peak wait times of 45 to 90 minutes between 9 AM and 11 AM in July and August. Groups of 8 or more vehicles should purchase the $70 annual pass per car and stagger arrival by 15-minute intervals to avoid blocking the entrance lanes. ADA-accessible boardwalks at Old Faithful and Mammoth Hot Springs accommodate wheelchairs and the park loans free wheelchairs at visitor centers on a first-come basis.
Website: nps.gov/yell
Ken O.
Founder of AmazingReunion and veteran reunion organizer who has coordinated 50+ family gatherings across the US.