The Beehive Basin Trail in Gallatin National Forest near Big Sky, Montana, is a high-alpine cirque hike that rewards visitors with sweeping views of the Madison Range, including the Spanish Peaks and Lone Mountain. The trail covers 9.6 miles round trip with 1,780 feet of elevation gain, beginning at the Beehive Basin Trailhead at approximately 7,400 feet and climbing to the cirque floor at around 9,100 feet.
The trailhead is accessed via Beehive Basin Road, a gravel spur approximately 4.5 miles from the Big Sky town center off Ousel Falls Road. Most passenger vehicles can navigate the road in dry conditions, though clearance matters after storms. A small parking area accommodates roughly 15 to 20 vehicles; the lot fills quickly on summer weekends, often by 8 a.m.
From the trailhead, the route ascends through a mixed forest of Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir before breaking into open meadows around the 2-mile mark. The trail then steepens as it climbs into the basin proper, following a seasonal stream with reliable water through midsummer. Wildflowers—lupine, paintbrush, and columbine—blanket the lower meadows from late June through July. As the trail gains elevation, krummholz gives way to open talus slopes and scattered snowfields that persist into July.
The basin itself is a classic glacial cirque hemmed in on three sides by 10,000-foot ridgelines. A small lake at the cirque floor reflects the surrounding peaks under clear skies, and a waterfall drains the upper snowfields. The high point for most visits is a saddle on the northern rim at approximately 9,400 feet, offering views into the adjacent Taylor Fork drainage and toward the peaks of the Gallatin Range. No permits are required for day use in Gallatin National Forest, and no entry fee applies.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Big Sky / Gallatin National Forest
- Best season
- July–September
What to bring
- Hiking boots
- Trekking poles
- Wind/rain layer
- Bear spray
- Sun protection
Location
Beehive Basin Trailhead, Big Sky, MT 59716
45.2519, -111.4091 View on map
Highlights
- Classic glacial cirque hemmed by 10,000-foot ridgelines of the Madison Range near Big Sky
- Wildflower meadows of lupine, paintbrush, and columbine blooming from late June through July
- Seasonal waterfall and small reflecting lake at the cirque floor
- Panoramic views from the northern saddle at 9,400 ft into the Taylor Fork drainage and Gallatin Range
- No entry fee—located within Gallatin National Forest, not a national park
Tips for visiting
- Arrive before 8 a.m. on weekends—the Beehive Basin trailhead parking area holds only 15–20 vehicles
- The trail stream provides reliable water through midsummer; carry a filter as the source is upstream of any camping areas
- Bring a wind layer even in summer—the open saddle at 9,400 ft sees afternoon gusts and rapid weather changes
- Snowfields typically persist in the upper basin into July; microspikes improve safety and traction on these sections
- Bear spray is advisable; black bears are present in the lower forest section of the trail
- Trekking poles reduce strain on the steep return descent from the cirque to the trailhead
When to visit
July through September offers the best conditions, with wildflowers peaking in early July and snow typically cleared from the upper basin by mid-July. Weekday visits avoid crowded trailhead parking.
Accessibility
The Beehive Basin Trail is not wheelchair or stroller accessible. The trail involves a steep climb of 1,780 feet over 4.8 miles on a mix of dirt, rocky surface, and talus, making it unsuitable for mobility aids.
Frequently asked questions
Is Beehive Basin in a national park, and is there an entry fee?
No, Beehive Basin is located in Gallatin National Forest, which charges no entry fee. No hiking permit is required for day use.
How far is the hike to the basin floor versus the northern saddle?
The basin floor with the small lake and waterfall is reached at approximately 4.5–5 miles one way. The northern saddle is roughly 0.5 miles beyond the lake. Most hikers turn around at the lake for a 9–10 mile round trip.
Is the trail suitable for children?
Older children with hiking experience can manage the lower meadow sections (first 2 miles), which make a rewarding shorter outing. The full 9.6-mile round trip with 1,780-foot gain is demanding for younger hikers.
When does the upper basin typically become snow-free?
The lower trail is usually snow-free by mid-June. The upper basin and saddle often retain snowfields until mid-July. Conditions vary by year; check with the Bozeman Ranger District for current reports.
Are dogs allowed on the Beehive Basin Trail?
Dogs are permitted on Gallatin National Forest trails but must be under voice control or on a leash. Given black bear activity in the lower forest, a leash is strongly advisable.