A heavily-trafficked trail leading into a beautiful basin below the Spanish Peaks.

The Beehive Basin trail is one of the most famous hikes in Big Sky, and for good reason. This non-technical 3.4-mile trail leads to some of the most beautiful views in the region. The ultimate goal is a wildflower-filled basin with a crystal-clear lake framed by a U-shaped cirque of towering rock peaks, known as the Spanish Peaks.

This moderate hike follows a smooth, wide, well-traveled trail on its way from the crowded parking lot to the stunning basin. According to FATMAP, the hike gains about 1,647 vertical feet on its ~3.4-mile one-way distance. While Beehive definitely isn't just a short sightseeing hike, many prospective hikers, ranging from young to old and everywhere in between, will be able to tackle the trail into the basin.

Even if you don't make it all the way to the basin, you'll still get to enjoy fantastic views along the entire hike. According to [OutsideBozeman.com](https://outsidebozeman.com/trails-tours/hiking-trails/beehive-basin-trail), the trail to the basin travels through expansive "alpine wildflower meadows, through tall forest, and past creeks." You'll even enjoy "an unnamed lake surrounded by streams and a grassy basin" along the way.

**Note:**

The Big Sky area is renowned as prime grizzly bear country. Signs at every trailhead warn that bears are highly active in the area. To mitigate the risk of bear encounters, make plenty of noise while hiking, try to hike with a group of people, and consider attaching a bear bell to your backpack. Also, make certain that you carry bear spray with you every time you hike, in case you do get into an encounter with a grizzly.

Sources:
https://www.visitmt.com/listings/general/national-forest-trail/beehive-basin-trail
https://outsidebozeman.com/trails-tours/hiking-trails/beehive-basin-trail
https://www.visitbigsky.com/get-inspired/big-sky-stories/7-best-hikes-in-big-sky-montana Written by Greg Heil

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Beehive Basin

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