Helmet and Sphinx Mountain Trail

Thunderdome. That's the only way to describe it. Eight months later and I'm still thinking about it on a regular basis. My half-way grown out black toenail is a constant reminder of the epic-ness of that brutal race day.  The Rut is held the first weekend of September in Big Sky, MT -- a pretty rad place. Over the course of three days, four different events are held; the VK, one kilometer of el...

The trailhead is easy to find, and has a vault toilet and a decently sized parking lot. The trail leaves from right next to the toilets, and is very easy to follow. Follow a couple easy switchbacks down the hillside, cross the memorial bridge and stop to take in the beautiful scenery before following the trail up the opposite bank. The trail meanders near  the river, and in the winter the rock ...

Beehive Basin Trail No. 40 is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Big Sky, Montana.

Beehive Basin has it all, a mini playground for outdoorsmen. My first visit was during the winter one year ago. We hoped to ski The Fourth of July Couloir, but conditions were not ideal and we left thinking about all the possible ski routes.I’ve been up numerous times since, running and climbing. Beehive Basin has everything to offer. I went with climbing partners Aki and Wes, to scramble up th...

The Reflector Loop is a well-known hiking trail located in Big Sky, Montana. This trail is approximately 3.65 miles long and is rated as moderate in difficulty. It features an elevation gain of about 814 feet, making it a suitable choice for hikers with a moderate level of fitness. The trail is known for its unique natural features. It winds through a dense forest of pine and spruce trees, of...

There are some different options for starting and ending this hike, but the route I did started at Buffalo Horn Trailhead and ends at the Hyalite Creek Trailhead, and is approximately 42 miles total. I did the trail over the course of three and a half days, spending three nights in the backcountry.  No permits were needed (the trail is within the Custer-Gallatin National forest. I did call and ...