Ousel Falls Hike in Big Sky
This short, paved trail through a gorge to a wide waterfall is a great choice for kids or visitors who aren’t acclimated to Big Sky’s altitude, and it’s magical year-round.
Aside from Beehive Basin, Ousel Falls is probably the most popular trail in Big Sky and one of the most family-friendly. Its asphalt surface means its wheelchair and stroller-friendly! You will find an vault toilet at the parking area, large interpretive sign, and a dog bag dispenser, You will find picnic tables at both the bridge and the waterfalls
You can get to Ousel Falls any time of year. Spring can be a bit muddy, winter will require snowshoes, but summer and fall are easily accessible. In spring, the water rushes over the rocks covering the entire falls. Later in the year, it is more of a mild stream with gentle falls. In winter, most of the falls freeze over, at times, leaving a window through which one can see the water running. Even areas lower in the canyon will develop long icicles due to water seeping, then freezing, from the hills above.
Once the 100-foot waterfall is in sight, note that there are 3 different potential routes, one to the bottom of the falls, one to the top, and one to an overlook.
Items of interest:
- The Water Ouzel (also Ousel), or American Dipper, is a small grey bird that can swim underwater to forage for insects in the stream bed. When out of the water, it tends to stand on small rocks and repeatedly bend its knees, hence the nickname “Dipper.”
- The cliffs in Ousel Falls gorge are composed of sandstone, mudstone and siltstone. Because these rock layers are highly erodible, it is important for humans and dogs to stay on the paths.
- The Fairy Orchid, a rare and sensitive species, can be found here clinging to the fragile soils. It is important to stay on the hiking paths in order to avoid accidentally damaging the orchids.
Ousel Falls gets more than 200 visitors daily during the peak summer months and 25-30,000 annually. Enjoy the excitement of others as they gawk at this iconic trail.
In-town Option: There is also a 2-mile long, 5-foot wide gravel commuter trail from Town Center that parallels Ousel Falls Road to the Ousel Falls trailhead that, confusingly, is also called Ousel Falls Trail but which provides a way to access the waterfalls from the town of Big Sky.
Longer Option: The Ousel Falls trailhead is the closest access to Forest Service land from the heart of Big Sky and the only horse-friendly access point for First and Second Yellow Mule. The First Yellow Mule trail junction is located approximately 0.5 miles beyond the Ousel Falls waterfall trailhead. The Second Yellow Mule Trail junction is another 1.5 miles down First Yellow Mule.
Getting There
From Highway 191, turn west onto Big Sky Road (shown as Lone Mountain Trail on google maps). Drive 2.4 miles towards Lone Mountain, home to Big Sky Ski resort and one of the highest peaks in the Custer-Gallatin National Forest at 11,188 feet. Turn left onto Ousel Falls Road for another 2 miles to Ousel Falls trailhead, just before the entrance to the Spanish Peaks luxury housing development.
Roundtrip Distance
1.6 mi
Total Elevation Gain
Highest Elevation
6855 ft.
Trail Features
Canyon / Coulee, River / Stream, Waterfall
Seasons
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Trail Type
Paved
Kid-Friendly
Yes
Vehicle Access
Suitable for all vehicles
Trail Map
