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On the Trail: Upper Beehive Basin
Published
7 years agoon
Posted By
Outlaw PartnersBy Ciara Wolfe BSCO Executive Director
The Upper Beehive Basin, U.S. Forest Service trail #40, is known for its majestic peaks, breathtaking glacial lake and access to the Lee Metcalf Wilderness. The 2.8 mile out-and-back trail is a well-used intermediate dirt trail.
Starting at the trailhead, you immediately cross over Beehive Creek on a narrow log bridge and begin to climb past a couple of large homes. The first mile of this trail is a USFS easement located on private property, so please be respectful of the surrounding landowners and the natural surroundings by staying on the clearly defined trail. The wide dirt path climbs gradually though forested meadows with one short stretch of switchbacks up a steeper section.
At approximately 1 mile, you will come to a junction with a sign denoting the direction and distance to both Beehive Basin Lake and the North Fork/Beehive Connector Trail (USFS #402). At this point it is an additional 1.5 miles until you reach the glacial basin and lake. The last portion of the trail passes several large rock outcrops, through a large alpine meadow and a unique dead-tree forest. This portion of the hike affords excellent views of the surrounding peaks and ridgeline, known for climbing and winter backcountry skiing.
As you begin the final climb, a flat, treed area at the top will come into view. This is the edge of the basin and the location of the lake. Once you crest the ridge, you will see a small alpine lake in the middle of a beautiful alpine meadow. The trail continues around the west side of the lake and on to the summit of Beehive Peak. Climbing Beehive Peak is an additional 1.5 miles and has climbing routes from 5.6-5.11 on high quality granite gneiss.
At the lake there are several glacial rock outcrops perfect for taking a break or enjoying a picnic lunch. The lake is also an excellent place to swim or fish for native cutthroat trout. The hike itself is an incredible experience offering beautiful views and plenty of opportunities for wildlife sightings.
However, the end destination of a glacial lake surrounded by large rocky peaks is truly magnificent. Wildlife is abundant in this area so please be bear aware throughout your time on the trail. The trail is a popular destination hike, so be courteous and yield to other users as appropriate.
For more information about Big Sky’s Parks, Trails & Recreation Programs visit bscomt.org. The Big Sky Community Organization is a local non-profit that connects people to recreational opportunities by acquiring, promoting and preserving sustainable places and programs for all.
Trails Stats
Distance: 6.3 miles roundtrip
Difficulty: intermediate
Elevation: 7,944 feet at trailhead
Surface: dirt
Uses: hikers, runners, horses, bikers (until you reach Lee Metcalf Wilderness boundary), overnight camping, skiing and snowshoeing
Directions: Turning off of Hwy 191 onto Lone Mountain Trail, follow the signs 9 miles to Big Sky Resort. Continue 1.5 miles past the resort entrance and turn right on to Beehive Basin Road just past the brown USFS Beehive Basin trailhead road sign. Continue up this windy road for 1.8 miles until reaching the trailhead on the left.
The Outlaw Partners is a creative marketing, media and events company based in Big Sky, Montana.
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Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm We will combine the heart-opening powers of cacao with the transcendental powers of breathwork and sound. Together, these practices will give us the opportunity for a deep
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We all are familiar with using a limited palette, but do you use one? Do you know how to use a
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We all are familiar with using a limited palette, but do you use one? Do you know how to use a limited palette to create different color combinations? Are you tired of carrying around 15-20 different tubes when you paint plein air? Have you ever wanted to create a certain “mood” in a painting but failed? Do you create a lot of mud? Do you struggle to achieve color harmony? All these problems are addressed in John’s workbook in clear and concise language!
Based on the bestselling “Limited Palatte, Unlimited Color” workbook written by John Pototschnik, the workshop is run by Maggie Shane and Annie McCoy, accomplished landscape (acrylic) and plein air (oil) artists,exhibitors at the Big Sky Artists’ Studio & Gallery and members of the Big Sky Artists Collective.
Each student will receive a copy of “Limited Palette, Unlimited Color” to keep and take home to continue your limited palette journey. We will show you how to use the color wheel and mix your own clean mixtures to successfully create a mood for your paintings.
Each day, we will create a different limited palette color chart and paint a version of a simple landscape using John’s directives. You will then be able to go home and paint more schemes using the book for guidance.
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Come join us at Cowboy Coffee as we celebrate a fun night of drinks, games, and meeting others within the community. This event is from 6-8 and all are welcome
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Come join us at Cowboy Coffee as we celebrate a fun night of drinks, games, and meeting others within the community. This event is from 6-8 and all are welcome to come, if you don’t know who to bring come alone this is a great mixer event! This is an event hosted by Big Sky OUT as we work to provide queer safe spaces throughout the community.
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