Day 16, Moonlight in the Daylight

After spending the morning hanging about, we headed to Moonlight Basin, one of the local ski resorts. During the summer, the ski runs are mountain bike trails. But, they also have "scenic" lifts that will take you to the top of one of the runs where you can either take the lift back down or hike down the two miles. The other lift takes you up and leaves you there to hike the one-mile trail down. 

Either trail can be hiked up and down they do like people, hikers and bikers, off the trails by 5:30. We chose the lift up and to hike down. 

The Huckleberry Trail meanders through forests and is mostly shaded. It is a pretty easy trail down.

The second lift takes you to Lone Peak. On a crystal clear day, there is a 360-degree view of three states, 2 national parks, mountain ranges, and the village below and ski trails. The top was chilly and windy on this 75 degree, sunny day. I couldn't imagine it in winter conditions. 

Most people who take this lift up ride down on mountain bikes. I was kinda surprised at how young some of them were. We did find out later that the lower age limit is 8.

We chose to hike down. It begins with a pretty steep drop and I wasn't convinced I wouldn't prefer taking the lift back down, but we persisted and the hike and the views were well worth it.

While we were hiking, we came across a family with two young kids hiking the trail. They were debating whether hiking up or down is more difficult. We usually think that down is easier. I can't say for sure, but I can say that both of these hikes were well worth it.






Location: 66 Mountain Loop Rd, Big Sky, MT 59716, USA

Comments

  1. Pete & AnaAugust 8, 2021 at 4:35 PM

    very descriptive writing- I feel like im along for the ride- safe travels

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mary Fran LynchAugust 8, 2021 at 8:10 PM

      Thanks. I'm glad you are enjoying reading it. It's been fun to recall the day every night.

      Delete

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