Hike Up to See a Pristine Alpine Lake!

Lava Lake is one of the most rewarding hikes in the Big Sky area and only about 25 minutes drive from town.  While it is steep, 5.5 miles long, and can be crowded on the weekends, we hiked on a Friday mid-morning and found it very manageable and to be our favorite hike in the area.  You should be aware that the smallest of children will struggle as it climbs ~1600 feet.  The path is well-marked but rocky at times.  I'd call it intermediate to advanced in terms of hiking levels (if you have children riding on your back, it will be challenging on the way up).  For children on their own two feet, there is little "to do and see" until you reach the end point at the lake, beyond following and sometimes crossing an alpine stream through the woods.  While it is beautiful in the woods, children will need to stop multiple times to refuel as you climb.  My favorite way to do this hike is with a picnic lunch to be eaten at the lake.  Once you reach the lake after ~3 miles, you can continue to the right on a lesser trodden trail past the island to get away from any crowds you may have found at the lake.  There are plenty of large rocks to rest and eat lunch on and enjoy the incredible views.  The lake itself is pristine and can be enjoyed for swimming in the late summer months.  It took us about ~3 hours roundtrip with minimal stops (not counting leisure time at the lake).

Note: Dogs were seen on trail.  Horses can use the trail also, but rockiness of trail mean there are few.  If camping, do not camp within a 0.5 mile of the lake.

Elevation: 5,525 feet to 7,115 feet

Directions: Drive north from Big Sky on Highway 191. The trailhead is located approximately 15 miles north of Big Sky. It’s well marked, has a large parking area and is frequently used as a boat pull-out for rafters.