Gallatin River: Zipline Adventure & Sky Bridges near Big Sky

Summary

Zipline over Gallatin River cliffs & forests with sky-high bridges

You’ll clip in with a certified guide and climb sky bridges high above Montana’s Gallatin River before flying twice over its rushing water. Expect laughter, shaky hands on wooden planks, and epic views of limestone cliffs near Big Sky. This tour leaves you feeling braver than when you started — or at least with a good story to tell.

What’s the experience like?

Li, our guide, grinned as he clipped my harness and asked if I’d ever zipped before. “Not this high,” I admitted, trying to sound braver than I felt. He pointed out the limestone cliffs across the Gallatin River — apparently, some scenes from ‘A River Runs Through It’ were filmed right here. The pine needles underfoot smelled sharp and clean, and you could hear the river below even before seeing it. There was a nervous energy in our little group as we crossed that first swaying sky bridge, 55 feet up. My palms got sweaty on the wood planks — didn’t expect that part.

Climbing up to the platform felt like sneaking into a treehouse built for grownups. The wind picked up just as I stepped onto the zipline platform, making my helmet rattle a bit. Li gave me a thumbs-up and said something about “just letting go.” So I did — and flying over the Gallatin River was nothing like I’d pictured. The water looked almost silver in the sun, rushing fast but sounding softer from above. My stomach dropped for a second but then it was just… quiet and wild at the same time. You get two zips across the river (I wanted three), with enough time in between to catch your breath or laugh at yourself for screaming.

I tried to say thanks in Mandarin at the end — Li laughed so hard he nearly dropped his glove. Everyone in our group seemed lighter after that last zip, even if we were all pretending not to be out of breath from climbing those swinging bridges (the Super Zip has some tricky bits). If you’re anywhere near Bozeman or Big Sky, this is one of those day trips where you remember how big Montana feels — and how small you feel in the best way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ziplining across Gallatin River

• Drive to Big Sky, Montana
• Ascend sky bridges to tree platform
• Zip across Gallatin River twice

Top questions

How far is the Gallatin River zipline from Bozeman?

The zipline is located off Highway 191 between Bozeman and Big Sky, about an hour’s drive from West Yellowstone.

Is there a weight limit for participants?

Yes, each participant must weigh 260 pounds or less.

Are guides included on this zipline tour?

Yes, tours are led by certified English-speaking guides.

How many times do you cross the Gallatin River?

The tour includes two ziplines crossing over the Gallatin River.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

No, lunch is not included in this tour.

What physical condition do I need for this tour?

You should have at least moderate physical fitness; it’s not recommended for those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What are some features of the Super Zip option?

The Super Zip includes more adventurous elements like swinging wooden bridges and an optional cargo net climb.

Is pickup included for this activity?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; guests meet at the zipline location off Highway 191.

What’s included

Your adventure includes all necessary ziplining equipment and guidance from a certified English-speaking guide as you ascend sky bridges to tree platforms 55 feet up and enjoy two ziplines across Montana’s Gallatin River before returning to solid ground with your group.