Side-by-Side Rentals in Big Sky, MT | Costs And Rules

Big Sky side-by-side rentals run about $250–$499 per machine for two to four hours, depending on seats, insurance, and route.

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Pick the route before the vehicle because the widest machines cannot use every mountain trail. For Side-by-Side Rentals in Big Sky, MT, current posted prices run about $250 to $499 per machine, with seat count, insurance, fees, and trail access changing the final bill.

Summit All Terrain Rentals and Canyon Adventures are the main established local choices. Both offer self-guided summer rides with helmets, goggles, fuel, route instructions, and direct trail access, so you do not need to tow a machine from Bozeman.

For the 2026 season, Summit lists rides from June 16 through October 15, while Canyon lists June 16 through September 30. Both schedules depend on weather, snowpack, trail conditions, and Forest Service access.

How Much Do Big Sky UTV Rentals Cost?

Big Sky UTV rental prices start near $250 for a two-seat, two-hour ride and reach about $499 for a six-seat machine. Rates are charged per machine rather than per passenger, so filling the available seats lowers the cost per person.

A two-seat machine is usually the better choice for riders who want the longer Buck Ridge route. Larger four-seat and six-seat machines suit families and groups, but their width can limit them to shorter or wider routes.

Taxes, protection plans, and payment fees can change the amount charged at checkout. Summit states that taxes and fees are extra, while Canyon lists a 3% surcharge for credit-card payments but not cash or debit-card payments.

Current availability for off-road activities changes by date, vehicle size, and group count. Compare bookable Big Sky options after choosing your preferred ride length:

Choose The Route Before The Machine

The Buck Ridge route is the main reason to reserve a narrow two-seat side-by-side. Summit states that its four-hour ridge ride is limited to 50-inch two-seat Polaris RZR machines because wider vehicles do not meet the trail-width restriction.

The longer route climbs to nearly 10,000 feet and provides views toward Lone Mountain, the Spanish Peaks, and Sphinx Mountain. Canyon describes its Buck Ridge network as roughly 15 miles of self-guided riding through forest roads, exposed ridges, and open mountain terrain.

Shorter two-hour outings work better for first-time drivers, younger passengers, and groups that want time for another Big Sky activity the same day. Summit uses a roughly 14-mile Doe Creek Road route for some short rides, while exact routing can change with conditions.

Route check: Confirm the assigned trail when reserving. A four-seat machine may carry more people but miss the narrow ridge section that many riders expect.

Big Sky Side-By-Side Options Compared

Big Sky rental choices differ most by duration, seating, deductible, and trail access. The prices below are posted 2026 base rates and may change with taxes, booking charges, protection plans, or weather policies.

Summit includes fuel, helmets, goggles, and standard insurance in the listed rental package. Canyon includes one tank of fuel, helmets, goggles, rain ponchos, and neck buffs, with its insurance sold separately at check-in.

What Should You Check Before Signing?

A Big Sky side-by-side agreement should be checked for driver age, deductible, rollover charges, recovery fees, cancellation terms, and weather treatment. The base rental price alone does not show the financial risk if the machine is damaged or the group cancels late.

• Driver age: Summit requires drivers to be at least 21 with a valid license. Canyon requires someone aged 21 or older in the rental group but permits licensed drivers from age 16.
• Child fit: Canyon requires children to be at least 48 inches tall so the seat belt fits correctly. Ask the operator about current passenger restrictions before paying.
• Damage exposure: Summit lists a $3,000 standard deductible and an optional plan that lowers it to $1,500.
• Extra damage charges: Canyon lists a $500 rollover charge, a $300 machine-recovery charge, and renter responsibility for damaged parts.
• Late cancellation: Canyon charges 50% for cancellations within seven days and 100% for same-day cancellations, including reductions in the number of machines.

Photograph the body panels, wheels, tires, roof, and undercarriage before departure. Ask the employee to record existing damage on the agreement rather than relying only on your phone photos.

Ride Within The Marked Trail System

Custer Gallatin National Forest permits motor vehicles only on designated routes shown for the correct vehicle class and season. A route missing from the current Motor Vehicle Use Map is closed to public motorized travel, even when an unmarked track appears passable.

The Forest Service explains vehicle-width classes, seasonal allowances, and legal motorized routes on the Custer Gallatin motor vehicle maps page. Use the latest map together with the rental operator’s programmed GPS route and check-in instructions.

A Big Sky rental also does not permit off-road driving inside Yellowstone National Park. National Park Service rules prohibit off-road motor-vehicle travel there, so plan Yellowstone as a separate trip in a highway-legal vehicle.

Stay on the assigned route, reduce speed around hikers and horses, and stop for wildlife from a distance. Leaving the marked track damages vegetation and may make the renter responsible for recovery, repairs, or enforcement penalties.

Pack For Dust, Wind, And Fast Weather Changes

Big Sky’s mountain weather can shift from sun to cold wind or rain during a single rental period. The high portion of Buck Ridge sits close to 10,000 feet, where temperatures can feel much colder than at the rental office.

• Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes with firm soles.
• Carry a warm layer and a waterproof shell, even on a clear morning.
• Bring water and compact snacks in a soft bag that can be secured.
• Use sunscreen and lip protection because the upper route has exposed sections.
• Leave alcohol and glass bottles behind; Canyon specifically prohibits both.
• Download directions before arrival because cell coverage can weaken away from Highway 191.

Arrive early enough for paperwork, fitting, and the safety briefing. Summit requests check-in 30 minutes before the scheduled departure, and arriving late may reduce actual riding time.

Where To Stay For An Early Departure

A hotel in Big Sky or along the local Highway 191 corridor makes an early ride easier than commuting from central Bozeman. Confirm the operator’s exact check-in address because companies may run separate Big Sky and Bozeman-area locations.

Summit’s Big Sky site is on Gallatin Road, while other activity meeting points may sit farther south or closer to the mountain. Compare lodging locations against the rental office and the rest of your plans here:

Pick The Right Rental For Your Group

The right Big Sky side-by-side rental depends on route access first, then group size and financial risk. Choose a narrow two-seat machine for the four-hour Buck Ridge ride; choose a larger machine when keeping the group together matters more than reaching the narrow ridge trail.

• Lowest posted base price: Canyon’s two-seat, two-hour rental at $250 per machine.
• More mountain time: A four-hour two-seat rental, listed at $325 by Canyon and $335 before extra fees by Summit.
• Family or larger group: A four-seat or six-seat two-hour machine, after checking passenger height and route limits.
• Younger licensed driver: Canyon permits drivers from age 16 when someone aged 21 or older is in the rental group.
• Lower damage exposure: Compare the deductible, rollover fee, recovery charge, and optional protection rather than choosing only by base price.

Reserve the two-seat four-hour option when Buck Ridge is the priority. Reserve the larger two-hour option when seating, an enclosed cab, or an easier first ride matters more than ridge access.