You could spend half a lifetime exploring the forests, lakes, and granite peaks of the Gallatin, Madison, and Bridger ranges around Bozeman, Montana. Luckily, the heavy footwork has been done for you; you can experience the very best Montana has to offer on these spirit-restoring hikes.
Bozeman is geared firmly towards the great outdoors. Between June and October, you will share the trails with mountain bikers, fly fishers, horse packers, and eager trekkers. However, with so much wilderness available in this stunning corner of Montana, solitude and beauty are only a short hike away. Here is a selection of the best hikes around Bozeman to get you started.
The M
Best Easy Detour from Downtown
3 miles (4.8km) round trip, 90 mins, elevation gain 850ft (259m), easy to moderate
The short uphill walk to the Montana State University “M” etched into the suburban hills north of Bozeman is the most popular hike in town and a classic choice if you are tight on time. Two dog-friendly trails lead up from the trailhead: the right-hand path is steep and direct, while the left-hand path follows gentler switchbacks and is around a mile longer. You can combine the two for a satisfying loop.
Forty minutes of puffing will reward you with expansive views over Bozeman and the snow-capped Gallatin Mountains beyond. Consequently, if this taster leaves you wanting more, trails continue up the Bridger ridgeline to 8914ft (2717m) Baldy Mountain for a total return hike of 9.5 miles (15.3km).
A local tip: If the parking lot is full (as it often is), head across the road to the larger Drinking Horse Trailhead, where you will often find space.
Sacagawea Peak
Best for Exhilarating Ridgeline Views
4.5 miles (7.2km) round trip, 3 hours, elevation gain 2100ft (640m), moderate to strenuous
Most hikers head south from Bozeman towards Yellowstone, so you can buck the trend by heading northeast into the less-visited Bridger range. A rough drive up Fairy Lake Rd (Forest Road #74) will drop you near the trailhead camping ground and a gorgeous turquoise lake (bookmark this for a deliciously frigid dip on your return).
The trail climbs immediately, rising through meadows of blazing paintbrush flowers and up lung-busting switchbacks to reveal high saddle views. Keep an eye out for Montana’s iconic (and somewhat comical) white-tufted mountain goats while soaking up the immense scenery.
The final section is a dramatic ridge walk onto the uplifted slab of 9654ft (2943m) Sacagawea Peak, named in honor of the Shoshone woman who guided Lewis and Clark through the valleys west of Bozeman.
Hyalite Creek Trail
Best for Waterfalls and Lakeshore Views
11 miles (17.7km) round trip, 5 hours, elevation gain 2000ft (607m), moderate
To experience the rugged wonders of the Gallatin Range south of Bozeman, drive past the paddleboarders at Hyalite Reservoir and head to the Hyalite Creek trailhead. Over 5 miles (8km) of gradual ascent, you will pass 11 breathtaking waterfalls and gain stunning views of the glacially-carved, U-shaped valley. Moreover, there’s a decent chance of spotting elk, bears, and even bighorn sheep. Arrive at dramatic Hyalite Lake ready for the perfect lakeshore picnic.
Fit hikers can continue for 2.5 miles (4km) up zigzagging switchbacks to reach 10,295ft (3138m) Hyalite Peak, scoring epic 360-degree views of Lone Mountain, the Paradise Valley, and the Gallatin Crest Trail.
Lava Lake
Best Gallatin Day Hike
6 miles (9.7km) round trip, 3–4 hours, elevation gain 1600ft (488m), moderate
Leading south from Bozeman towards Yellowstone National Park, the beautiful Gallatin Canyon is lined with tempting side trails; the most popular leads to Lava Lake. The trail follows rushing Cascade Creek through pine forest and lush meadows before opening into a gorgeous mountain-fringed bowl, part of the protected Lee Metcalf Wilderness.
This area offers exhilarating paddling and trout fishing at the lake, making it an easy overnight camping trip, though fires are banned within half a mile of the shoreline. The Lava Lake Trailhead is a 30-minute drive from Bozeman, southwest on Hwy 191. Exercise caution where the trailhead road joins the fast-moving traffic on the highway.
Beehive Basin
Best for Big Sky Views and Microbrews
6.5 miles (10.5km) round trip, 3–4 hours, elevation gain 1500ft (457m), easy to moderate
Located 50 miles southwest of Bozeman, our favorite hike at Big Sky climbs through a stunning glacier-carved cirque to two alpine lakes that sublimely mirror the dramatic gneiss walls of the Spanish Peaks behind. You will enjoy views of pyramid-shaped Lone Mountain—a destination for summer hiking—before winter cloaks its slopes with Montana’s best ski runs.
Pick up a gourmet picnic lunch en route to the trailhead and round off a perfect Montana day with a post-hike microbrew at a local brewery, aptly named after this very hike.
Spanish Peaks
Best for Sublime Backcountry Camping
15–25 miles (24–40km), 2–3 days, strenuous
If you’re looking for a classic multi-day backpacking trip, consider the rugged and dramatic journey to Spanish Peaks, which are hidden deep in the Madison range southwest of Bozeman. A stunning group of mountain lakes gather at the base of 11,000ft (3350m) peaks, where valleys thrive with wildlife such as mountain goats, deer, elk, bears, marmots, and rabbits.
There are dozens of gorgeous lakes to explore. The most popular route leads directly to the four Spanish Lakes, with an optional detour to Mirror Lake. To extend the trek, you may also wish to include Jerome Rock Lakes and Lake Solitude or find your own unnamed tarn, set up camp for the night, and admire the alpine glow on the rocks above.
Tips for Hiking in Bozeman, Montana
- Visit the Custer Gallatin National Forest office in western Bozeman before a hike for the latest information on trail closures, fire conditions, and bear sightings.
- Remember that Montana is grizzly bear country; carry bear spray, know how to use it, and keep it accessible at all times while hiking.
- If you lack gear, local outdoor shops in Bozeman sell the essentials, including bear spray, bug spray, local topo maps, and hiking guides.
- Montana’s mountains experience four seasons in one day; always pack warm clothing, a dry base layer, and a sun hat.
- Don’t rely on cell coverage in the mountains; inform someone of your hiking plans and expected return time.
This content was last updated on July 8, 2024.
