Rugged mountain ranges, beautiful forests, and turquoise lakes makes the perfect backdrop for the best Bozeman hikes. Bozeman really is heaven for nature enthusiasts. The college town boasts a lively population of around 50,000, rests on the doorstep of Custer Gallatin National Forest, and is under two hours from Yellowstone National Park.

For avid and beginning trekkers, there are dozens of exciting hikes just minutes from Bozeman. Whether you’re searching for a quick jaunt through the woods or a challenging climb to the mountaintops, there’s a hike that’ll satisfy your adventurous spirit. I’ve gathered 15 of my favorite hikes in the Bozeman area that will appeal to a wide range of hikers.

Some hikes are just a few miles from town, and others require a little drive to the nearby wilderness. Regardless of your skill level, I’m sure there are multiple hikes that you can conquer during your Montana vacation. Read about each of these Bozeman hikes and start preparing for your hiking expedition.

 

15 Best Bozeman Hikes

Drinking Horse Mountain Trail | Triple Tree Trail | Bear Canyon Trail | Emerald Lake and Heather Lake Trail | Hyalite Peak | M Trail | Champagne Falls | Bozeman Creek Trail | Bangtail Divide Trail | Mount Ellis Trail | Chestnut Mountain to Frog Rock Trail | History Rock Trail | Sacagawea Peak | Mount Blackmore via Blackmore Trail | Sypes Canyon |

 

1. Drinking Horse Mountain Trail

• Distance: 2.1 miles
• Type of Trail: Loop
• Difficulty: Moderate

Just under five miles from downtown Bozeman, the Drinking Horse Mountain Trail is a steep climb that’s popular among residents. The loop is only two miles, but the 656 feet of elevation gain provides stunning views of the Gallatin Valley and Bridger Canyon. Although rated moderate, the path is doable for novice trekkers.

Since Drinking Horse is one of Bozeman’s busiest trails, it’s a fantastic choice for a solo hiking trip. Don’t be surprised to find families, small children, and dogs using the trail alongside you. The path is well-marked, has beautiful wildflowers, and there’s a shaded bench at the top to enjoy the views.

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2. Triple Tree Trail

• Distance: 5.4 miles
• Type of Trail: Out & Back
• Difficulty: Moderate

For a longer trek that keeps you within the outskirts of Bozeman, the Triple Tree Trail may be up your alley. The trailhead is a 10-minute drive from downtown Bozeman and shared by hikers and mountain bikers. Families can bring their dogs, but they must remain leashed on the trail.

The path has a gradual incline, courses through grasslands, and takes you into the forest. Hiking alone isn’t recommended, but ensure you bring bear spray while hiking this trail. Beautiful wildflowers bloom during the spring and the foliage bursts with colors by fall. Even if hiking the trail in the summer heat, many areas offer shade for relief from the sun.

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3. Bear Canyon Trail

• Distance: 8.1 miles
• Type of Trail: Out & Back
• Difficulty: Moderate

Delving farther into the Bozeman wilderness, Bear Canyon Trail has lots of wildlife and meanders along a peaceful stream towards a lake. The path has a steady incline of nearly 1,500 feet and has beautiful overlooks before you reach the Bear Lakes. There are ATVs and dirt bikes that share the trail, and it can become muddy at times.

Don’t forget your bear spray since many bears live inside the surrounding forest and watch the ground for snakes. To make this a full-day adventure, pack a lunch and fishing gear to relax around the waterways. The mountain and forest backdrop behind the lakes are a peaceful sanctuary to connect with nature.

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4. Emerald Lake and Heather Lake Trail

• Distance: 10.5 miles
• Type of Trail: Out & Back
• Difficulty: Moderate

The road to reach the trailhead is difficult, but the craggy peaks and sparkling lakes make it worth the journey. There’s moderate elevation gain throughout the 10.5-mile trail, but a series of switchbacks help you along the way. Wildlife is tame compared to other trails in the Bozeman area, but there are stunning mountain vistas and beautiful wildflowers. Bug spray is essential if you decide to hike the path during the summer.

Parts of the trail follow a creek, and there is lots of shade to keep cool on a scorching afternoon. The views around Emerald Lake are spectacular as rugged peaks tower above the crystal-clear waters. You might bump into mountain bikers around the lake, but there’s lots of space to hang out. Follow the trail the extra mile to Heather Lake for more astonishing lakeside views and extra solitude.

 

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5. Hyalite Peak

• Distance: 16.2 miles
• Type of Trail: Out & Back
• Difficulty: Hard

For experienced trekkers looking for a challenge, Hyalite Peak is one of the most difficult hikes in the Bozeman area. Hyalite Peak stands at roughly 10,300 feet and overlooks the Hyalite Basin. The trail features commanding views of the Gallatin and Bridger ranges and makes numerous tributary crossings. Wearing the proper hiking boots is imperative in case you encounter slippery rocks on the trail.

Not only popular among hikers, the Hyalite Peak Trail attracts trail runners, campers, and horseback riders. The 25-mile drive from Bozeman to the trailhead takes you through Hyalite Canyon and passes the stunning Hyalite Reservoir. With an elevation gain of nearly 3,800 feet, it’s a steady climb to Hyalite Peak.

The trail rewards you with beautiful scenery around every turn that includes craggy peaks, rocky cliffs, waterfalls, and meadows. You’ll notice that the amount of traffic sharply decreases after Hyalite Lake due to the trail becoming more difficult.

 

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6. M Trail

• Distance: 1.9 miles
• Type of Trail: Loop
• Difficulty: Moderate

Possibly the most famous Bozeman hike, the M Trail is only about five miles from downtown. Although the loop is less than two miles, it makes a steep climb of greater than 800 feet to reach an “M” etched into the landscape. Wildflowers adorn the hillside, and you’ll gain remarkable views of the valley and distant mountain ranges. Many locals use the path to walk their dog, workout, and other recreational activities.

If the sharp ascent to the M is too difficult for you, there is another route that isn’t as steep. Families often bring their children, mountain bikers ride up the hill, and trail runners use the climb for an intense run. The descent can be challenging for inexperienced hikers due to its steepness and loose rocks.

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7. Champagne Falls

• Distance: 6.3 miles
• Type of Trail: Out & Back
• Difficulty: Easy

If you like chasing waterfalls, the Champagne Falls Trail is a manageable path that passes several beautiful cascades. Part of the trail follows the route to Hyalite Peak, and you won’t find a trailhead marking for the waterfall. Although the side path to Champagne Falls isn’t challenging, there could be lots of snow if hiking in spring or early summer.

Before you reach Champagne Falls, you can hike to Silken Skein Falls, Arch Falls, and Grotto Falls. Arch Falls tumbles 20 feet on Hyalite Creek beneath a rocky arch, and Grotto Falls flows into serene swimming pools. Pay attention to your surroundings when reaching Champagne Falls since the path isn’t marked well.

 

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8. Bozeman Creek Trail

• Distance: 16.0 miles
• Type of Trail: Out & Back
• Difficulty: Moderate

The Bozeman Creek trailhead rests just south of town and runs along Bozeman Creek to Mystic Lake. Also known as Sourdough Canyon, the trail’s easy access from Bozeman make it one of the local favorites for all skill levels. The trail is used by hikers, mountain bikers, trail runners, campers, and cross-country skiers during winter.

Since the path is well-maintained and relatively flat, it’s popular among families and dog owners. Anglers who hike to Mystic Lake can spend the afternoon fishing for several types of trout. From Mystic Lake, check out the rustic Mystic Lake Cabin and watch for wildlife.

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9. Bangtail Divide Trail

• Distance: 9.5 miles
• Type of Trail: Out & Back
• Difficulty: Hard

The Bangtail Divide Trail is another worthy notch for advanced hikers to add their list of accomplishments. Completed in 2003, the trail has an elevation gain of over 2,000 feet and traverses through pine forests. The path contains several switchbacks, and some have steep inclines. Don’t forget your bear spray on this trail since bears have been spotted before.

As you climb uphill, you’ll have fantastic views of the Bridger Range and wildflowers carpeted across the landscape. The trail is also popular among mountain bikers, and you need to watch out for muddy spots. Whether you hike, run, or bike the path, the surrounding snow-capped peaks create a breathtaking backdrop.

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10. Mount Ellis Trail

• Distance: 10.1 miles
• Type of Trail: Out & Back
• Difficulty: Hard

The Mount Ellis Trail might have the most spectacular views of any trail on this list, but it takes a lengthy climb to reach them. With an elevation gain of over 3,100 feet, it’s a calf burner that’ll likely make you sore. The trailhead is only 7.2 miles from downtown Bozeman, and it’s easy to get an early start to your hike. If you have a dog that’s also up for the challenge, you can bring them if leashed.

Tackle this hike during spring, and you’ll find wildflowers and meadows dotting the landscape. The mountain vistas are incredible the entire journey but navigating the trail can be tricky for novice hikers. For inexperienced trekkers, consider stopping at Little Mount Ellis around the halfway point. The remaining path to Mount Ellis requires some bushwhacking to find, but the snowy mountain vistas are worth it.

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11. Chestnut Mountain to Frog Rock Trail

• Distance:  13.8 miles
• Type of Trail: Out & Back
• Difficulty: Moderate

Just 10 minutes east of Bozeman, the Chestnut Mountain trailhead offers sensational forest views. The path has an elevation gain of over 2,500 feet and has rich wildlife around every corner. There’s a sharp incline toward the beginning, and the trail opens to multiple options towards the end. Wear waterproof boots on this trail due to many small water crossings.

The path takes you deep into the forest but later provides views of granite rocks, grassy plains, and blooming wildflowers. If you’re an avid rock climber, there are some accessible spots near Frog Rock that offer impressive scenery. The only downside is that the trail’s initial areas can be crowded and noisy due to being located near the highway.

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12. History Rock Trail

• Distance: 2.8 miles
• Type of Trail: Out & Back
• Difficulty: Easy

Situated in Hyalite Canyon, History Rock Trail is a wonderful hike for all members of the family. It takes about a 40-minute drive to reach the trailhead, and the enormous rock makes a delightful spot for a picnic. Your dog can join the adventure but must be on a leash at all times.

The trail courses through meadows and the woods while making a marginal incline of about 700 feet. Once you reach History Rock, notice the engravings marked on the boulder. There are many bears in this area, and you should not hike alone and without bear spray. If you wish to continue past History Rock, the path opens to extraordinary views and doesn’t have much traffic.

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13. Sacagawea Peak

• Distance: 5.2 miles
• Type of Trail: Out & Back
• Difficulty: Hard

Navigating the road to Sacagawea Peak can be tricky, but the lakeside views are worth the effort. A 4WD vehicle may be needed to reach the trailhead, and the strenuous hike will test savvy trekkers. The trail has phenomenal scenery of nearby peaks, and the view from the top takes your breath away. You may run into mountain goats at the peak, but they’re usually harmless.

The trail becomes unstable at times, and trekking poles are advised for those with knee problems. Also, bring a jacket since the wind is often brutal when you’re admiring the unbelievable vistas. To cool off during a hot summer afternoon, dip your feet in the crystal-clear waters of Fairy Lake.

 

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14. Mount Blackmore via Blackmore Trail

• Distance: 10.8 miles
• Type of Trail: Out & Back
• Difficulty: Hard

Starting near the Hyalite Reservoir, Mount Blackmore is one of the toughest treks around Bozeman. The trail gains around 3,700 feet in elevation and pushes your muscles to the limit. Don’t forget your jacket for this hike since it can be extremely windy the higher you climb. The final stretch might be the toughest you’ll encounter, but the sweeping views are worth it. Rugged peaks soar into the sky and walking along the ridgeline makes you feel on top of the world.

There is loose gravel and dirt scattered along the trail, and it’s imperative to bring hiking boots with good traction. Bug spray would also come in handy on this trail, especially during summer. Before you reach higher elevations, parts of the trail traverse through the forest and past a small lake. You’ll likely find tons of wildlife in the wilderness, including bears and mountain goats.

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15. Sypes Canyon

• Distance: 6.2 miles
• Type of Trail: Out & Back
• Difficulty: Moderate

The Sypes Canyon trailhead is only a 15-minute drive north of Bozeman and popular among local families. With a moderate elevation gain of around 1,620 feet, it’s not too strenuous for children. Beautiful wildflowers bloom around the trail during spring, and the fall foliage is incredible. Bears frequent the area, and it’s crucial to have your bear spray handy.

The trail offers stunning views of the Bridger Range, and there are links to other trails that venture closer to the mountains. You’ll find plenty of shade to cool off during summer, and there is usually a nearby creek. In addition to hikers, mountain bikers, trail runners, and horseback riders share the trail.

 

Which hike will you try first, let me know below in the comments?