Traveling to Bozeman and hoping to do a few hikes while you are there? The great news is that there is an extensive trail system in the town itself as well as in the surrounding areas.
What to bring with you for your hike:
Bear spray: This is especially important regardless of where you are hiking in or around Bozeman. You can buy this at any outdoor store in the area as well as at Costco. Also, make sure you know how to use it before heading off on your hike. Just make sure you don't try and bring it with you on the plane when you are ready to leave. This is the spray I have.
Good shoes: Make sure you bring good shoes to hike in. While Birkenstocks or converse may sound like a good idea, broken in tennis shoes or hiking boots will make your feet thank you in the long run. Oboz are amazing and the company is out of Bozeman!
Water: Montana gets HOT in the summer and it is really dry, so water is pertinent when hiking. You do not want to get dehydrated while on the trails
A jacket: While it may be hot when you start your hike, Montana weather is unpredictable and bringing a jacket, even a light one, will make sure you don't get cold if you are stuck in a storm. I have one from Nike that can be packed into the pocket and thrown in my hiking bag without taking up too much space or adding much weight.
Now that you are all geared up, let's go over some hiking etiquette.
Stay on the trail system. Don't put yourself or others in danger by wandering off the trail and getting lost!
Move out of the way for bikers. It is easier for you to step off the trail for a second than it is for them.
Pick up after your dog (so don't forget poop bags!)
If your dog does not have good recall, keep them on a leash.
DO NOT approach or feed wildlife (see bear spray tip above)
If you are listening to music on the trail, keep it quiet enough that you aren't disturbing others on the trail who are trying to enjoy nature. Better yet, put headphones in!
Painted Hills Trail
If you are looking for an easy trek, this 2.1 mile in-and-out trail is fantastic! Going in late spring, when the mud is dried out and the flowers are in full-bloom makes this trail live-up to its name.
This is also a great trail if you are interested in mountain biking while in Bozeman as well. With that being said, make sure you are moving out of the way for those that are biking (see etiquette tip above).
If you are interested in a longer hike, but also want to do Painted Hills, the Painted Hills to Triple Tree Trail is the perfect choice for you!
Triple Tree
You can either start this trail at the upper or lower trailhead OR you can start at the Painted Hills Trailhead and make the hike quite a bit longer. If you plan on the former, this hike is around 5.5 miles out-and-back whereas the latter is around 13 miles out-and-back. Animals frequent this trail (mountain lions and bears), so bring your bear spray. Dogs are allowed on this trail, but again, if they do not have good recall, please keep them on leash as this is a popular trail for people and their pets.
Sacajawea Peak
Probably my favorite hike I have ever done, Sacajawea Peak is not for the faint of heart. This trail begins at Fairy Lake and ends at, you guessed it, Sacajawea Peak. This trail is approximately 5 miles out-and-back and you will gain nearly 2,000 feet of elevation. The road to this trailhead is not the best, so a vehicle with a higher clearance is needed to make it. The first section of the trail is shaded with trees, but as you close in on the peak, you will be in the open, so make sure to bring sunscreen and plenty of water. The last section of the trail is very rocky, so watch your step and bring good footwear.
If you are lucky, you may see a mountain goat or two on your way up. This trail is very popular, so finding parking may be tricky if you don't show up early in the day. Since the elevation is so high, the trail isn't accessible until June, but it could be later depending on the snow melt. It's best to hike this trail between June and October and it is so worth it when you get to the top and take in the views.
The M Trail
This trail is perfect for anyone visiting Bozeman that wants to see the town from above. There are three ways to make it to the M that all start at the trailhead. The steep trail is the shortest path to the M, but also gains elevation the fastest. The M Shortcut Trail is an offshoot of the normal trail that cuts through some rocks and gains elevation slightly faster than the normal trail. And finally, the normal trail is perfect for a nice, leisurely stroll to the M that isn't too strenuous and has plenty of benches to stop at on the way up when you may need a break. Regardless of the path you take, you will end up gaining around 950 feet of elevation. Like most of the trails in Bozeman, this is a popular one and you can almost be certain you will see a dog or two on your hike. With that being said, parking can be difficult as there are not a ton of parking spaces at the trailhead.
Drinking Horse Mountain Trail
Just across from the M Trail is Drinking Horse Mountain Trail. This trail is a 2-mile loop that has an elevation gain of around 650 feet.
There isn't a ton of tree coverage on one half of the loop, so make sure to bring sun protection. Dogs and their humans frequent this trail and it is also a great one for kids since it isn't too long or strenuous. The views from the top are breathtaking and you are able to look out over the Gallatin Valley for miles and miles. This trail is kind of rocky, so choose your footwear accordingly.
South Cottonwood Creek Trail
This trail is a 5 mile, out-and-back trail that gains just under 550 feet of elevation. This is a popular trail for people with their dogs, horseback riding, and hiking. There is a creek that runs along this trail once you are approximately a mile in, which allows you and your pups to cool down before heading on or turning around. I really like this trail because you can go as far as you'd like and turn around, so if you only want to go to the first creek access and turn around, it is really easy to do so. Since this is an easy trail, hiking boots are not necessary and tennis shoes will suffice. If you go earlier in the spring, you may want to bring some yak-tracks or microspikes as the trail can be really slick in some areas.
Sypes Canyon
This 9.2 mile out-and-back trail is seen as moderately challenging with an elevation gain of nearly 3,000 feet. This trail is best hiked between June and October due to road closures up to the trailhead, although you can use this trail year-round, but microspikes would be best if you are planning on hiking in the winter months.
Many hikers choose to continue to Mount Baldy from this trail, but if you choose not to, that is not a worry as there is an overlook approximately 2-miles in with fantastic views of the Gallatin Valley below.
Mount Ellis Trail
A challenging trail in the Bozeman community is Mount Ellis Trail. This 10 mile out-and-back trail gains over 3,000 feet of elevation. While this trail isn't as heavily trafficked, it is still a great option for a hike in the area! Dogs are allowed on the trail, so bring your furry friend along for the journey! Be aware of your surroundings because there are quite a few animals around this trail.
Mount Baldy
If you are up for a challenge, Mount Baldy, or Baldy Peak Summit, is the trail to hike. This trail is nearly 10 miles out-and-back with an elevation gain of almost 5,000 feet. This trail has very little shade, so bring your sun protection.
According to Outside Bozeman, the peak is rather windy, so they recommend weighing your hat (and dog) down to prevent any accidents. Once you hit the summit, the views are breathtaking and you definitely deserve a pat on the back for reaching the top.
Honorable Mentions:
Gallagator Trail
A great trail for those that aren't looking for an uphill battle, but still want a 1-1.5 mile leisurely walk. This trail follows an old railway line and is a fantastic route to get from Montana State University to Downtown.
Peets Hill/Burke Park
A popular location to sled, walk your dogs, or jog, Peets Hill, as called by the locals, is another popular trail in the city of Bozeman that has a round-trip length of 1-2 miles. If you are in Bozeman during the 4th of July, make the trek up Peets Hill, take a seat, and watch the fireworks explode over the city for hours on end. Part of this trail also goes through the Gallatin Art Crossing Sculpture Park.
Highland Glen Nature Preserve
This moderate trail can take you anywhere from 1-5 miles to complete. This trail is frequented by mountain bikers in the summer and cross country skiers in the winter. If you are bringing your dog, please keep them on leash due to the high number of wildlife that is present along the trail.
Glen Lake Rotary Park
Bozeman Beach, as the locals call it, is another great area in the Bozeman community for an easy walk. The loop will bring you 1.7 miles and is popular for birding, jogging, and walking. Unfortunately, pups are not allowed on this trail, so you will have to leave them behind if you plan to meander to this trail.
Keep an eye out for more hiking trail guides in the near future and as summer comes closer.
Travel on!
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