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Need to blow off some steam or just get out in the hills for a quick nature fix? There's no lack of hiking and biking trails around Bozeman—within 20 miles you'll find enough hiking to keep you busy for years of Sundays. Because most trails head into the mountains, be ready for some up and down, and plan on rocky, rugged conditions underfoot. Also be ready for sweeping views of the Gallatin Valley and six different mountain ranges. No matter where you go, be sure to leave the land and the trail in as good, or better, shape than you found them. And keep exploring—there is a lot of incredible backcountry in Montana. Taking you away from civilization and toward a collection of mountain peaks, waterfalls, streams, and lakes, the trails of southwestern Montana are an adventurist's paradise. Starting near your home and taking you as far as you like, here is an in-depth collection of the trails throughout our region.
Trail details adapted from Day Hikes Around Bozeman Montana.
The East Gallatin Recreation Area on Bozeman’s north side contains some of the valley’s most popular trails—residents come to immerse themselves in the beauty of the river, its shimmering green cottonwood and aspen forest, and its cascade of birdsong. Read more >>
Trying to pick the best places to run near Bozeman is a little like trying to decide between ice cream and candy—they're all so good! So when the editors asked me which five I thought were the best, I had some thinking to do. Long or short? Hilly or flat? Read more >>
Biking Trails
Directions: From Bozeman, drive west on interstate 90 to the highway 287 exit west of Three Forks. Drive south on high way 2/287 and continue on highway 2 west along the Jefferson River until you reach Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park. Parking will be on the north side of the highway. Read more >>
Bozeman Creek Trail (a.k.a Sourdough Canyon Road) is an old logging road that parallels Bozeman Creek. Bozeman Creek Trail's proximity to town and easy grade makes this a popular hiking, biking and cross country skiing route. Read more >>
The Triple Tree Trail is a short drive south of Bozeman. The trail begins on a grassy ridge, crosses limestone creek several times and loops through state land on the northwest slope of Mount Ellis. There is a steep climb to the summit offering great views of the Gallatin Valley. Read more >>
Chestnut Mountain Trail climbs 2200 feet in 4.6 miles past the spectacular Frog Rock pinnacles to the ridge of Chestnut Mountain. At 1.2 miles, a one-mile spur trail traverses west providing climbing access and a spectacular hike or bike ride to the base of Frog Rock. Read more >>
The Story Hills sit on the northeast corner of Bozeman. The privately owned property is open for recreation to the public during daylight hours. This is great in-town biking, running or dog walking destination with nice views of the Gallatin Valley. Read more >>Skiing Trails
One winter morning, after spending the night at the Old Faithful Snow Lodge in the middle of Yellowstone, I woke early for a short solo ski tour. The boardwalks around the Upper Geyser Basin were still covered in a thin layer of snow. No one was around. Read more >>Bozeman Creek Trail (a.k.a Sourdough Canyon Road) is an old logging road that parallels Bozeman Creek. Bozeman Creek Trail's proximity to town and easy grade makes this a popular hiking, biking and cross country skiing route. Read more >>
Bozeman is a winter wonderland, and there are lots of opportunities in and around town to get out and enjoy it. With the help of Bozeman’s Parks and Rec Department, here are some fun activities at your local parks this winter. In-Town Nordic Trails Read more >>
Bear Canyon is a stream-fed canyon that drains between Mount Ellis and Chestnut Mountain southeast of Bozeman. The Bear Canyon trail follows Bear Creek up the lush, shady canyon and eventually to the Bear Lakes. Read more >>
Located just south of Bozeman past the Hyalite Reservoir, Hyalite Creek Trail is a great place for a scenic hike. Read more >>Hiking Trails
Directions: From Bozeman, drive west on interstate 90 to the highway 287 exit west of Three Forks. Drive south on high way 2/287 and continue on highway 2 west along the Jefferson River until you reach Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park. Parking will be on the north side of the highway. Read more >>Bozeman Creek Trail (a.k.a Sourdough Canyon Road) is an old logging road that parallels Bozeman Creek. Bozeman Creek Trail's proximity to town and easy grade makes this a popular hiking, biking and cross country skiing route. Read more >>
Pine Creek Lake is a pristine alpine lake in a huge basin sitting in the glacial cirque on the north slope of Mount Black. The trail is well defined meanders through forest en route to the base of Pine Creek Falls. Read more >>
The Lava Lake Trail follows Cascade Creek through a thick evergreen forest. The trail begins at the Gallatin River and continues past a few waterfalls to a forest-lined lake surrounded by granite walls with the Spanish Peaks in the distance. Read more >>
Storm Castle Peak is a rocky peak that rises 7,170 feet atop the east wall of the Gallatin Canyon. Read more >>
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