Corbly Gulch Trail

Length: 8 miles (round-trip to most popular turnaround)
Duration: 2-3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 1,500 feet 
Activities: Mountain biking, hiking, trail running
Crowds: Light to moderate traffic

About
This popular mountain-biking, hiking, and running trail on the west side of the Bridgers has spectacular views of the valley. After the trail re-route in 2015, Corbly now has a wider, more comfortable singletrack that travels through forests and meadows. The trail parallels, and crosses, its namesake creek, which flows from the west slope of Sacagawea Peak. If you're biking, you'll encounter some tight switchbacks that eventually land you in a wide-open meadow after the second creek crossing, which is the most popular turnaround point. Carry bear spray.

Other Routes
For a longer trek, the "old" trail climbs 4 more miles and 2,000 feet until it reaches "Bridger Divide," which sits just below the saddle between Sacagawea and Hardscrabble peaks. From there you can climb up Sac or Hardscrabble, or even drop into Fairy Lake for a swim. 

Seasonal Conditions
Like most Montana mountain trails, Corbly often holds snow well into spring, but dries up quickly when summer hits. Watch out for hunters in the fall. 

Directions
Head up Springhill and turn right on Springhill Community Rd. After a mile or so, you'll reach Corbly Gulch Rd.; turn left. Continue to the posted trailhead access on the left; then park along the road or—if you have a high-clearance vehicle—continue to the trailhead. From the area along the road most people park at, it's another mile to the trailhead. The access road crosses private property, so be respectful. The road is often impassible in wet or snowy conditions. 

Corbly Gulch Trail map, Outside Bozeman

Map courtesy of Robert Stone's Day Hikes Around Bozeman, Montana.

45.8615964, -111.034114