My Favorite Hikes in Bozeman
I have a little secret to share. Despite the enthusiasm received on my weighted vest, I am not a person who loves working out. When I moved to Montana, I started hiking. It was like uncovering a treasure trove of nature’s best gifts - and has been my way of tricking myself into getting a great workout ever since. The trails are my meditation rooms, and now that we are in full swing of summer, I’ve been revisiting my list of favorite hikes in/around Bozeman to make sure I check them all off for a visit.
Here’s my little guide to Bozeman’s best trails (IMO). I take Milo and Noodle with me about 2-3 times a week. I’m often solo but usually wrangle a friend or two to join me on at least one outing.
My 8 Favorite Bozeman Hikes
Peets Hill/Burke Park
Distance: Approximately 1.7 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Early mornings at Peets Hill are my favorite. With a warm cup of coffee in hand, the trail offers a peaceful yet invigorating start to the day. Stretching from one end of Bozeman to the other, Peets Hill provides sweeping panoramic views of the city and the surrounding landscapes. It’s a favorite spot for locals, and your dogs, if they recall well, can roam off-leash to their heart's content.
2. Lava Lake
Distance: 6 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Arrive early at the trailhead for good parking. The trail meanders through the forest, gently taking you upwards until you reach Lava Lake. Pack a breakfast or lunch to enjoy by the lakeside once you get there! And if you go in mid to late summer you’ll likely be able to pick and enjoy some huckleberries along the trail.
3. Sypes Canyon
Distance: 5 miles (round trip) to the junction with Bridger Ridge Trail; 10 miles (one way) to the College M Trail.
Difficulty: Moderate
I usually hike to the junction with the Bridger Ridge Trail and back (5 miles). But for those seeking a more extended adventure, you can connect and hike through to the College M Trail. If you go this route, I recommend coordinating with a friend to drop a car at the end. The trail offers dramatic mountain and valley views and is totally worth it!
4. Storm Castle Peak
Distance: 5 miles
Difficulty: Difficult
Storm Castle Peak is a steep ascent that rewards you with some of the best views of the Lee Metcalf Wilderness looking down the river towards Big Sky and West Yellowstone. Go early to beat the heat and the crowds. I always aim to start at the trailhead by 7am!
5. Drinking Horse Hill Trail
Distance: 2.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
This is a great midweek hike as the weekends get busy. The trail has good water access for dogs and plenty of shade, perfect for those hot summer days. I prefer hiking up the left side of the loop for a heart-pumping incline and then savoring the views on the descent down the right side.
6. Triple Tree Trail
Distance: 5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Situated on the edge of the Gallatin Forest, Triple Tree is my favorite way to start a weekend in town. The trail offers access to water for dogs and a canopy of shade, so it’s a pleasant hike throughout the summer months and there is always a new array of wildflowers throughout the season. My favorite go-to hike!
7. Sourdough/Bozeman Creek
Distance: 10 miles to Mystic Lake; but this one is commonly hiked 6-7 miles (round trip)
Difficulty: Moderate
Sourdough has a special place in my heart year-round. In the winter, I ski here, and in the summer and fall, it becomes a hiking haven. Sometimes, I push myself to go all the way to Mystic Lake, but typically, I hike 3-3.5 miles in before turning back around. The wide path and gradual incline are perfect to hike with a friend and the creek along the way offers water for thirsty dogs.
8. North Cottonwood
Distance: 6 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
This one is for the wildflower lovers! North Cottonwood is enchanting, especially in late June and early July. While this trail once offered a loop, it now ends at a restricted section due to new private ownership (boo!). However, it’s still a good one that I love doing with the pups. The trail winds through shaded areas and provides good water access for dogs and though the final stretch may be closed, the hike itself is bountiful and a decent incline up.
I hope this list was a fun mini Bozeman guide for you. If you want to check out some more of my itineraries you can get my guide to Scotland and London too! Also, if you’re in the Bozeman area and looking for a hiking buddy to try one of these trails let me know!
