EXPLORE BOZEMAN for FREE
There are a variety of free scenic hikes around Bozeman for you and your family to enjoy, regardless of your time restraints or hiking ability. Choose the one that fits your preferences best.
The M
Located North of Bozeman, off Bridger Canyon Road, the M can be seen for miles. The Montana State University "M" was created by MSU students in 1915. The 250-foot whitewashed rock "M" has two routes; one more challenging and steep, and a second for the more mellow hiker. The left, more gradual ascent is the beginning of the Bridger Mountains National Recreation Trail, a 21-mile ridge route following the contours of the Bridger Range to Fairy Lake. Dogs are permitted on this trail.
Hiking Distance: 1.6 mile loop
Hiking Time: 1 hour
Elevation Gain: 850 feet
Directions: From Main Street in downtown Bozeman, head north on North Rouse Avenue 4.2 miles to the signed trailhead on the left. En route, the road curves and becomes Bridger Canyon Drive. Turn left into the trailhead parking lot.
Located North of Bozeman, off Bridger Canyon Road, the M can be seen for miles. The Montana State University "M" was created by MSU students in 1915. The 250-foot whitewashed rock "M" has two routes; one more challenging and steep, and a second for the more mellow hiker. The left, more gradual ascent is the beginning of the Bridger Mountains National Recreation Trail, a 21-mile ridge route following the contours of the Bridger Range to Fairy Lake. Dogs are permitted on this trail.
Hiking Distance: 1.6 mile loop
Hiking Time: 1 hour
Elevation Gain: 850 feet
Directions: From Main Street in downtown Bozeman, head north on North Rouse Avenue 4.2 miles to the signed trailhead on the left. En route, the road curves and becomes Bridger Canyon Drive. Turn left into the trailhead parking lot.
Drinking Horse Mountain
Located across the road from The M, Drinking Horse Mountain is named for it's shape- It looks just like a horse bending down for a drink of water. A short hike will take you to the Summit where there is a camping area and picnic table. Dogs are permitted on this trail.
Hiking Distance: 2.4 mile loop
Hiking Time: 1.5 hours
Elevation Gain: 700 ft
Directions: From Main Street in downtown Bozeman, head north on North Rouse Avenue. Drive 4.1 miles to the signed Bozeman Fish Technology Center on the right. Turn and drive 100 yards to the trailhead parking lot on the left. Cross the entrance road tot he trailhead kiosk, and walk through the lush, vegetated corridor. Zigzag downhill to a trail split. Continue straight, following the trail sign, cross the Kevin Mundy Memorial Bridge over Bridger Creek. Cross the dirt road to the Drinking Horse Mountain trail entrance.
Located across the road from The M, Drinking Horse Mountain is named for it's shape- It looks just like a horse bending down for a drink of water. A short hike will take you to the Summit where there is a camping area and picnic table. Dogs are permitted on this trail.
Hiking Distance: 2.4 mile loop
Hiking Time: 1.5 hours
Elevation Gain: 700 ft
Directions: From Main Street in downtown Bozeman, head north on North Rouse Avenue. Drive 4.1 miles to the signed Bozeman Fish Technology Center on the right. Turn and drive 100 yards to the trailhead parking lot on the left. Cross the entrance road tot he trailhead kiosk, and walk through the lush, vegetated corridor. Zigzag downhill to a trail split. Continue straight, following the trail sign, cross the Kevin Mundy Memorial Bridge over Bridger Creek. Cross the dirt road to the Drinking Horse Mountain trail entrance.
Bear Canyon Trail
Bear Canyon is a stream-fed canyon that drains between Mount Ellie and Chestnut Mountain southeast of Bozeman. The Bear Canyon Trail follows Bear Creek five miles up the lush, shady canyon to the Bear Lakes. This hike takes in the first 2.2 miles of the trail, which inclues several creek crossings and a one-mile loop. The trail stays close to the cascading waters of the creek, gaining relatively little elevation. Beyond the turn-around for thie hike, the Bear Canyon Trail climbs 1,400 feet to the Bear Lakes, which sit on a moist flat at 6,900 ft.
Hiking Distance: 4.4 mile loop
Hiking Time: 2.5 hours
Elevation Gain: 400 ft
Directions: From Bozeman, drive east on I-90 to the Bear Canyon Road exit, the first exit east of Bozeman. Turn right on Bozeman Trail Road and continue the 0.2 miles to Bear Canyon Road. Turn left and drive 3.6 miles to the trailhead parking lot on the left at the end of the road.
Bear Canyon is a stream-fed canyon that drains between Mount Ellie and Chestnut Mountain southeast of Bozeman. The Bear Canyon Trail follows Bear Creek five miles up the lush, shady canyon to the Bear Lakes. This hike takes in the first 2.2 miles of the trail, which inclues several creek crossings and a one-mile loop. The trail stays close to the cascading waters of the creek, gaining relatively little elevation. Beyond the turn-around for thie hike, the Bear Canyon Trail climbs 1,400 feet to the Bear Lakes, which sit on a moist flat at 6,900 ft.
Hiking Distance: 4.4 mile loop
Hiking Time: 2.5 hours
Elevation Gain: 400 ft
Directions: From Bozeman, drive east on I-90 to the Bear Canyon Road exit, the first exit east of Bozeman. Turn right on Bozeman Trail Road and continue the 0.2 miles to Bear Canyon Road. Turn left and drive 3.6 miles to the trailhead parking lot on the left at the end of the road.
CAN I BRING MY DOG?
Bozeman is a very dog friendly town, but please remember to keep your animals either on leash, or under control, at all times. Please do not forget to clean up after your pet both on trails and in town. Most trails allow dogs, but a few do not. Do your research before putting your animals, yourself or other hikers at danger.