Hikes near Bozeman & Big Sky

Hyalite Canyon (East Fork)

• DifficultyEasy (paved, accessible to viewing area)
• Distance~1.1–1.2 mi
• Elevation gain~250–270 ft

Paved half-mile nature trail to a tall waterfall pouring over basalt cliffs; picnic tables and accessible vault toilet.

Season: Late May–Dec (vehicles); winter access on skis/snowshoes after Jan 1

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Hyalite Canyon (Hyalite Creek TH, end of main road)

• DifficultyEasy (wide, accessible trail)
• Distance~2.5 mi
• Elevation gain~280–290 ft

Gentle walk up Hyalite Creek to a pretty cascade—great with kids; in winter the area is an ice-climbing hub.

Season: Mid-May–March (road plowed to Grotto lot until Mar 31)

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Hyalite Canyon

• DifficultyStrenuous (full day, 8–9 hrs)
• Distance~15 mi
• Elevation gain~3,250–3,500 ft

Classic 'waterfall trail' passing Grotto, Silken Skein and many more falls and on to the Hyalite Peak summit with big views.

Season: July–September (snow often lingers into mid-July)

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Bridger foothills (MT-86)

• DifficultyModerate–steep (short)
• Distance~1 (steep route) / longer switchback route available mi
• Elevation gain~750 ft

Bozeman's signature quick hike to the giant white 'M' with views over the Gallatin Valley.

Season: Year-round (icy in winter—traction recommended)

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Bridger Canyon (across from the M)

• DifficultyModerate
• Distance~2.1–2.3 (loop) mi
• Elevation gain~700 ft

Forested switchback loop with valley and Bridger Range viewpoints—quieter than the M.

Season: Year-round

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North Bridger foothills

• DifficultyModerate
• Distance~4–6.8 depending on turnaround mi
• Elevation gain~1,600–1,850 ft

Forest drainage climb to a popular overlook (~2 mi) and on to the Bridger Foothills Trail (~3.1 mi); the closest real mountain hike to Belgrade.

Season: Spring–fall (usable in winter with traction)

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Gallatin Canyon (US-191)

• DifficultyModerate
• Distance~5.2–6 mi
• Elevation gain~1,600 ft

Steady climb along Cascade Creek to a striking mountain lake—one of the area's most popular hikes (busy on weekends).

Season: June–October

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Gallatin Canyon (Storm Castle Rd)

• DifficultyStrenuous (steep switchbacks)
• Distance~5 mi
• Elevation gain~1,800–2,300 ft

Short but steep climb to a rocky summit with a bird's-eye view down the Gallatin Canyon.

Season: May–October

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Big Sky

• DifficultyEasy
• Distance~1.6 mi
• Elevation gain~150–400 (sources vary) ft

Well-built family trail in Big Sky to a lovely waterfall.

Season: Year-round

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Big Sky (Moonlight area)

• DifficultyModerate
• Distance~6.6–7.2 mi
• Elevation gain~1,500–1,700 ft

High alpine basin hike near Big Sky; managed jointly by BSCO and the Forest Service.

Season: July–September

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Bridger Range

• DifficultyStrenuous (steep)
• Distance~4.3–4.8 mi
• Elevation gain~1,930–2,030 ft

Short, steep route to the 9,665-ft high point of the Bridger Range.

Season: July–September

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Bridger Range – Fairy Lake to the M

• DifficultyVery strenuous / experts only; shuttle needed
• Distance~19.9 one-way (Bridger Ridge Run course) mi
• Elevation gain— ft

The iconic ridgeline of the Bridgers, famous for the annual Bridger Ridge Run; exposed, rocky and long—for fit, experienced hikers.

Season: Late July–September

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Paradise Valley (Absaroka Range)

• DifficultyEasy–moderate
• Distance~2.4–3.2 mi
• Elevation gain~380–740 (sources vary) ft

Forest walk to a tall waterfall; continue (much steeper) to Pine Creek Lake for a big day.

Season: May–October

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