Short on time? Browse trail guides for hikes closest to Bozeman, Montana — useful for quick morning hikes, after-work outings, and short-drive trailhead planning.
For the complete Bozeman best-hikes guide, start with the Bozeman hiking planner.
The "M"
13 min driveModerate
From just about any location in Bozeman & Belgrade you can spot the giant, white, collegiate-style "M" posted on the south side of Baldy Mountain in the Bridger Range. The "M", constructed entirely...
Sourdough / Bozeman Creek
15 min driveEasy to Moderate
Bozeman Creek Trail, otherwise known as Sourdough Canyon Trail, is the go-to hike for people who want to get outside without driving too far. The trail follows an old road grade along Bozeman Creek,...
Bridger Bowl To The Ridge
35 min driveStrenuous
This hike winds below the chairlifts of the Bridger Bowl Ski Area in one of the quickest routes to the ridge of the Bridger Mountains. Without wasting too much time, the trail begins a steep ascent...
Mount Blackmore
35 min driveStrenuous
If you're looking for a challenging day hike near Bozeman, Blackmore Peak is a great option. The trail starts out fairly easy through thick conifer forest and winds down to Blackmore Lake where you...
Garnet Mountain
36 min driveStrenuous
Garnet Mountain Trail is a steep but short hike that leads you to a fire lookout cabin that was built in 1962. The end of the hike provides panoramic views of the Spanish Peaks, the Gallatin Range...
Storm Castle Peak
36 min driveStrenuous
Storm Castle Peak is one of the most recognizable summit destinations in the Gallatin Canyon, about 26 miles south of Bozeman off Highway 191. The trail gains nearly 1,900 feet in 2.5 miles on a...
Lava Lake
37 min driveModerate
Lava Lake is one of the most popular family-friendly hike recommendations near Bozeman and Big Sky, and for good reason. The trail is located in the Spanish Peaks section of the Lee Metcalf...
Palisade Falls
42 min driveEasy
Palisade Falls is the short, paved waterfall hike near Bozeman that most people are looking for when they search Hyalite Canyon. The half-mile walk to the falls begins at the East Fork of Hyalite...
Grotto Falls
43 min driveEasy
Grotto Falls is located in Hyalite Canyon about 20 miles south of Bozeman, and it's the better waterfall hike in the canyon if you actually want to get in the water. The trail runs alongside Hyalite...
Hyalite Lake
43 min driveModerate
The Hyalite Lake trail is located just south of Bozeman and starts near the Hyalite reservoir.
The first four miles of the trail lead you through the thick pine forests of Hyalite Canyon. The lack...
Emerald and Heather Lakes
44 min driveModerate
For a day hike close to Bozeman that offers stunning scenery and ends with fishing and camping opportunities, look no further than Emerald and Heather Lakes. This trail will wind you along the East...
Fairy Lake To Sacagawea Peak
57 min driveStrenuous
Sacagawea Peak is located in the Gallatin National Forest and is the highest point in the Bridger Mountain Range sitting at 9,665 feet. You can reach the peak from several different trails, but the...
