The Crazy Mountains get overlooked. Most hikers from Bozeman head south toward the Gallatins or east to the Absarokas, and the Crazies stay quiet by comparison. Blue and Granite Lakes follow the Big Timber Creek drainage into a cirque that feels remote, especially after the tourist-heavy trails near town. The waterfall spur in the first mile is worth the five-minute detour, a wide cascade that most hikers walk right past.
The honest disclaimer is that the lakes themselves are harder to appreciate than the photos suggest. Private land cuts off most of the Granite Lake shoreline, and there is no maintained trail to Blue Lake. You are looking at both from a distance rather than standing at the water's edge. The real payoff here is the canyon itself, the creek, the rocky terrain, and the fact that you are standing in a part of Montana that most visitors never reach.
There's a big lot, but it can fill up. Plenty of gravel road to park on if need be.
There's a vault toilet at the parking lot as well as another in the campground loop.
This hike gets a lot of local weekend traffic.
There's roughly 15 miles of gravel heading west off US 191. Most of it is in pretty good shape, but a few of the miles are rough & rocky, though, I wouldn't hesitate to drive any car on it.
You won't have any phone service on this hike.
There are enough stream crossings (with bridges) for your pup to get plenty of water to drink, not to mention the lakes at the end of the hike. Be ready to pass plenty of other dogs along the way though.
87 Miles from Bozeman, MT. 37 Minutes
From Bozeman, head east on I-90. Take the Big Timber Exit (#367) and turn left to head north. Head through town and keep left at the fork to stay on US 191. After roughly 11 miles, take a left on Wormser Rd. Follow the National Forest Access signs for roughly 15 miles of gravel until you reach the trailhead.
There are 3 bridged creek crossings that give ample opportunities to pump drinking water along the way, not to mention the lakes at the end of the hike. After veering left to follow the trail to Granite & Blue Lakes, the trail ascends sharply. There is a creek crossing here and it is the last good pumping spot until you reach the lakes.
64 oz consumed per person
The trail is an old road in parts and is plenty wide for walking in groups. Large, loose rocks the majority of the way make the downhill difficult, however.
There are a few brushy spots along the trail on this hike, but it's mostly pretty wide. Shorts are a suitable choice on a hot day. There's also enough shade for short sleeves. Sunglasses, as always, are a must.
Hiking boots with ankle support are recommended. The majority of the trail consists of large, loose rock and a few muddy spots.
Footwear: Hiking boots
A lunch, or at least a big snack is recommended.
A few mosquitoes will come out around the lakes in the evening. Bring your bug spray if you have it, but you'd be fine without it too.
A nice mix of shade and sun.
This is a popular overnight spot. When looking for spots, it might be tempting to walk all the way to "the end" of the hike. You're actually better off investigating all the spur trails that veer to the right just after you've walked past the first couple of small ponds/lakes and are starting to ascend the overlook of Granite and Blue. There are a few nice, private sites on public land that overlook Granite Lake that are some of the best we've seen in the whole area. Start with these. Also, the Halfmoon Campground at the trailhead provides car camping opportunities. Take note that if you're camping near the lakes, no campfires are allowed within 1/4-mile.
Big Timber Falls
Within the first mile of the hike, you'll see a small spur trail that veers left. Take it to see Big Timber Falls—It's worth it.
Twin Lakes
Instead of veering left to head to Blue and Granite, stay right and hike another 1.4 miles to head to Twin Lakes.
Sweet Grass Trails
From Twin Lakes, continue another 3.5 miles to a series of Sweet Grass Trail connections.
Beartooth Publishing's Crazy Mountains Map covers this whole hike.
Late June through September. The Crazy Mountains carry significant snowpack and this trail is better attempted once the basin has cleared. Early season creek crossings can be challenging. Late September has excellent fall color and nearly no foot traffic.
July through August: creek crossings are manageable, trails clear, fishing in the lakes is active, wildflowers in the lower meadows.
Late June and September: June requires caution for high water at crossings, September has light crowds and good fishing in cooler temperatures.
Before mid-June: high snowmelt on the Crazies keeps the creek high and the upper trail snowy. The 87-mile drive is long enough without a difficult approach.
Yes, both lakes hold rainbow trout. Bring a Montana fishing license. Access to Granite Lake's shoreline is partially blocked by private land, and there is no maintained trail to Blue Lake, so fishing spots require some route-finding.
No. Campfires are prohibited within a quarter mile of Blue, Granite, Twin, and Thunder Lakes. Bring a camp stove for any hot food or coffee.
Yes. It is a short detour from the main trail within the first mile, and the waterfall is the kind of payoff you would drive out to see on its own. Most hikers walk past the junction and miss it.
About 15 miles of gravel in varying condition. Most cars handle it in dry conditions, but the final section can get rough. High-clearance is more comfortable but not strictly required in summer.
Heavy on summer weekends for a Crazy Mountain trail, which still means significantly fewer people than comparable hikes near Bozeman. The 87-mile drive filters most casual visitors.
Plug 9 miles and 1,890 feet of elevation gain into our free hiking time calculator for a personalized estimate.