Drinking Horse Mountain is a 2.3-mile loop located just across the road from the M trailhead. If you've ever shown up to hike the M and found the parking lot overflowing, Drinking Horse is your backup plan. The summit has better views, more room to spread out, and you can even see the M from the top.
The trail follows a figure-eight design with two routes to the 5,522-foot summit. Going left puts you on a steeper climb with switchbacks and plenty of shade. Going right is more gradual but exposed on the west-facing slope. Most people go up one way and down the other.
At the top you'll find large boulders to sit on, panoramic views of the Bridger Range and Gallatin Valley, and stick shelters that hikers have built over the years from large branches. Kids love exploring these rustic forts while you eat lunch. Plan to spend some time up here.
From downtown Bozeman, head north on Rouse Avenue. Continue straight as Rouse becomes Bridger Canyon Road (Highway 86). Drive about 4 miles and look for the Drinking Horse Mountain trailhead on your left, directly across from the M trailhead parking lot. You can't miss it.
Drinking Horse is steeper in spots than the M, but overall it feels a bit shorter and easier. The trail gains about 700 feet over a little more than a mile. The left route has more switchbacks and shade, while the right route is more gradual but sun-exposed. Neither is technical.
This is a loop trail, so the 2.3 miles takes you up one side and down the other with no backtracking. Most people finish in about an hour to an hour and a half depending on how long you hang out at the top. With a 20-minute break at the summit to take in the views and let the kids explore the stick forts, you can be back at your car in under two hours.
The trail starts at about 4,800 feet and climbs to the 5,522-foot summit. It's a steady climb the whole way up, but the loop design means you're never retracing your steps.
The summit of Drinking Horse has some of the best quick-access views near Bozeman. You can see the Bridger Range, the Gallatin Valley, and the M trail across the canyon. There's plenty of room to spread out, big boulders to sit on, and the stick shelters give kids something to explore while you relax.
There is no water on the trail itself. A creek runs under the bridge at the start of the hike where dogs can drink before and after, but bring what you need for the climb.
This is a great hike for a picnic lunch at the top. The summit has flat spots, boulders to sit on, and views in every direction. Pack a sandwich and plan to spend some time up there.
The trail is well-maintained and easy to follow. It's a mix of dirt and rock with some steeper sections on the left route. The right route is more gradual but can get dusty in summer.
Dogs do well on this trail. Let them drink from the creek at the trailhead before you start since there's no water once you're on the trail. You'll see plenty of other dogs out here.
Paved road the entire way. Bridger Canyon Road is well-maintained and you'll be at the trailhead in 10 minutes from downtown.
You don't really need a map for this one. The trail is well-marked and the loop is straightforward. If you want one anyway, Beartooth Publishing's Bozeman Area map covers it.
The parking lot is smaller than the M's lot across the road, but since fewer people know about this trail, you'll usually find a spot. On busy weekends you might need to park along the road.
No bathroom at the trailhead. Take care of business before you leave Bozeman. In a pinch, there's a pit toilet across the road at the M trailhead.
Compared to the M, Drinking Horse is much quieter. Most people default to the M first, which means you'll have more of the trail to yourself here.
The right route is exposed and west-facing, so bring sun protection in summer. The left route has more shade. Layers are a good idea since the summit can be breezy.
Footwear: Trail Runners
Not usually a problem, but bring bug spray in early summer just in case.
The left route has decent shade from pines. The right route is mostly exposed grassland. The summit is open with scattered trees.
You'll have cell service throughout the hike.
This is a day hike only. The trail is too short and close to town for overnight camping.
The M Trail
The M trailhead is directly across Bridger Canyon Road. If you want to do both in one day, you can park at Drinking Horse and walk across the road to the M.