Hyalite Canyon has a lot of trails, but Emerald and Heather are the destination if you want two lakes with fish in them and are willing to put in 11 miles to get there. The trail runs through dense spruce and fir forest for most of the way, with the canyon walls staying in view, and the two lakes sit in open terrain near the head of the drainage with peaks on both sides.
What distinguishes this trail from the other Hyalite lake routes is the variety: two lakes at different elevations, two different fish species, and the upper basin at Heather that opens into rocky alpine terrain above treeline. Most people stop at Emerald, which is the right call if your legs are done. If you can push to Heather, the second lake is worth the extra mile.
The parking lot for Emerald & Heather is surprisingly small. Even if you arrive early there will be a lot of cars from overnight backpackers. There is a good chance you will have to improvise and park off the side of the road leading up to the trailhead.
Right near the trailhead sign—you can't miss it.
This is a popular, well-known hike. Due to the moderate incline, stocked fishing lakes and good mountain biking conditions, you should plan on seeing a lot of traffic—both human and dog.
The road up to Hyalite is windy and slow, but paved and in great condition. Once you cross the dam the dirt road begins. It's bumpy and narrow, but is passable with a car.
You won't have any phone service on this hike.
There is plenty of shade and water along the entire hike—might want to consider bringing a toy that floats if your dog would enjoy a game of fetch in the lakes.
23 Miles from Bozeman, MT. 44 Minutes
From Bozeman, drive south on 19th Street for about 5 miles. Follow the curve to the right and drive for another mile or so, following the signs to take a left onto Hyalite Canyon Road. Follow Hyalite Canyon Road up to the reservoir. Take it across the dam and keep right onto the gravel. Continue on the road along the east side of the reservoir until you see some signage for the Palisade Falls Trailhead. Once you hit the Palisade Trailhead, keep right and drive until the road ends at the Emerald and Heather Lakes Trailhead. Be Advised: Hyalite Canyon Road is closed annually between April 1st and May 15th. You will not be able to reach this hike by car during this time.
Between the creek the trail runs along and the lakes at the end, there is plenty of opportunity to purify water on this hike.
64 oz consumed per person
The well-used trail is easy to follow and not too rocky.
The hike is mostly shaded, so in cooler months (May, September, Oct.) you will want long pants and a warm layer (sweater, jacket). In warmer weather you will be able to enjoy nice long breaks from the sun. If you're planning on spending some time at the lakes there is little to no cover, so you will want sunscreen.
Footwear: Tennis Shoes OK
This is a long enough hike that you will want a snack and the lakes make for a great lunch spot, but you will be fine without food if you ate a big breakfast.
The area around the lakes near the top of the hike is wet and has potential for bugs. Bring your spray.
The majority of the hike is in dense trees with lots of shade. The last mile to Emerald starts to open up and if you continue the extra mile to Heather there will be no tree cover.
The first 3.5 to 4 miles of this hike would not be ideal for camping, but once you get to the lakes you will find nice tent spots and some previously used fire pits. There will likely be competition for the nicest sites.
Hiking an additional mile beyond Emerald takes you to Heather Lake, but there are no other trail connections beyond that. This is an in-and-out hike.
Beartooth Publishing's Bozeman Area Map maps this entire trail.
The best window is late May through September after Hyalite Canyon Road reopens. July brings the best wildflower bloom and warmest water. September has the lightest crowds and pleasant temperatures for the 11-mile round trip.
July through August: trail fully clear, lakes at their best, peak fishing season for Arctic grayling at Emerald and cutthroat at Heather.
June and September: fewer crowds, June has strong creek flow and early wildflowers, September is cool and clear.
Before May 15: Hyalite Canyon Road is closed April 1 through May 15. Snow may linger on the trail into early June near Heather Lake.
Emerald Lake holds Arctic grayling, a rare cold-water species not commonly found in Montana lakes. Heather Lake holds cutthroat trout. Both are worth fishing if you carry a lightweight rod and a Montana fishing license.
Yes. The road closes April 1 and reopens May 15 annually. You cannot reach this trailhead by car during that window.
Most people stop at Emerald Lake. It is 4.5 miles one way and takes most of the day as a round trip. Heather Lake adds another mile each way and climbs into more open rocky terrain above treeline — worth it if you have the energy.
The lower portion is accessible for mountain bikers, which means you may encounter bikes on your way in and out. The trail gets rougher and narrower in the upper section.
The lot is small and overnight backpackers often fill it before day hikers arrive. Plan to park along the road and walk in on summer weekends. Arriving before 8am is the reliable strategy.
Plug 11 miles and 2,032 feet of elevation gain into our free hiking time calculator for a personalized estimate.