Mirror Lake is the Spanish Peaks destination that gets far less attention than Lava Lake or Spanish Lakes despite being equally worth the effort. The first half of the hike along Spanish Creek is easy walking, which lulls you into thinking the whole trip will be relaxed. The second half disabuses you of that notion quickly.
The basin at Mirror Lake sits at the base of Blaze Mountain, with Blaze's permanent snowfield above and rugged granite peaks on all sides. We arrived in heavy fog and could barely see the lake from 20 feet away. The next morning the clouds lifted and the full cirque was there, peaks, snowfields, the whole thing. That kind of morning reveal is why people carry a tent out here instead of doing it as a day hike. If you are going this far, spend the night.
There are two parking lots at the trailhead. Aim for the close lot near the South Fork Spanish Creek Trailhead. If you end up in the far lot by the Little Hellroaring Trailhead, you've just tacked on another half-mile to an already long day.
There is a vault toilet at the trailhead near the parking area.
The lower portion of the trail sees a fair amount of equestrian use, so be prepared to yield to horses. Foot traffic to Mirror Lake itself is light. Most people heading up Spanish Creek are going to Spanish Lakes, so once you pass that junction the trail gets quiet.
US-191 through the Gallatin Canyon is paved and well-maintained. Spanish Creek Road is dirt but smooth and passable in any vehicle. It's a nice drive through the Flying D Ranch with views of the Spanish Peaks.
Be Advised: Spanish Creek Road is closed to motor vehicles from December 2nd through May 15th.
No cell service from the time you leave Highway 191. Consider bringing a satellite communicator for emergencies.
Plenty of water and shade along the lower trail for your dog. The distance is the main concern. At 15 miles round trip, make sure your dog is up for a long day or plan to backpack so they can rest at camp.
30 Miles from Bozeman, MT. 60 Minutes
From Bozeman, head south on US-191 through Gallatin Gateway and into the Gallatin Canyon. Drive about 21 miles and watch for Spanish Creek Road on your left, shortly after crossing Spanish Creek.
Turn left onto Spanish Creek Road and follow it for about 9 miles. The road passes through the Flying D Ranch and is well-maintained dirt the entire way, no high-clearance vehicle needed. You'll dead-end at the South Fork Spanish Creek Trailhead.
The trail follows Spanish Creek for the first several miles with consistent water access. The lake at the destination is another obvious source. Bring a filter and you'll have no problems staying hydrated on this one.
96 oz consumed per person
The lower trail along Spanish Creek is wide and well-maintained. The upper section gets steeper and rockier as you climb toward the lake, but is still easy to follow. Unlike the Spanish Lakes fork, the Mirror Lake route doesn't have any significant creek crossings.
Bring layers, even if it's warm at the trailhead. The weather at the lake can change fast, and overnight temperatures drop significantly. Trekking poles will help on the steep upper section.
Footwear: Hiking Boots
At 15 miles round trip, you'll burn through snacks fast. Pack more than you think you need. If you're backpacking, bring a proper dinner and breakfast to enjoy at camp. Stock up in Bozeman or Gallatin Gateway before you go, there's nothing near the trailhead.
Expect mosquitoes near the creek and at the lake in June and July. By Labor Day the bugs are minimal. Bring bug spray to be safe.
Good tree cover through dense evergreen forest for the first several miles. As you climb toward the lake, the forest thins and you'll be more exposed. The lake basin has scattered trees but is fairly open.
This is the way to do Mirror Lake. There are established campsites near the lake with plenty of room, and the area allows campfires (check current fire regulations before your trip). The lake is a perfect base camp for a summit push on Blaze Mountain or a traverse into Bear Basin.
Be Advised: This is bear country. Bring a bear canister or hang your food properly.
Spanish Lakes
At the junction about 2.5 miles in, take the right fork onto Spanish Lakes Trail #411 to reach the Spanish Lakes. See our Spanish Lakes trail guide for details.
Summit Lake
Continue past Mirror Lake for another 2 miles to reach Summit Lake, a more remote alpine lake higher in the basin.
Jerome Rock Lakes / Pioneer Falls
At the first major junction about 2.5 miles in, Falls Creek Trail #410 heads to Pioneer Falls and Jerome Rock Lakes.
Beartooth Publishing's Big Sky Area map covers this entire trail and the surrounding Spanish Peaks Wilderness.
Mid-June through September after Spanish Creek Road reopens May 15. Snow can linger in the upper basin into July. July and August are the best months for the full lake experience without snowfield complications.
July through August: trail clear, lake accessible, backcountry skiers gone, wildflowers in the lower meadow section, cutthroat trout active.
Late June and September: June may still have snow in the upper basin, September is excellent for day hiking with cool temperatures and light traffic.
Before May 15: Spanish Creek Road is closed to vehicles December 2 through May 15. No access during that window.
Overnight is significantly better. At 15 miles round trip with 2,200 feet of gain, it is a very long day. The morning reveal of the basin when fog lifts makes sleeping there worthwhile, and you can explore the lake and Blaze Mountain snowfield with fresh legs.
A permanent snowfield on Blaze Mountain above Mirror Lake. Backcountry skiers hike in specifically to ski it in early summer. You will sometimes see hikers on the lower trail carrying skis. It is not suitable for hiking without avalanche training and equipment.
The road closes December 2 and reopens May 15 annually. No vehicle access during that window.
The lower portion along Spanish Creek sees equestrian traffic and some day hikers heading toward Spanish Lakes. Once you pass the Spanish Lakes junction and continue straight on the South Fork trail toward Mirror Lake, foot traffic drops sharply.
Yes. The lake has fish and is clear at elevation. Bring a lightweight rod and a Montana fishing license. The alpine setting makes fishing a natural reason to spend extra time at the lake.
Plug 15 miles and 2,200 feet of elevation gain into our free hiking time calculator for a personalized estimate.