Palisade Falls does one thing and does it well: a short, accessible walk to an impressive waterfall. The basalt columns framing the falls are geologically interesting, the result of ancient lava flow that cooled into a characteristic hexagonal pattern, and the 80-foot drop is genuinely dramatic for such a short hike.
The paved surface makes it one of the few waterfall hikes in the area that works for strollers, wheelchairs, and hikers who need solid footing. In winter, when the falls freeze, the ice formations are spectacular and the trail stays mostly manageable with microspikes. The crowds are real on summer days, but the falls are worth seeing at least once. Come in the morning on a weekday if you want more room to move around.
There is a large parking lot at the trailhead. Even during high traffic times you should be able to find a spot.
The bathroom is right next to the trailhead—you can't miss it.
Palisade Falls is the most popular hike around the reservoir, so be prepared to see a steady flow of people on your way up to the falls and on your way back.
The road up to the Hyalite Reservoir is paved and easy to drive in the warmer months. The last few miles of the drive are on a narrow gravel road that can get a little rough at times, but is passable with a car.
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.
You won't have any phone service on this hike.
If your dog does well around small children and other dogs, he/she will enjoy the partially shaded, short hike to the falls.
20 Miles from Bozeman, MT. 42 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. Take the left onto Forest Service Road 3163.
Follow this road for another mile or so, following signs for Palisade Falls Picnic Area and trailhead—you can't miss it.
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.
There is a waterfall and a creek at the end of this hike, but there will not be a need to purify water because of the short distance. It's always a good idea to have a bottle of water especially if you're not used to the higher altitude, but if you forget it in the car you will be just fine.
16 oz consumed per person
The trail is wide and paved all the way to the falls.
Expect snow into mid-May and again in late October. The falls are accessible in the winter, but be prepared for an icy trail as it gets walked on and packed down.
Because the hike is so short and there is only a small elevation gain, you don't need to be prepared for changing conditions. It may not be ideal, but you could complete this hike in jeans and flip-flops and be just fine.
Footwear: Tennis Shoes OK
This is a short hike and food is not necessary. If you do want to bring a lunch, there is a picnic area near the trailhead.
In the warmer months you may encounter some flies near the trailhead and mosquitoes later in the evening.
The trail leading up to and around the falls is partially shaded.
There are no backpacking opportunities on this hike, but you can stay the night at Chisholm Campground or Hood Creek Campground near the reservoir.
There are many trails around the reservoir that are near Palisade Falls, but there are no direct connections.
Beartooth Publishing's Bozeman Area Map covers this whole hike.
Palisade Falls is worth visiting in any season the road is open. Summer brings the most visitors. Winter ice formations are spectacular and less crowded than any summer day.
July through August: falls are running full, crowds are constant. Come before 10am on weekdays for more room.
June and September: good flow, fewer visitors, pleasant temperatures. June flow is often the strongest of the season after snowmelt.
Before May 15: Hyalite Canyon Road is closed April 1 through May 15. The falls are otherwise accessible year-round.
Yes. The trail is fully paved and confirmed wheelchair accessible. There is a picnic area and bathroom at the trailhead, also accessible.
Yes. The falls partially freeze in winter and the ice formations are one of the best reasons to visit outside of summer. Bring microspikes — the paved trail gets icy. Hyalite Canyon Road stays open in winter.
The round trip is 1.1 miles. Most people reach the falls in 15 minutes and are back at the car in under an hour. It is the shortest significant waterfall hike near Bozeman.
The road closes April 1 and reopens May 15 annually. You cannot drive to Palisade Falls during this window.
Yes, the parking lot is large and usually has room. This is the most visited trail around Hyalite Reservoir, so early morning visits on busy summer days are recommended.
Plug 1.1 miles and 319 feet of elevation gain into our free hiking time calculator for a personalized estimate.