Directions
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.

Difficulty Easy

This is a short hike with barely over 300 feet of elevation gain. The trail is paved all the way to the falls and is wheelchair accessible. Great hike for all ages and abilities.

Round Trip Distance 1.1 Miles

With the small amount of elevation gain and short distance you can reach the falls in about 15 minutes. With a 20 minute break at the top to snap some pictures and climb around the waterfall, you can be back at the car in an hour.

Net Elevation Gain 319 feet

This route starts at 6881 feet above sea level and ends at 7200 feet.

Destination Quality 4 (out of 5)

TripAdvisor has ranked Palisade Falls number 5 out of the top 46 things to do in the Bozeman Area, so it is definitely worth experiencing at least once. That being said, it's almost guaranteed to be crowded and that can distract from the beauty of the falls.

Food

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.

Trail Conditions Good

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.

Dog Friendly Friendly

If your dog does well around small children and other dogs, he/she will enjoy the partially shaded, short hike to the falls.

Road Condtions Good

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.

Map Recommendation

Beartooth Publishing's Bozeman Area Map covers this whole hike.

Trailhead Bathroom Yup

The bathroom is right next to the trailhead—you can't miss it.

Foot Traffic Heavy

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.

Suggested Clothing

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

Bugs Light

In the warmer months you may encounter some flies near the trailhead and mosquitoes later in the evening.

Tree Cover Moderate

The trail leading up to and around the falls is partially shaded.

Cell Service 1 (out of 5)

You won't have any phone service on this hike.

Overnight Potential Nope

There are no backpacking opportunites on this hike, but you can stay the night at Chisholm Campground or Hood Creek Campground near the reservoir.

Trail Connections

There are many trails in the reservoir that are near Palisade Falls, but there are not direct connections.