Sourdough works for almost everyone because it asks almost nothing. The old road grade means no technical footing, the creek alongside provides constant water access for dogs and kids, and you can turn around whenever you want with no feeling of leaving anything unfinished.
The canyon lights up in fall, with cottonwood and aspen color in late September and early October that is among the best within 20 minutes of town. Moose show up in the willows near the creek regularly, especially in the morning. If you go all the way to Mystic Lake, you get a 13-acre lake with the Forest Service cabin bookable through Recreation.gov, a quiet overnight option that is completely different in character from any trail near town.
The Sourdough Canyon Trailhead has a large parking area. It can get busy, especially on weekends, but there's usually room.
There's a bathroom at the trailhead. There's also another bathroom about 3 miles up the trail.
This is a popular trail for locals, so expect to see other hikers, runners, dog walkers, and mountain bikers. The good news is the trail is long enough that people spread out quickly.
The drive to the trailhead is paved except for the last half mile, which is well-maintained gravel. About 15 minutes from downtown Bozeman.
You'll have spotty service near the trailhead, but it drops off as you get further into the canyon.
This trail is great for dogs. The wide path, creek access, and shade make it comfortable for your pup. The trail is also popular with mountain bikers, but since it's long, everybody is plenty spread out and dogs and bikes coexist without issues.
7 Miles from Bozeman, MT. 15 Minutes
From downtown Bozeman, head south on Church Avenue. Continue as it becomes Sourdough Road. Turn right onto Nash Road, then left onto Sourdough Canyon Road. The trailhead will be on your left. The trailhead has a large parking area and bathrooms. Google Maps link.
Bozeman Creek runs alongside the trail for most of the hike. The creek is sometimes right next to you and sometimes below as the road rises above it. There are several good spots for dogs to swim or kids to wade.
The trail is wide and well-maintained. It's an old road, so expect a smooth dirt surface with no technical sections. Great for hiking, running, or casual mountain biking.
Dress for a casual walk. The trail is shaded for much of the way, so you won't roast in the summer. In winter, bring layers and traction devices if the snow is packed down.
Footwear: Tennis Shoes OK
For a short walk, you don't need anything. If you're going all the way to the lake, pack a lunch.
You may encounter some mosquitoes near the creek, especially in early summer. Nothing too bad.
The trail is mostly shaded by trees, especially in the lower sections. You'll get some sun exposure in spots where the trail opens up.
There are good backpacking sites around Mystic Lake. You can also rent Mystic Lake Cabin through the Forest Service for a night in the backcountry without carrying all your gear.
Mystic Lake
The trail ends at Mystic Lake, where you can connect to other trails in the area.
New World Gulch Trail
An alternative route to Mystic Lake that's shorter (5.5 miles) but steeper, starting from Bear Canyon.
Beartooth Publishing's Bozeman Area Map covers this trail.
Sourdough Canyon is one of the few Bozeman trails worth visiting year-round. Fall color in late September is exceptional. The road is passable year-round. In winter the trail gets packed down and is popular with snowshoers.
June through August: creek is full, dogs love the water access, families use the 3-mile bathroom turnaround regularly.
Late September and early October: best fall color in the canyon, cottonwood and aspen turn together, moose sightings more common in the morning willows.
No true avoid season. In heavy snow years, the upper trail near Mystic Lake may require snowshoes from December through March.
Mystic Lake is about 9 miles one way from the trailhead. The full round trip is 18 miles. Most people turn around well before that — the bathroom at the 3-mile mark and the bridge around 5 miles are both common turnaround points.
Yes. The Mystic Lake Cabin is a Forest Service rental available through Recreation.gov. It is a quieter overnight option than car camping and requires hiking the 9-mile approach with your gear.
Yes. The trail is wide and the user types generally coexist without issues since the trail is long enough that people spread out.
Yes. The road to the trailhead is accessible year-round and the trail sees snowshoers and skiers in winter. The upper miles near Mystic Lake may require snowshoes after heavy snow.
Yes, moose show up in the willows near the creek regularly, especially in the early morning hours. They are not guaranteed but sightings are common enough that regular visitors expect them.
Plug 18 miles and 1,620 feet of elevation gain into our free hiking time calculator for a personalized estimate.