Bozeman Creek Trail, otherwise known as Sourdough Canyon Trail, is the go-to hike for people who want to get outside without driving too far. The trail follows an old road grade along Bozeman Creek, making it one of the easiest and most accessible trails in the area. It's wide enough for groups to walk side by side, it's not steep, and you can turn around whenever you want. The trail runs all the way to Mystic Lake, about 9 miles one way, but most people treat it as a pick-your-own-distance kind of hike. There's a bathroom at the 3-mile mark if you need a turnaround goal for the kids. If you go all the way, you'll find good backpacking sites around the lake and the option to rent Mystic Lake Cabin for the night.
In the fall, the canyon lights up with color—it's one of the best spots near town to catch the changing leaves. Keep your eyes open for moose along the creek. You'll probably run into someone you know on this trail. It's that kind of place.
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.
The trail follows an old road grade, so the incline is gradual the entire way. It's literally an old road, which means easy walking for all ages and abilities. The only thing that makes this hike challenging is the distance if you go all the way to Mystic Lake. This is a great trail for kids, large groups, or anyone who wants a casual walk without worrying about steep sections or tricky footing.
The full round trip to Mystic Lake is about 18 miles. But the beauty of this trail is you can go as far as you want and turn around. The bathroom at the 3-mile mark makes a good turnaround for families with young kids. There's also a bridge around 5 miles out that works as a destination. If you're going all the way to the lake, plan for a full day. Averaging 2 mph, you'll reach Mystic Lake in about 4.5 hours.
The trail gains about 1,620 feet over the 9 miles to Mystic Lake. Because it follows an old road grade, the elevation gain is spread out evenly and never feels steep.
If you make it all the way to Mystic Lake, you'll be rewarded with a 13-acre lake surrounded by mountains. There are good spots for fishing, swimming, and camping. The Mystic Lake Cabin is available to rent through the Forest Service. That said, most people on this trail aren't going for a destination. They're going for an easy walk close to town. And for that, the trail delivers.
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.
For a short walk, you don't need anything. If you're going all the way to the lake, pack a lunch.
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.
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.
The drive to the trailhead is paved except for the last half mile, which is well-maintained gravel. About 15 minutes from downtown Bozeman.
Beartooth Publishing's Bozeman Area Map covers this trail.
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.
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
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.
You'll have spotty service near the trailhead, but it drops off as you get further into the canyon.
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.