Spanish Lakes is a stunning hike in the Spanish Peaks section of the Lee Metcalf Wilderness, located just off the Gallatin Canyon about halfway between Bozeman and Big Sky. Lava Lake tends to get all the attention in the Spanish Peaks, but Spanish Lakes is well worth the extra effort. The lakes sit in a high alpine basin surrounded by rocky peaks and snowfields, and the trail to get there is a great mix of easy creek-side walking and steep mountain terrain. It's also one of the better backpacking destinations in the area if you're looking for solitude.
The hike begins at the South Fork Spanish Creek Trailhead and follows the creek through open meadows and dense forest for the first few miles with minimal elevation gain. This is a popular trail for horseback riders, so expect to share the lower portion with equestrian traffic and yield accordingly. Around mile 2.5, you'll hit a junction where you take a right onto Spanish Lakes Trail #411. From here the trail gets steep and stays that way for the remaining miles to the lakes. The final stretch can hold snow well into late June, which makes route-finding tricky. The reward is a set of high alpine lakes that you'll likely share with only a handful of other people.
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 which has ample parking, an outhouse, picnic areas and equestrian facilities.
The first 2.5 miles along Spanish Creek are deceptively easy, flat and mellow through meadows and forest. Don't let that fool you. Once you take the right fork onto Spanish Lakes Trail #411, the trail climbs steeply and doesn't let up for the remaining 5 miles.
There is at least one creek crossing that will require removing your shoes and wading through knee-deep water. Early in the season, expect significant snow coverage in the last couple miles which can make route-finding difficult. This hike is best suited for experienced hikers and backpackers.
At 7.6 miles one way, this is a long day hike or an ideal overnight trip. Averaging about 1.5 mph on the way in due to the elevation gain and creek crossings, plan on about 5 hours to reach the lakes. The return trip is faster with the downhill working in your favor, but you're still looking at a solid 8-9 hour day if you do it as a day hike. Most people backpack to the lakes and make a night of it, which is the way to go.
This route starts at 6,114 feet above sea level and tops out around 8,900 feet at the lakes. The first couple miles are relatively flat as the trail follows Spanish Creek. The bulk of the elevation gain happens after the junction onto Spanish Lakes Trail #411, where the trail climbs steadily through forest and eventually above treeline into a rocky alpine basin.
The Spanish Lakes sit in a high alpine basin surrounded by rocky peaks and year-round snowfields. The water is clear and the setting is about as remote as it gets for a trail-accessible lake this close to Bozeman. On our trip in late June, we shared the entire lake basin with one other backpacker. Compare that to Lava Lake on any summer weekend and the difference is night and day.
The area also has good fishing opportunities with fish stocked in the lakes.
The trail follows Spanish Creek for the first few miles and crosses it multiple times. You'll have no shortage of water sources to filter from along the way, and of course the lakes themselves at the destination.
This is a long hike and you'll need fuel. If you're backpacking, bring a full dinner and breakfast. If you're attempting it as a day hike, pack a solid lunch and plenty of trail snacks. There's no food available anywhere near the trailhead, so stock up in Bozeman or Gallatin Gateway before you go.
The lower portion of the trail along Spanish Creek is in good shape, wide and easy to follow. Once you take the Spanish Lakes fork, the trail gets rougher with steep rocky sections.
Expect at least one significant creek crossing that requires wading. Early in the season, the last couple miles can be buried under snow, making the trail difficult to follow. Bring a map and GPS, especially if you're going before mid-July.
There is plenty of water and shade along the lower trail for your dog. The creek crossings and steep terrain higher up will be tough on smaller or less athletic dogs. The distance alone makes this a big ask for most dogs, so make sure yours is up for a long day or overnight trip.
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 pretty drive through the Flying D Ranch with views of the Spanish Peaks the whole way.
Beartooth Publishing's Big Sky Area map covers this entire trail and the surrounding Spanish Peaks Wilderness.
The trailhead has two parking lots with plenty of room for vehicles and horse trailers. You shouldn't have any trouble finding a spot.
There is a vault toilet at the trailhead near the parking area.
This trail sees a fair amount of equestrian use, so be prepared to yield to horse traffic. Foot traffic to the Spanish Lakes themselves is light compared to other destinations in the area. You'll see more people on the lower portion of the trail near the creek, but once you take the Spanish Lakes fork, expect to have the trail mostly to yourself.
This is a high-elevation overnight destination, so pack layers. Temperatures at the lakes can drop below freezing at night, even in late June. Bring a warm sleeping bag rated for at least 25 degrees if you're camping. For the hike itself, plan on getting your feet wet at the creek crossing. Water shoes, a small towel and trekking poles will help. The upper portion of the trail can be covered in snow, so gaiters are worth considering early in the season.
Footwear: Hiking Boots
Expect mosquitoes near the creek and at the lakes, especially in June and July. Bring bug spray.
The lower trail has good tree cover through dense evergreen forest. As you climb toward the lakes, you'll break above the treeline into an open alpine basin. The lakes themselves have some scattered trees for shade, but you'll be fairly exposed.
You won't have any cell service on this hike. Plan accordingly.
This is an ideal backpacking destination. There are established campsites near the lakes with enough room to spread out. Given the 7.6-mile approach, most people spend at least one night. Bring a warm sleeping bag, as temperatures at the lakes can drop well below freezing overnight even in summer.
Be Advised: This is bear country. Bring a bear canister or hang your food properly.
Mirror Lake / Summit Lake
Instead of taking the right fork to Spanish Lakes, continue straight on the South Fork Spanish Creek Trail to reach Mirror Lake at 7.5 miles. See our Mirror Lake trail guide for details. From Mirror Lake you can continue another 2 miles to Summit Lake.
Lake Solitude
At the upper trail junction near the lakes, Trail #412 branches off toward Lake Solitude, another remote alpine lake destination in the Spanish Peaks.
Jerome Rock Lakes
At the first major junction about 2.5 miles in, you can take the Jerome Rock Lakes Trail for a shorter out-and-back to these lakes.