Itinerary
4 Days of Epic Hikes in Bozeman
Bozeman, Montana, has long been known for its rugged and wild terrain, drawing mountaineers to call it home since the 1970s. Surrounded by more than five magnificent mountain ranges, hiking adventures range from challenging climbs to short jaunts. All have spectacular views, fields of wildflowers, the occasional wildlife spotting, and the peace that comes with being in the quiet throes of nature.
Bozeman’s elevation starts at around 5,000 feet, but nearby hikes can take you up to peaks as high as 10,000 feet if you’re up for the challenge.
Bozeman also has a thriving cultural scene with excellent dining, shopping, and live entertainment to round out your excursion. The proximity to various trailheads makes this mountain locale an ideal spot for those who want to adventure by day and enjoy great food and events in the evening.
Where to Stay
Between time on the trails, you’ll want a comfortable place to relax and restore.
Gallatin River Lodge is a great option for adventurers, with easy access to hiking in the Gallatin Range, around Big Sky, and in the Yellowstone ecosystem. The Lodge is a 20-minute drive from downtown and 15 minutes from Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport. It’s a small lodge with a large fishing pond for those who want to practice casting in the evenings. Your stay includes a delicious continental breakfast featuring local bakery On the Rise.
The Sapphire Motel is an excellent option if you’re looking for accommodations close to the nightlife. Located in midtown, it is within walking distance to downtown dining and shopping and two of Bozeman’s music and event venues, the Elm and Rialto. The rooms are all renovated yet true to their motor inn heritage, with a variety of configurations, including rooms that sleep 6 and one with a kitchenette.
For those who enjoy relaxing in their hotel with the option of preparing breakfast or lunch, Marriot’s Residence Inn Downtown Bozeman features modern suites with full kitchens and a range of streaming services. It’s also pet-friendly and located across the street from Burke Park (Peet’s Hill), one of Bozeman’s favorite dog parks with great views of the valley. Located on the east end of Main Street, it is within walking distance of downtown and offers easy access to various hiking locations.
Day 1
Start with a Local’s Favorite: The College M or Drinking Horse Mountain
However you get to Bozeman, a good leg stretch will likely be welcome when you arrive. The College M Trail, visible when you drive into the valley, is a popular trail with the option of a gentle incline or a steep, challenging path to the top. Either way, you’ll look out across the valley and can see all the surrounding ranges. Drinking Horse Mountain Trail, across the road, is another excellent option. Both hikes are just minutes from downtown and can be completed in under an hour.
Devil’s Toboggan and Wildrye Distilling in the Cannery District are close to the trailheads if you want to stop for a cocktail after your hike. Down the road, Bozeman Taproom is a great option for a casual dinner. Its menu has a variety of burgers, sandwiches, salads, wings, steaks, ribs, and pasta if you’re looking for a more substantial fare.
Day 2
Mount Blackmore, Hyalite Canyon
Start your day at the Western Café, a Bozeman icon for the better part of a century, still run by three generations of Montanans. It’s a classic, with real wood paneling, close quarters, and delicious breakfasts, all served with comforting hospitality that takes you back to when people lingered over their coffee to chat about the day.
From there, it’s a 16-mile drive to Hyalite Canyon, an outdoor playground full of biking, canoeing, fishing, camping, and some of the best hikes near Bozeman. The trailhead to Mount Blackmore is located on the right, just before you get to the reservoir. Mount Blackmore sits just over 10,000 feet, and the views are stunning, with mountain range after range dotting the horizon as far as you can see. It’s a twelve-mile round trip with switchbacks through lush meadows that can be full of wildflowers. You’ll also pass Blackmore Lake and a lovely saddle where you can rest before ascending to the peak.
End the day at The Market, located on the west side of Bozeman. Here, you can choose from various restaurants, including Sidewinders, Tanglewood, Hachi Sushi Pub, Liberty Burgers, or Merry Piglets. These establishments boast delicious and hearty meals, perfect for a good night’s rest.
Day 3
Storm Castle Peak and a Substantial Soak
After a long hike, you may want a day to recuperate and explore. There are several short hikes near Bozeman. Storm Castle Peak in Gallatin Canyon is a local favorite. Stop at MoJava Coffee, a drive-thru coffee hut on Gallatin Road, for a delicious breakfast burrito or baked goods and specialty coffee.
The hike is five miles round trip, gains 2,300 feet in elevation, and takes roughly three hours. It’s a moderately difficult trail leading to an iconic rock formation that makes for a dynamic photo opp.
Afterward, stop for lunch at The Jump near Gallatin Gateway. (If you’re interested in Country Line Dancing, they also have lessons and line dances every Wednesday night!) Spend the afternoon relaxing at Bozeman Hot Springs, which has twelve indoor and outdoor pools of varying temperatures. They also have a cold plunge, a dry sauna, and a steam room. Watch the schedule for live music in their outdoor amphitheater – you can relax in the pools while you listen to local artists!
Day 4
Sacajawea Peak
A hiking trip to Bozeman wouldn’t be complete without exploring the Bridger Mountain Range. There are plenty of options for a variety of hikes: Mt. Baldy Trail is a difficult trail straight up the face from the College M, Middle Cottonwood Canyon is a lovely, shaded hike following the creek, or you can explore the trails at Bridger Bowl, the local ski area. But for a real treat, head out for Sacajawea Peak, the highest peak in the Bridger Range (9,654 feet.)
Start at The Farmer’s Daughters Café for a healthy breakfast. Its light, wholesome fare is excellent in-house, or you can get a breakfast sandwich, burrito, or smoothie to go. Head up Bridger Canyon to Fairy Lake, about an hour’s drive. (The road to Fairy Lake can be bumpy, so be sure your car has good clearance and take it slow. If it’s still snowy or muddy, you may want to opt for a different trail.)
Once at the trailhead, the hike is a gentle incline until the end, where you’ll meander several switchbacks to the summit. Push ahead to the peak, where the views are 360 degrees and incredible. Be sure to sign the guest book! It’s more than likely you’ll encounter mountain goats along the trail or lounging around the peak. They won’t hurt you, but keep your distance; they are wild animals even if they act docile. If you’re lucky, you’ll see them sprinting across the steep rock fields, a feat that seems impossible, yet they move with grace and speed over the challenging terrain.
End your trip with a hearty dinner at Montana’s Rib and Chop House, Ted’s Montana Grill, or J.W. Heist Steakhouse.
Please remember to Be Kind to Bozeman. Stay on designated trails, be courteous to fellow hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. Download a map, and bring bear spray, plenty of water and snacks, layers for inclement weather, and sun protection.
Check out your Travel Guide for more information.
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