HIKE
Easy Walks in town
meaning...2-3 miles, hardly any elevation gain...and no bear spray required
Just south of Main Street in Bozeman, Peet's Hill is known for being the best place in town to watch the sunset. About 1-2 miles round trip, you have to walk up a small hill to get to the top, but once you reach it the trail is pretty flat and you'll have a 360 degree view of Bozeman and the Gallatin Valley.
One of the most popular trails in Bozeman, this trail winds along the old railway through town. The trail is flat, well populated and a great way to get to know the town.
easy Hikes Away from downtown
meaning...3-5 miles with an elevation gain < 200 feet, bear spray a good idea
HYALITE RESERVOIR TRAIL (~1.5 hrs)
This gorgeous hike is up in Hyalite Canyon - about a 25 minute drive from Bozeman. The hike is just under three miles, is relatively flat, and takes you along beautiful Hyalite Reservoir.
This hike is further into Hyalite Canyon. About 2.5 miles round trip, you'll end up at a gorgeous waterfall. This hike is not hard, but begins at about 7,000 feet. If you live at sea level and struggle with altitude, this probably isn't the hike to do the day you land. Wait a day.
moderate hikes...
meaning...you want to sweat a bit but aren't willing to venture far from town. 2-5 miles with <1000 feet elevation gain. Bear Spray recommended.
The trailhead is a couple miles south of Main Street and can range in length from 1 - 5 miles, depending on how motivated you are. If you get to the top (~900' elevation gain) you'll have a spectacular view of the Gallatin Valley. Bring bear spray on this one.
One of the most popular hikes in Bozeman, this hike has two options: a longer, less steep way (keep left at the trailhead), or a very steep way up (keep right at the trailhead). When you reach the M, you'll have a gorgeous view of the valley and the mountains.
If you're looking for awesome
meaning...you're up for some good exercise, a gorgeous, longer hike and some elevation gain. Bear spray and time required. These are my favorites.
BEEHIVE BASIN (~3-4 hours plus travel time)
This trail has the best views in Big Sky, MT. It takes about an hour to drive to the trailhead from Bozeman, and then is a seven-mile roundtrip hike. I allot a half-day for this one and have seen bears and moose on the trail. There's about a 1600' elevation gain, and you finish near 9000'. Pack a lunch and go!
HYALITE CREEK TRAIL (5-6 hours plus travel time)
An incredibly scenic 11-mile. From downtown Bozeman it will take about 45 minutes to get to the trailhead. You'll start at roughly 7000' and will gain 2100' by the time you're done. Make sure to bring plenty of food and water.
LAVA LAKE (~3-4 hours plus travel time)
Located in Gallatin Canyon between Bozeman and Big Sky (~30 min drive from Bozeman), this is a popular and gorgeous hike. You'll gain about 1600' in elevation and end up a gorgeous and crystal clear lake up in the mountains. Many people jump in for a swim!