The air is getting crisp, the leaves are falling, and there’s a chill in the air— winter is definitely here! While some people may dread the cold weather, others see it as an opportunity to get outside and explore. If you’re looking for some great winter hikes around Bozeman Montana, look no further! In this blog post, we will tell you about eight of our favorite winter hikes in the area. So grab your boots and your coat, and let’s hit the trails!
Grotto Falls (2.4 miles)
Grotto Falls is one of the most popular winter hikes around Bozeman Montana. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow, making it a great option for beginner hikers.
The views from the top of the falls are incredible, and the snow-covered rocks make for a beautiful scene. Be sure to bring your camera, as you won’t want to miss out on this unforgettable experience!
Grotto Falls is one of the most popular winter hikes in Bozeman Montana. The 2.4 mile hike is relatively easy and can be completed in a few hours. The trailhead is located just outside of town and the trail follows Grotto Creek for most of the way. The falls themselves are not very large, but they are beautiful and provide a great photo opportunity.
Blackmore Lake (5 miles)
Blackmore Lake is a serene spot just outside of town. The hike around the lake is perfect for a winter walk or snowshoe. The trail is relatively flat and easy to follow.
Be sure to keep an eye out for deer, elk, and other wildlife that frequent the area.
Blackmore Lake is a great winter hike for anyone looking for a moderate challenge. The trailhead is located just off of Highway 191, about 5 miles north of Bozeman. The lake is a beautiful alpine lake, surrounded by evergreens and rocky cliffs. The trail itself is well-maintained and relatively flat, making it a great choice for a winter hike. Snowshoes are recommended for this hike, as the trail can be icy in places.
Ousel Falls (1.6 miles)
Ousel Falls is one of the most popular winter hikes in Bozeman Montana. The trailhead is located just off Highway 191, south of town.
The hike to Ousel Falls is relatively short and easy, making it a great option for families or those looking for a quick and easy hike. The falls themselves are quite beautiful, especially when frozen over in the winter.
Sypes Canyon (6.2 miles)
Sypes Canyon is one of the most popular winter hikes near Bozeman Montana. The trailhead is located just off of Highway 191 and the trail itself is 6.2 miles out-and-back.
Although the canyon can be hiked year-round, winter is arguably the best time to go. The snow-covered landscape is breathtaking and you might even catch a glimpse of some wildlife!
Garnet Mountain trail (7.7 miles)
The Garnet Mountain trail is a great winter hike for those looking for a longer trek. The trailhead is located just outside of Bozeman and the views from the top are incredible.
The trail is well-marked and relatively easy to follow, but can be challenging in places. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are no water sources along the way.
Lava Lake (6 miles)
Lava Lake is one of the most popular winter hikes around Bozeman Montana. The trailhead is located just a few miles from town, making it an easy hike to get to.
The trail is well-marked and relatively flat, making it a great hike for all levels of hikers. The scenery on the trail is stunning, with tall mountains and a beautiful lake. The lake is frozen over in the winter, making it a great place to ice skate or go for a winter walk.
Lava Lake is a great winter hike near Bozeman Montana! The trail is only 6 miles long, making it a great option for a quick day hike. The scenery is beautiful, and you’ll have the chance to see some wildlife along the way. Be sure to bring your camera, as there are plenty of photo opportunities.
Hummocks & Upland (5 miles round trip)
Hummocks & Upland is a great winter hike for those who are looking for a challenge. This 5-mile round trip hike will take you through some of the most beautiful scenery in Bozeman. You’ll start by hiking up the hill to the Hummocks Overlook.
From here, you’ll have stunning views of the valley below. The trail then winds its way through the forest before emerging onto the Upland Plateau. This open area is blanketed in snow and is simply breathtaking. Take your time to enjoy the views before heading back down the trail to your car.
Moose Tracks (6 miles)
The Moose Tracks hike is a 6-mile loop that starts and ends at the Bozeman Pond. This hike is perfect for those looking for a moderate challenge and stunning views of the Gallatin Valley. The trailhead is located just off I-90, making it easily accessible for both locals and visitors.
The first mile of the hike is relatively flat, following along the edge of the Bozeman Pond. This section of the trail provides great opportunities to see wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled for moose, elk, and deer. As you continue around the pond, you’ll begin to ascend a gentle hill. At the top of this hill, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of the Gallatin Valley.
From here, the trail begins to wind its way through a thick forest of lodgepole pines. The next few miles are relatively flat, making for easy hiking. As you near the end of the loop, you’ll begin a short but steep descent back down to the Bozeman Pond. This final section can be icy in winter conditions, so use caution when hiking this section.
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Conclusion
Bozeman is a great place to get outside and explore during the winter months. With so many options for hikes, it’s easy to find one that suits your level of fitness and interests. Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike with stunning views or an easy stroll through the woods, Bozeman has something for everyone.
So bundle up and head out on one of these eight favorite winter hikes around Bozeman!
We hope you enjoyed our list of favorite winter hikes around Bozeman Montana! If you’re looking for a great way to get outside and enjoy the beauty of the area, these hikes are definitely worth checking out. And, if you need any gear for your hike, be sure to stop by one of our local outdoor stores. They’ll have everything you need to make your hike a success!
