By Taylor Barrett
I know that right not now isn’t the most ideal time to be hiking, but it doesn’t hurt to look forward to getting back on the trail. So here are a few of my personal favorite hiking spots around Bozeman, along with my favorite photos of each place. All within 50 miles!
Mirror Lake (Madison Range)
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- Located in the Spanish Peaks
- Park at camp ground / day area
- Hike passed multiple waterfall opportunities
- Trail will fork several times, stay left always following Mirror Lake signs
- Multiple mountain lakes accessible
- Absolutely stunning views at mountain lake basin
- 16 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 2,750ft
- Difficult | 9/10
- 30 miles from Bozeman
- https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/montana/spanish-peaks
Frazier Lake (Bridger Range)
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- Located in the Northern Bridgers near Fairy Lake
- Park in meadow before Fairy Lake Campground
- Hike through meadow to the north toward middle of saddle
- Hiking parallel to the ridge
- Crest over saddle into Frazier Lake bowl
- Beautiful views of mountain lake and snow
- 2.8 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 1,437ft
- Moderate | 6/10
- 30 miles from Bozeman
- https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/montana/frazier-lake
Pine Creek Lake (Absaroka Range)
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- Located just north of Livingston
- Park at Pine Creek Lake Trailhead
- Hike trail passed Pine Creek Falls
- Amazing mountain lake basin at high elevation
- Multiple waterfalls along the way and feeding the lake
- 9 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 3,635ft
- Difficult | 10/10
- 45 miles from Bozeman
- https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/montana/pine-creek-lake
Sacajawea Peak (Bridger Range)
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- Located in Northern Bridgers
- Park at Fairy Lake Campground
- Hike toward saddle between Sacajawea and Hardscrabble Peak
- Switchback until reaching top of ridge
- Hike south and summit Sacajawea Peak
- Incredible 360 views of Bozeman and surrounding areas
- 4.5 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 1,975ft
- Moderate | 5/10
- 30 miles from Bozeman
- https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/montana/sacagawea-peak
Heather & Emerald Lake (Gallatin Range)
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- Located in Hyalite Canyon
- Park at trailhead passed Palisade Falls
- Hike along trail with gradual incline, passing Heather Lake
- Amazing mountain lake with wall of mountains in every direction
- 8.9 miles round trip
- Elevation Gain: 1,850ft
- Moderate | 6/10
- 25 miles from Bozeman
- https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/montana/emerald-lake-trail
