Bozeman area hiking for the family

[Southern Elk]

I'm looking for some short hikes in the Bozeman area that would be easy enough for my kids. I have a 12 year old daughter and 6 year old son. They are both in good shape for their age, but I don't think they are ready for anything to steep or long. They have been hiking in the Smoky mountains and loved it. We will be staying at a hotel in town. Can anyone recommend any good hikes within 30 minutes or so of town?

 

[Frenchy]

Head up to Hyalite reservoir. Take the short hike into Palisade Falls, or Grotto Falls, or Both. If you continue past Grotto Falls, the trail follows Hyalite Creek and there are multiple un-marked waterfalls just off the trail.

Both are easy hikes.

 

[Josh Kuntz]

If you like doing research first, pick up the book Day Hikes Around Bozeman by Robert Stone. $10-$15.

The M Trail and the Drinking Horse Trail are both close to Town and provide great views of Bozeman. They are very popular so don't expect solitude.

The Triple Tree Trail is another that has big views and quick/easy access.

All the stuff near Hyalite Reservoir is nice. Just remember it can be much colder up there than in town.

 

[Southern Elk]

Thanks for the suggestions so far guys. We may check out Hyalite. Where are Triple Tree, M Trail, and Drinking Horse Trail located? If I can find a copy of the book when we get to town, I will pick one up.

 

[Rancho Loco]

What kind of rent a car you got? A trip up to fairy lake is a good way to kill an afternoon with kids.

 

[Southern Elk]

We will be in my 4x4 truck.

 

[Josh Kuntz]

The M and Drinking Horse are just a few miles out of town on Bridger Canyon Road. You will see the giant white M painted on the mountain. The Drinking Horse trailhead is across the road from the M trailhead.

If you go to Fairy Lake you will need a high clearance vehicle and should be prepared for a bumpy ride . It is your best chance to see mountain goats.

 

[Southern Elk]

I would love to see some mountain goats. I have a stock Chevy 3/4 ton 4x4. Could I make it to Fairy Lake?

 

[HSi-ESi]

I would love to see some mountain goats. I have a stock Chevy 3/4 ton 4x4. Could I make it to Fairy Lake?

Yes, that would be just fine. Parts of the road are a bit rough - but it's not too bad. I've been up it in cars before (not my car though).

 

[RobG]

Head up to Hyalite reservoir. Take the short hike into Palisade Falls, or Grotto Falls, or Both. If you continue past Grotto Falls, the trail follows Hyalite Creek and there are multiple un-marked waterfalls just off the trail.

Both are easy hikes.

These hikes at Hyalite are probably the best and will take about 30 minutes to get to the trailhead, probably a little longer. The area is very scenic and the hikes are easy. The attraction is mostly the waterfalls and the glacier carved mountains surrounding the place. You can hang out at the lake afterwords. Sometimes you can spot mountain goats on the surrounding cliffs, but I wouldn't count on it.

It takes about an hour to get to Fairy Lake, then you can count on hiking 60-90 minutes to get up to the mountain goats. The goats are at 9-10,000 feet and the hike is up a steep cirque with lots of switchbacks. It will probably be too much for a 6 year old not used to high altitude. However, the views are great and you will be in alpine country which is unique. You might enjoy just hanging around the lake or going part way up the trail.

In my opinion, the hikes around town like the M, drinking horse, etc are what people do when they don't have time to go elsewhere. They are close, but nothing compared to getting back in the mountains, but I do them several times a week so I might be jaded.

 

[Southern Elk]

Sounds like Fairy Lake may be a little much for the kids. We will be going to Yellowstone and spending some time in the mountains. My wife doesn't like to hike, so we will leave her in town and go on a few close hikes.

 

[Jezz]

Good suggestions here. I would hit palasades/ hyalite for sure. Another pretty hike close to town is S Cottonwood creek. First few miles is a gradual ascent but it's along the creek so it's always 10 degrees cooler. Then it starts climbing. But not much to get to a bench that overlooks a pretty canyon.

 

[Southern Elk]

Thanks for all of the suggestions. We are going to try some of these. I will report back after we do.