Best Father's Day Hikes Near Bozeman, Montana
The snows melting and summer finally feels like it's here! So this Father's Day, why don't you get outside and celebrate with Dad. We have been hitting the hiking trails in our Jelt belts and rounded up 5 of the best hikes near Bozeman, Montana. Check out these top hikes you can fit into your schedule this Father's Day and give you some quality outdoor time together.
#1 - Emerald Lake Hike
This one is Jen's favorite hikes. This straight forward hike ascends around 7 miles all the way to Emerald Lake. Here you can find beautiful alpine meadows, waterfalls and multiple wildflowers. This hike is great for biking as well, another perfect #jelting opportunity. We give this hike 5 out of 5 stars!
Now that it's June, Our Social Media Manager, Jessie, is excited Sacagawea Peak is finally accessible. This 4-mile climb is very moderate and the views are amazing. Keep an eye out for mountain goats on this beautiful traverse up the Bridger Mountain Range's highest peak. The trail climbs the mountain passing through a glacial cirque to Bridger Divide, and from the divide, the trail winds up to a rocky summit for fantastic Bozeman views.
#3 - South Cottonwood Creek Trail
Amber, our Director of Sales, enjoys taking a quick work break and heading up South Cottonwood Creek Trail, which is a quick 20-minute drive to the south side of town near Gallatin Gateway. The hike is great for trail running, mountain biking or a relaxing walk. Her favorite time to go is around this time in June when the colors are lush and green and there is an abundance of wildflowers. If you make it to the fourth bridge there is a beautiful view of Mount Blackmore too.
#4- South Fork Trail to Pioneer Falls
Our Vice President, Amanda, loves taking her family to the South Fork Trail to Pioneer Falls. The Spanish Creek Road to the trailhead is a public access road through Ted Turner’s Flying D Ranch. The drive through the ranch has spectacular views. The hiking trail parallels the South Fork of Spanish Creek. Gallatin Peak, Beacon Point, and Blaze Mountain are in full view high above the trail. A series of switchbacks along the Falls Creek Trail leads to the 40-foot, full-bodied Pioneer Falls.
#5- Cinnamon Lookout
Just down Highway 191 from Big Sky Resort is a 4.4 mile (one way for a total of 9 miles to the lookout and back) forested trail to a beautiful lookout in 360 degrees of the Gallatin Canyon and Taylor-Hilgard Basin. From the aged fire lookout at the summit, you have impressive views of the Taylor Hilgard Unit of the Lee Metcalf Wilderness, Lone Mountain, and Big Sky Resort, and the Gallatin Canyon far below.
Bozeman is a recreational Mecca. From mountain trails and in-town paths to riverside strolls and forested jaunts to wilderness hikes and wildflower walks, there is something for everyone. These mountains are a part of our identity and are best when shared together. Happy Father's Day!