Team Jelt's Favorite Bozeman Hikes
The sun's out and our team has been hitting the hiking trails in our Jelts! Regardless of the season, Bozeman, Montana is packed with invigorating activities that our elastic stretch belts are perfectly suited for. They’ll keep you feeling comfortable in your outdoor gear and, in the case of our super-strong Venture belts, they can even help carry some of your must-have adventure accessories, such as a two-way radio or bear spray.
Hikers have it good in Bozeman, with a wide number of incredibly scenic options to explore right in their own backyards. Visitors come from far and wide just to take in the incredible sights and experience unique outdoor activities. With so many amazing hikes around the area, how do you decide? To help you plan your next adventure, here are our top five favorite hikes around Bozeman that can easily fit into your schedule and give you some quality outdoor time!
This Bozeman trail is Jen's favorite. The straightforward path ascends around seven miles all the way to Emerald Lake and is one of the best Bozeman hikes. Here, you will find beautiful alpine meadows, waterfalls and multiple wildflowers. The lake is a popular spot for fly fishing with plenty of grayling and Yellowstone cutthroat just waiting to be caught. This hike is great for biking as well, another perfect #jelting opportunity (use a Venture belt to carry bear spray here). We give this hike 5 out of 5 stars!
#2 - Sacagawea Peak
Our Social Media Manager, Jessie, is excited to share her love for Sacagawea Peak. The four-mile climb is very moderate, and the views are definitely worth the effort! 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. From the divide, the trail winds up to a rocky summit where you can take in fantastic Bozeman views!
#3 - South Cottonwood Creek Trail
Linda, our Director of Sales, enjoys taking a quick work break and heading up South Cottonwood Creek Trail. Conveniently, it’s located just 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 in mid-June when the colors are lush and green and there is an abundance of wildflowers, making for an absolutely stunning setting. 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 for some especially beautiful hiking in Bozeman. 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, so be sure to look out your windows along the way. The hiking trail parallels the South Fork of Spanish Creek. Gallatin Peak, Beacon Point and Blaze Mountain are all 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.
Just down Highway 191 from Big Sky Resort is a 4.4-mile forested trail (one way, for a total of nine miles to the lookout and back) that leads you to a beautiful lookout with a 360-degree view of the Gallatin Canyon and Taylor-Hilgard Basin. From the aged fire lookout at the summit, you can enjoy impressive views of the Taylor Hilgard Unit of the Lee Metcalf Wilderness, Lone Mountain and Big Sky Resort, and the Gallatin Canyon far below. Our Executive Assistant, Siri, finds this trail to be especially enjoyable during the summer and fall!
Bozeman is a recreational mecca, featuring some of the best hikes in Montana. From mountain trails and in-town paths to riverside strolls and forested jaunts, wilderness hikes to wildflower walks, there is something for everyone to experience and enjoy. Locals know and love these trails, and visitors are stunned by the mountainous beauty surrounding the Gallatin Valley. These mountains are a part of our identity and we can't wait to explore them in our Jelt outdoor belts! We hope you get out there, too! Don't forget your Jelt when you check these hikes near Bozeman.