10 Best Winter Hikes in Bozeman

A little snow never stopped a Montanan. In fact, winter might just be the best season to hit the trails. The crowds clear out, the landscapes sparkle, and even your go-to summer hikes feel like a whole new adventure. Bundle up, grab your Yaktrax, and explore our top 10 winter hikes in Bozeman.

1. Lava Lake

At 5.5 miles out and back, this trail stays busy in summer but slows down in winter, one of the reasons we love it this time of year. The frozen lake and the snow-covered peaks around it, including Jumbo Mountain, make the whole basin feel completely transformed. 

You’ll climb about 1,600 feet, so it’s a moderate workout depending on your pace. Winter conditions can get slick, so bring Yaktrax or another form of traction to stay steady on the ice.

5.5 miles | 1,620 ft gain | Get Directions

2. Storm Castle

This trail climbs steeply to a rocky outcropping with sweeping views of Gallatin Canyon and the surrounding mountain ranges. The hike is roughly 2.5 miles one way with about 1,860 feet of elevation gain, making it a challenging but rewarding route, especially in winter. Cold-season conditions can make the trail narrow, icy, and difficult to navigate, so proceed with caution and bring Yaktrax or similar traction.

Access can also vary by season. The road leading directly to the trailhead is not recommended for low-clearance vehicles, and winter gate closures mean you may need to park farther back and walk to the trailhead, adding a few extra miles to your hike. Always check current road and trail conditions before heading out.

5.2 miles | 1,860 ft gain | Get Directions

3. Leverich Canyon

Leverich Canyon is one of Bozeman’s most popular mountain bike trails, which means hikers often avoid it during the summer. In winter, though, the trail is much quieter, aside from a few fat-tire bikers, making it a great time to explore this close-to-town route. The loop is about 4.9 miles with roughly 1,200 feet of elevation gain, offering a steady climb and fun downhill sections.

Access can be a challenge: the road to the trailhead is notoriously rough and parking is limited, which tends to keep crowds away. If you're comfortable navigating the conditions, winter is one of the best times to experience Leverich without the usual bike traffic.

4.9 miles | 1,269 ft gain | Get Directions

4. Pioneer Falls

The Spanish Peaks Trail in Gallatin Canyon serves as the starting point for several great hikes, including the popular route to Pioneer Falls. Even the drive to the trailhead is an experience, there’s a chance you’ll spot bison or even a moose along the way. (Be sure to check for winter road closures before heading out.)

The hike to Pioneer Falls is roughly 4 miles with minimal elevation gain, making it suitable for most ability levels. The trail winds through meadows and forests with some of the best Spanish Peaks views you’ll find in the canyon. Around the 3-mile mark, you’ll reach a fork, take a right and continue a bit over a mile to reach the waterfall.

Winter conditions vary, but depending on snow levels, this hike can often be done with Yaktrax; snowshoes may be helpful in heavier snow years.

6.5 miles | 810 ft gain | Get Directions

5. Sypes Canyon

This trail is close to Bozeman, making it a great option if you don’t want to drive far in winter conditions. The route climbs through a forested section before switchbacking up to an overlook about two miles in, where you’ll get expansive views of the Gallatin Valley.

Because it connects with the Bridger Foothills Trail, you can extend your hike in either direction along the foothills if you want a longer outing. The climb is moderate overall, and the payoff at the overlook makes it a rewarding winter hike for most ability levels.

4 miles | 1,627 ft gain | Get Directions

6. Drinking Horse

Starting at the Fish Hatchery, this 2-mile loop winds through a wooded area and crosses a small creek before beginning the climb. Shortly after the bridge, the trail splits, take the left fork for a steeper ascent or the right fork for a more gradual climb. We recommend making it a loop so you can enjoy both sides of the trail.

At the top, you’ll be rewarded with views of Bozeman on one side and Bridger Canyon on the other, making this short hike a winter favorite for locals and visitors alike.

2.2 miles | 646 ft gain | Get Directions

7. Blackmore Lake

This trail is well-loved by backcountry skiers, but it also makes for a great winter hike. The trailhead sits just before Hyalite Reservoir, and it’s only about 2 miles to Blackmore Lake, making it a manageable outing for most hikers. You’ll likely encounter cross-country skiers near the beginning, but the trail soon narrows and climbs steadily through the forest.

A series of gentle switchbacks leads you to Blackmore Lake, which is especially beautiful in winter when the basin is quiet and the surrounding peaks are dusted with snow.

4.3 miles | 905 ft gain | Get Directions

8. Grotto Falls

Grotto Falls is one of the most beautiful, and accessible, winter hikes in Hyalite Canyon. The road is plowed to the trailhead, though conditions can still be slick or snowy, so use caution on the drive. Because access is relatively easy, this trail stays popular year-round with hikers and ice climbers. If you’re lucky, you may spot climbers scaling frozen pillars along the canyon walls on your way up.

The hike is just 2.4 miles round trip with minimal elevation gain, making it a great winter option for all hiking abilities. The frozen falls are especially magical this time of year, creating a true winter-wonderland setting. If you want to extend your adventure, the trail continues past Grotto Falls toward additional waterfalls and eventually Hyalite Lake, conditions permitting.

2.4 miles | 278 ft gain | Get Directions

9. South Cottonwood Trail

We love this trail because you can make it as long or as short as you’d like. It’s easy to access from Bozeman and is a great winter hike for all ages and ability levels. The trail follows South Cottonwood Creek and gains less than 500 feet of elevation in the first few miles, making it a gentle, scenic option for colder days.

A popular turnaround point is the narrow bridge that crosses South Cottonwood Creek, just use caution in winter, as it can get icy. If you’re up for more mileage, the trail continues all the way to Hyalite Canyon, giving you the option to turn this easy hike into a longer adventure depending on conditions.

Photo Credit: www.brisul.com

4.9 miles | 524 ft gain | Get Directions

10. Ousel Falls

A frozen waterfall is always worth the trip, and Ousel Falls in Big Sky is one of the easiest winter waterfalls to reach. The trail is about 1.7 miles round trip with minimal elevation gain, making it a great choice for families, beginners, or anyone looking for a quick winter outing.

Because the trailhead is close to Big Sky, the drive is usually straightforward even in snowy conditions. This trail also gets steady winter use, which means the snow is typically well-packed, just be prepared for icy sections near the falls.

1.7 miles | 242 ft gain | Get Directions