6 Best Waterfall Hikes in Bozeman, Montana

1) Palisade Falls

We know, Palisade Falls this is the most obvious waterfall hike in Bozeman, and on any given day, it can be as busy as Target on a Saturday. But it still deserves a spot on the list!  The trail is just one mile and fully paved, making it ideal for strollers, little kids, and, yes, tourists. 

Palisade Falls is one of the busiest trails in Bozeman so it is important to be respectful and friendly not only to those you meet on the trail, but to the natural surroundings as well. The waterfall itself is more than 80 feet tall, making it a pretty spectacular sight.

More Info + Directions

2) Grotto Falls and Hyalite Creek Trail

This is another popular waterfall hike in Bozeman, but one of the best if you want to see multiple waterfalls in a single day. The trail to Grotto Falls is great for a quick hike to a beautiful waterfall. It’s only 2.5 miles round-trip and is stroller/wheelchair friendly. Grotto itself is a picturesque falls with lush greenery on one side, and you can hike down to the base of the waterfall to explore.

If you want to go further, the Hyalite Creek Trail/Hyalite Lake Trail continues from this point and has eleven waterfalls (yes you read that right!) Keep an eye out for Arch and Champagne Falls, both are absolutely breathtaking. This trail eventually leads to Hyalite Lake, and if you are feeling really ambitious, you can keep going for another two miles to Hyalite Peak. 

More Info + Directions

3) Pine Creek Falls

We’ll head to the amazing Paradise Valley for the next couple of hikes. The drive from Bozman to the Pine Creek Falls trailhead is just over an hour, and you get to enjoy beautiful mountain views the whole way. Pine Creek Falls is a relatively easy 1.6-mile hike (one way) on a well-maintained trail. Some sections of the terrain can be a bit tricky, so hikers should be comfortable with uneven footing.

You’ll wind through a forested area, cross a few streams, and then make a short, steep climb to the falls. Early in the season, the waterfall is pretty spectacular, crashing down onto the rocks and throwing off a cool mist. As we get further into the dry part of summer, the flow starts to decline. There is a small bridge that takes you over the base of the waterfall to another waterfall just around the corner.

From the falls, you can continue on to Pine Creek Lake. Just make sure you’re prepared for a tough climb. It’s only four more miles to the lake, but those miles gain 3,000 feet with plenty of switchbacks and can be challenging if you’re not ready for it. As always, the views from the lake, and throughout the hike, make it all worth it!

More Info + Directions

4) Passage Falls

5) Ousel Falls

Gallatin Canyon and the Big Sky area offer some great hiking, especially if you're chasing waterfalls. Ousel Falls is one of the most popular—basically the Palisade Falls of Big Sky. It’s easy to get to, the trail is moderate, and the waterfall at the end is fantastic. The falls are surrounded by lush greenery and towering cliff walls, making the whole scene feel pretty dramatic, especially in the spring during runoff. We’ve even heard rumors that the occasional kayaker has gone over the falls that time of year. 

6) Pioneer Falls

The Spanish Peaks Trail in Gallatin Canyon and serves as the starting point for several routes, including the hike to Pioneer Falls. The drive to the trailhead is pretty incredible on its own, with a good chance of spotting bison, and maybe even a moose!

The hike to the falls is roughly 6 miles round trip with minimal elevation gain, making it manageable for most hikers. The trail winds through open meadows, follows along streams, and offers some of the best mountain backdrops in the canyon. Around the three-mile mark, you’ll reach a fork—take the right-hand trail and continue a little over a mile to the falls.

More Info + Directions