Alright, here’s my take on those Bozeman hikes I was telling you about.
Bozeman Hikes: My Adventures in the Mountains
So, I decided I needed to get my butt moving and explore some of the trails around Bozeman. I mean, living here and not hiking? That’s just a waste. Plus, all those Instagram photos were giving me FOMO real bad.
First up, I tackled Sypes Canyon Trail.
I started early, like 7 AM early. I dragged myself out of bed, threw on some hiking boots (thank god I invested in those!), grabbed a granola bar, and filled up my water bottle. Getting to the trailhead was pretty easy, just a short drive from town. Parking wasn’t too bad that early, but I heard it fills up quick later in the day.
The trail itself? Pretty mellow. Nice and gradual incline, mostly shaded, which was a lifesaver. I just kept putting one foot in front of the other, enjoying the peace and quiet. Listened to some tunes, tried not to trip over any rocks. The creek running alongside was a nice touch.
Made it to the waterfall, which, honestly, was more of a trickle. But hey, still pretty! Took a few pics, chugged some water, and headed back down. The downhill was way faster, obviously. I was back at the car by 10 AM, feeling pretty good about myself. Not gonna lie, my legs were a little sore, but it was a good kind of sore.
Next on my list was Drinking Horse Mountain Trail.
This one was a bit tougher. I went mid-afternoon, which was a mistake because it was HOT. I swear, the sun was trying to kill me. Should’ve learned my lesson from Sypes and gone earlier.
The trail switchbacks up the mountain, and it’s pretty exposed, so there’s not much shade. I was sweating like crazy. I kept stopping to catch my breath and admire the view, which was actually pretty awesome. You can see the whole valley from up there.
Finally made it to the top! There are actually a few different trails up there, so I wandered around a bit, checked out the different viewpoints. Took some more pics, of course. My phone’s full of mountain pics now.
The descent was killer on my knees. I was trying to be careful not to slip, but my legs were starting to feel like jelly. I was so glad when I finally got back to the car. I chugged the rest of my water and cranked up the AC.
My last adventure (for now) was Bear Canyon Trail.
This one was recommended by a friend, and it didn’t disappoint. It’s a bit further out of town, but the drive was worth it. The trail follows a creek through a really pretty canyon. It felt like I was in a totally different world.
This one was also a little more challenging than Sypes, but not as brutal as Drinking Horse. There were a few rocky sections and some stream crossings, which were kind of fun. I almost slipped a couple of times, but I managed to stay upright.
The scenery on this one was amazing. Lots of wildflowers, cool rock formations, and the sound of the creek was so relaxing. I saw a couple of deer, which was pretty cool. I even saw some people fishing in the creek.
I hiked for a few hours, just exploring and enjoying the scenery. I didn’t make it to the end of the trail, but I still had a great time. This one’s definitely going on my “hike again” list.
So, yeah, that’s my Bozeman hiking experience so far. I’m planning on checking out more trails soon. Any recommendations? Let me know in the comments! And remember to bring plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and tell someone where you’re going! Stay safe out there!
