Get Outside Guide: Bozeman, MT

Those who've visited Bozeman can understand quite quickly how Montana earned its moniker as "The Big Sky State." Flanked by the Bridgers to the north and the Gallatin Range to the south, Bozeman sits beneath a wide open valley sky while remaining just a stone's throw from the excitement of rocky mountain terrain.

I've been lucky enough to grow up visiting this mountain town every year at all times of year, adding new outdoor experiences to my quiver with each passing season. Even now, 28 years on, the opportunities to explore not-yet-trodden paths are seemingly endless. And that's one of (the many) things I love most about this mountain town.

If you're itching to high-tail it out west for some outdoor adventure, I've rounded up a few of my favorite ways to get outside in Bozeman, Montana.

(Please note this list is not comprehensive – just a few of my favorite things!)

Winter

Best Downhill Skiing in Bozeman

• Bridger Bowl

• Big Sky

In the realm of resort skiing, it really comes down to two options: Bridger Bowl or Big Sky. But both resorts have their own unique charm.

Head to the Bridgers: Just 25 minutes from downtown Bozeman, Bridger Bowl is beloved by locals. One of the few remaining community-owned, non-profit ski areas in the U.S., it boasts beautifully maintained ski runs and a very loyal community of season pass-holders. With groomed low angle runs, tree-laden off-piste jaunts, and extreme hike-access-only terrain, there is something for everyone. You'll find me cruising through the trees off the Alpine lift.

Get up in Big Sky: Big Sky Resort is set in the heart of the Gallatin Gateway, about one hour and 15 minutes from downtown Bozeman. Ikon pass-holders have access to Big Sky, so you're more likely to find visitors from all over the states who have come to enjoy its plush lift chairs and long, flowing ski runs. There is nothing quite so luxurious as finishing a 15-minute ski down the mountain and then getting on a chair lift with heated seats!

Best Nordic Skiing in Bozeman

• Crosscut Mountain Sports Center

Cruise out to Crosscut: Perhaps one of my favorite ways to get active in Bozeman in the winter is to go cross-country skiing at Crosscut. Located just up the road from Bridger Bowl, Crosscut offers 45km of groomed trails for both classic and skate skiing. My personal favorite trail is the Logger's route, which is the longest loop and reaches the highest point in the trail system. Don't forget to enjoy a free cup of hot cocoa in the welcome lodge to warm up after your ski!

My skiing gear recommendations:

• Atomic Backland 107s: I use Backland 107 skis with shift bindings and I amsolutely love them. It's the perfect versatile ski and binding pair for long resort days and leisurely ski tours.

• Rossignol Cross Country Skis: When it comes to Nordic skiing, Rossignol products really are the gold standard. I use both Rossignol classic and skate skis, and absolutely love them.

Summer

Best Hikes Near Bozeman

• Bangtail Divide

• Lava Lake

• Triple Tree

There are so many incredible trail networks in Bozeman and the surrounding areas I can't even begin to scratch the surface in this short guide. And one look at Strava's Heatmap will prove that these trails are the city's most popular playground.

Cross the Bangtail Divide: One of the most beautiful trail runs I have taken in Bozeman follows the Bangtail Divide Trail in the Bridgers. I ran the Bangtail Divide 38k back in 2023 and the memory of the breathtaking scenery still fills me with awe. It was early July and the wildflowers were exploding – sticky geraniums, forget-me-nots, paintbrushes, and lupines lined the trail in a colorful mosaic. If trail races aren't your cup of tea, give the 14.4 mile out-and-back a try!

Trek up to Lava Lake: Every time I visit Bozeman in the summer, I make a point to hike to Lava Lake. Set in the Gallatin Gateway, it is a 5.5 miles out and back trail with 1,600 feet of elevation gain. The lake itself is a classic gorgeous alpine lake, perfectly suited for mid-hike plunges and picnic lunches. I've seen hikers of all ages trekking up the Lava Lake trail, so it's a great option for a family day hike too!

Trot around Triple Tree: Perhaps my favorite trail in Bozeman is Triple Tree Trail. A ~5 mile loop with just under 1,000 feet of elevation gain, this trail is enjoyed by all Bozemanites doing all kinds of activities. Every person I see on this trail has a big smile and an enthusiastic "Hi! Have a good one!" to share. Hikers, runners, mountain bikers, and snow shoers can enjoy it year round. With views of the Bridgers from the top, it's the perfect trail for your everyday outdoor activity.

My hiking and trail running gear recommendations:

• Saucony Peregrines: I started running in Saucony Peregrines at the suggestion of a Bozeman Running Company employee who emphatically claimed, "these are the most popular trail running shoes in Bozeman - full stop." I've been wearing them ever since and have never looked back.

• Salomon Skin Hydration Vest: I've been using my Salomon vest for about four years now and I love it. I have the 5 liter version, and that has more than enough space for all the Honeystingers, PB&Js, dried mangoes, LMNTs, and jerky you could ever need.

• Katadyn Water Filter bag: For all day trail missions, a water bag with a filter is a must. I have the Katadyn collapsible water filter bag and I've used it to filter water from alpine lakes and glacier run off and have never (knock on wood) had any issues with tainted water!

• Julbo Ultimate sunglasses: I've been wearing these Julbo performance sunglasses with their REACTIV lens, which has been so wonderful for trail running! I no longer feel like I go momentarily blind when moving between tree shadows and bright sun. However, I have been thinking about switching to Oakley Radar EV Path... if you've worn them, would love to hear your thoughts! Shoot me a message @summer_atwood.

Best Water Activities Near Bozeman

• Fly fishing in the rivers

• Paddle boarding at Hyalite Reservoir

There is nothing quite so refreshing as a brave plunge in a mountain lake or rushing river on a hot summer's day.

Go down stream: Bozeman is laced with rivers -- the Gallatin, Madison, Missouri, Yellowstone, Smith, and Jefferson rivers are a fisherperson's paradise and a raft guide's dream. A fly-fisherman's daughter, I've cast my fair share of dry flies into the Madison and enjoyed many a float down the Yellowstone. Though fishing isn't my usual outdoor activity, I can't deny the rush of excitement that comes with a tug on the line, nor the pure beauty of golden spots on a hefty Brown.

Paddle it out: On the hottest of summer days, not much beats paddle boarding on Hyalite Lake. I usually rent an inflatable board from Chalet Sports or Roundhouse Sports and drive it up Hyalite Canyon to the lake. Hyalite Lake is tucked amongst a glorious crown of mountains, making it the picture perfect place to paddle.

Best Biking Trails Near Bozeman

• Leverich Canyon

Blaze the trail: I've only recently started mustering the courage to go mountain biking, and the one trail I have mountain biked in Bozeman just happens to be a fan-favorite. Leverich Canyon is considered "one of the most popular trails in Bozeman" for its heart-pumping uphill and free-falling single-track downhill. It's the perfect 4.9 mile loop to closeout the week or kick off the weekend.

My biking gear recommendations:

• Cannondale Topstone 4: I love my Cannondale SO MUCH. It's orange and I named it "mango-a-go-go" (after my favorite Jamba Juice smoothie). It's the perfect gravel bike for both gravel and road biking.

• Smith Bobcat sunglasses: These fit under a bike helmet pretty seamlessly and they look cool.

Fuel the Stoke

Best Trail Snacks Near Bozeman

• Wild Crumb Bakery

• Mountains Walking Brewery

Follow the crumbs: It needs to be said: Wild Crumb is the best bakery in... the Mountain West? The U.S.? The world? A self-proclaimed baked goods connoisseur, I do not make this claim lightly. The Levain loaf lives in my dreams. The thought of the huckleberry scone makes my mouth water. It's the perfect post-outdoor activity treat destination, or the ideal pre-activity pitstop for lunch on the go.

Grab a pint: When you're done walking in the mountains, head to Mountains Walking. Aptly located in the Bozeman Brewery Historic District, this brew pub offers a wide selection of Bozeman beers in a classic, laid-back Bozeman atmosphere. A fruity drink gal at heart, I particularly enjoy their Peach Cobbler sour.

Get Outside in Big Sky Country

From wildflower-laden trails to powder-packed slopes, Bozeman is an outdoorist's paradise all year round. Looking for more insider tips on where to find the best sunset picnic spots and secret untrodden single track? Looking to partner on outdoor gear reviews, travel collaborations, or adventure storytelling? Let’s connect—shoot me a message @summer_atwood!