Great Hikes with Dogs in Bozeman, Montana

Explore Dog Friendly Landscapes all Easy to Locate

Oct 19, 2009

Bozeman is a dog friendly town that has amazing access to trails and leash free areas within no more than a 10-20 minute drive.

When in Bozeman and looking for a place to take Fido for some exercise or if you are passing through the area, here are some local favorites.

Bozeman Trail

This trail provides over 10 miles (one-way) of streamside and scenic access. Formerly a forest service road, it is very popular for hikers, joggers, mountain bikers and in the winter is well maintained for cross-country skiing. It curves in the forest with views of the Hylite Mountains and the flora is rich. It has a gradual uphill gain, but it would be classified as an easy hike in moderation. Many people share this trail with their dogs and this really is not the place to go unless you like dogs. There are times the creek is out of visibility but, there are plenty of watering holes along the path.

Get to Bozeman trail by taking Kagy Road to Sourdough Road and turn south. Drive on Sourdough for 6 miles to Nash Road and turn right. Go .5 miles on Nash Road to Bozeman Creek Road and turn left. Take this 1.5 miles to the trailhead parking area.

Hedvig's Trail at Snowfill

Hedvig's Trail at Snowfill is a leash-free dog area that loops just over a mile and curves and climbs in a fenced in terrain. It was established in 2009 in the remembrance of Bozeman resident and artist, Hedvig Flowers who passed away too young from cancer. The area provides lovely views of the Bridgers and surrounding farms. It is a good place to take your dog if it is the type to run-off. Very little can happen since it is very well enclosed. There is a water pump at the gate entrance to hydrate your dog in addition to a supply of bags for doggie droppings. Be sure to refill the water bucket for the next visitor.

To get to Snowfill, take North Rouse to Griffin Road and turn left (if coming from town). Take Griffin about ¼ mile to Manley Road and turn right. Take this 1.5 miles to McIllatin Road and turn right. The road turns into a dirt road and the entrance is on the left.

Pete’s Hill, Burke Park

This one mile stroll (one way) is on top of a hill lending great views to the Hylite Mountains, Bridgers, and the entire town. Dogs run free in this grassy hilltop with well worn trails. It connects to other arteries in the Bozeman trail system so is well used for joggers and commuters. In the winter the path continues to be well used and is usually very walkable.

To get to Pete’s Hill take Main Street to Church Street and turn south. Drive about 1 mile and the small parking lot will be on your left. It can also be accessed by parking behind Bozeman Deaconess Hospital.

Drinking Horse

Drinking Horse trail often is overlooked because it is across from a very popular trailhead, the M trail. (M for Montana State University in the hillside). It is a 2.5 mile loop that gives you just enough feel of being out of town and provides great views all the way to the vista. It has a bit of climb and gain through pine forest as it switches back and forth to the top.

To get to Drinking Horse take N. Rouse out of town towards Bridger Canyon. At the Fish Hatchery, turn right and there is parking on the left .

South Cottonwood Creek Trail

This trailhead is a little more of a drive from town (20 minutes) and gets one into the foothills of the Gallatin Range. The first 20 minutes of the hike switches back and forth for a bit uphill then levels out as you pass a gate and get to the creek. It is a shaded area, so not a choice hike until summer for the snowpack sticks around. Once crossing the bridge there is a short climb and the trail continues to follow the creek, though sometimes it is out of sight, for miles. It is a popular trail for trail runners for it allows long distances if desired. It is forested and natural, and change from the city parks. The area definitely has black bears, so you might want to bring your bear spray to be prepared.

To get to South Cottonwood Creek Trail take Main Street west out of town and it will turn into Huffine Lane. Take this about 2 miles to Cottonwood Road and turn left (South). Take Cottonwood Road 7.5 miles to Cottonwood Canyon Road and turn left. Follow this for 2 miles to the trailhead at the end of the road.

Bozeman and Southwest Montana offer a plethora of outdoor recreation including oportunities for great hikes with your dog starting with just these options.

The copyright of the article Great Hikes with Dogs in Bozeman, Montana in Hiking & Trails is owned by Becky Warren. Permission to republish Great Hikes with Dogs in Bozeman, Montana in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.