Summer is almost here and if you’re looking to get out on the trails this is a good time to start exploring. Most trails don’t open up fully until mid-late May in higher elevations but these are fun trails to hike from spring to fall. These suggestions are for the beginner to medium hiker and beyond.
Beehive Basin
Beehive Basin is hands down my fist choice to hike in the area and requires a visit ideally in June when the wildflowers are at peak. It’s the hike that made me fall in love with Montana when I arrived 25 years ago. It has breathtaking views. The trail winds up into the U-shaped basin and amongst the granite walls that surround it.
Miles: 7 round trip
Elevation: 1650ft
Level: Moderate
More details.
Beehive Basin Trail, Big Sky, Montana
Lava Lake
Hiking to Lava Lake is a mandatory trip every year. Once you have made your way the two and half miles,the rewards are impressive. The trail meanders the creek and it’s a nice shaded route in the heat of the summer. Lava lake is crystal clear and inviting on a hot day, but be warned, if you plan to dive init’s quite cold! It’s also a good spot to find the occasional huckleberry in the fall.
Miles: 5.5 round trip
Elevation: 1620ft
Level: Easy to Moderate
More details.
Woman on Garnet Mountain hiking trail.
Garnett Mountain
This is a great mountain climb. It’s not extremely long but, depending on your speed, you could climb up and down in a few hours and still have time to grab a beer and lunch at Map Brewing. You cross a creek at the start and head up into dense forest that gives way to nice open views towards the top of the area. The road is closed from January 1 to May 16th.
Miles: 7.7 round trip
Elevation: 2800ft
Level: Moderate
More details.
Triple Tree
Triple Tree is one of my go to trails because I can hike up and around in 1-1.5 hours depending on where you start. There are wonderful wildflowers in the spring (May) and there is a wide path going up. The views from the overlook expand to the Bridger Mountain Range, the Bozeman Valley, the Hyalite Mountains to the south and the Tobacco Root Mountains to the west.
Miles: 5.5 round trip
Elevation: 800ft
Level: Easy to Moderate
More details.
Bridger Mountains with Lupin wildflower
College M Trail
This is a great early season trail to hike and if you catch it at the right time in the spring, it will be littered with arrow leaf balsamroot flowers. The hillside is covered in yellow flowers that bring the area to life. There are three different routes to the top; one is steep, one is medium and one is mellow. Getting to the M gives you views of three different mountain ranges and the Bozeman (Gallatin) Valley.
Miles: 2 Round Trip
Elevation: 820ft
Level: Moderate
More details.
Wherever you decide to travel this summer make sure you take safety and emergency essentials that will keep you safe. This includes, water, sunscreen, extra clothing, navigation/a map (that isn’t electronic), fire starter, first aid supplies, extra food and small headlamp in case you have to find your way out in the dark. REI has the list and the goods you will need. Click here to read more details. Don’t forget your bear spray as all of these trails lead you into bear territory.
A key to traveling into the backcountry is the Leave No Trace ethic. Bring out what you pack in and practice good trail etiquette. Please obey the rules and you can read what those are here: Leave No Trace.
Make sure you tell a friend when you’re going and when you’re expected back or leave a note in your car in case of emergencies. Be safe, but have fun and enjoy some time in nature. We all need that prescription.
Stay safe my friends, am sending you love and health. Diana
About Diana – Owner of Your Adventure Rx
Ladies, if you thought you couldn’t do it, think again. If you hang out with us for too long you’ll start believing in yourself and leave knowing you can accomplish anything. Diana is an Adventurer, Certified Therapeutic Recreational Specialist (CTRS), worked as professional outdoor recreation educator for people with and without disabilities for the last 20 years, traveled to over 20 countries and is also certified in Wilderness First Aid. She climbed many mountain peaks, biked numerous trails and paddled all around the world.
