Montana summers aren't long, but they can get hot. When they do, there's nothing better than spending a day at the lake or catching an afternoon dip on a hot day. From local ponds to scenic lakes near Bozeman, there's no shortage of water bodies to cannonball into when you need to cool off.
So as the temps heat up, we've gathered a few of our favorite swimming areas near Bozeman – like Hyalite Reservoir and Fairy Lake – for you to explore on a hot day.
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Swimming Areas Near Bozeman (From Closest to Furthest Away)
1. Bozeman Beach
Located at Glen Lake Rotary Park on the north side of town, Bozeman Beach offers a little sandy spot of heaven along Glen Lake with a backdrop of the Bridger mountains.
You'll find sand volleyball courts and easy access for a kayak or stand up paddle board. Walking trails surround the lake, and the dock is perfect for diving in. It can get a bit crowded on a hot summer day, but you can usually find a spot for your beach towel and jump in for a swim.
Bozeman Beach is probably the most accessible swimming spot in town (just a 7-minute drive from the city center). Plus, it's right next to one of the most popular breweries in town, MAP Brewing, which looks out over the lake.
2. Axtell Bridge
Axtell Bridge is technically a fishing access site, but plenty of Bozemanites visit the area to swim.
Just a 15-minute drive from Bozeman along the highway toward Big Sky, Axtell Bridge offers a safe spot to wade into the cool clean waters of the Gallatin River. Beware if you go too early in the summer season, the currents could be a little fast.
Save this spot for late June or early July, and be courteous to those fishing.
3. Hyalite Reservoir
The Hyalite Canyon Recreation Area offers nearly any kind of outdoor activity you can think of, making it one of the best swimming areas near Bozeman.
You may want to wait until a little later in the summer for this one because the mountain runoff water can be pretty cold. But in such a beautiful area, surrounded by mountain peaks, it's worth just hanging out in the sun, having a picnic, and dipping in when you get too hot.
Only 30 minutes from downtown Bozeman up Hyalite Canyon Road, this recreational area feels out of town without the long drive. It's also a great place to bring your dogs, your paddleboard or kayak, and a fishing rod. At Hyalite, endless trails circle the lake, taking you past waterfalls and up to nearby peaks, so you can easily pack in a full day of fun.
You can stick around the main boat launch at the base of the reservoir or drive around the lake and see if there is a spot available at one of the campsites bordering the water.
4. Fairy Lake
Fairy Lake is one of the most scenic lakes near Bozeman that's perfect for swimming.
Located in the Bridger Range about an hour's drive from Bozeman, this lake is full of emerald-colored water at the base of Sacajawea Peak. From the parking area and campground, it's a short walk down some stairs to the lake. You can also walk the flat 0.8 mile loop around Fairy Lake. With opportunities for camping and hiking to the summit of Sacajawea, you can easily spend a good amount of time here.
This magical spot does require a bumpy drive along a rough road for several miles, so a high-clearance vehicle is recommended. The forest service gate usually opens mid-June, so if you head there before then, be prepared to walk a few extra miles on a possibly snowy road.
5. Ennis Lake
Ennis Lake, formed by damming the Madison River near Ennis, is one of the more shallow swimming areas near Bozeman. This means warmer waters, even in earlier summer months.
Just an hour southwest of Bozeman, it's a scenic drive to the day use area at Kobayashi Beach. It's a popular spot for families with picnic tables, bathrooms, and an awesome rope swing.
If you're not up for jumping in the nearest swimming hole, Bozeman offers plenty of shady patios and cold brews for cooling off during the summer months. If you're looking for something a little warmer, check out our list of nearby hot springs as well.
6. Canyon Ferry Lake
Take a scenic hour-and-a-half drive north from Bozeman to the third-largest body of water in Montana. With 76 miles of shoreline, Canyon Ferry Lake is a great place to throw down a beach towel and head for the water.
Fill up the coolers with some lunch and beers and spend the day relaxing in the Montana sun. With camping, fishing, and boating opportunities, this lake sees plenty of traffic throughout the summer, so plan to arrive early to scope out the best spot at this popular swimming area near Bozeman!
If you enjoyed this blog, take a look at some of our other related articles at Bozemancvb.com.
- A Guide to In-Town Exploration in Bozeman
- Where to Enjoy Bozeman's Best Cocktails
- The Ultimate Bozeman Summer Adventure Day
- Top Ten Hiking Trails Close to Bozeman, Montana
In our never-ending quest to keep up with all things new in Bozeman, we have been producing content for years and can't possibly update every blog when new businesses open or existing businesses close. Please reference the publish date and do your own due diligence when making plans.