Wildflower season is one of the many joys of spring in Bozeman. From the bright yellow arrowleaf balsamroot to dark purple larkspur to hot pink sticky geranium, Bozeman certainly delivers; you're bound to see wildflowers on almost every trail in June and July.
While you're likely to spot wildflowers covering many hillsides and lining most trails, we certainly have our favorite spots. Here are some of the best wildflower hikes in Bozeman, Montana.
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Our Favorite Wildflower Hikes in Bozeman, Montana Ranked From Easy to Difficult
1. Fairy Lake Trail
Distance: 0.8-mile loop
Difficulty: Easy
When to go: The forest service gate to the lake doesn't usually open until mid-June, and flowers tend to peak in late June and all through July.
The Fairy Lake Trail, on the east side of the Bridger Mountains (one of the five mountain ranges surrounding Bozeman), is a popular spot because of the gentle path around this scenic alpine lake. You'll also see a ton of wildflowers on your drive up to the lake (possibly even more than on the trail!), so plan to stop on your way there.
If you're lucky, you might even see mountain goats! They frequent this area, and are often spotted atop the rocky mountain above the lake.
This is a very popular spot, so plan to either arrive early or late in the day on weekends. We recommend driving a car with high clearance on this rough dirt road leading up to the trail.
Pro tip: For a less populated (but MUCH more difficult) hike, check out Frazier Lake Trail. Not for the faint of heart, this trail essentially goes straight up for just over a mile. Your hard work won't be for nothing though – in late June and early July, you'll most likely be rewarded with wildflowers along the trail and a gorgeous view of the lake below at the overlook.
2. Peet's Hill & The Gallagator Trail
Distance: 2.3-mile loop
Difficulty: Easy
When to go: There's almost no shade in this area, so expect flowers to peak early, most likely in mid to late May.
While you go up a short hill to the main portion of the hike (although it's really more of a walk), it's mostly flat once you get to the top. From there, you'll see amazing views of Bozeman's downtown area and the Gallatin Valley.
You can stop at the top of the hill, or continue along the Gallagator Trail for a longer walk. You'll see gorgeous wildflowers the whole way, and can even bring a picnic blanket to watch the sunset. We highly recommend this – there are plenty of spots to sit at the top!
3. History Rock at Hyalite Recreation Area
Distance: 6 miles out and back
Difficulty: Moderate
When to go: Due to the higher elevation, wildflowers usually peak in mid to late June and July.
Hyalite Reservoir is home to many native plants that share their buds and blooms. Magenta shooting stars mark the first signs of spring along with vibrant yellow bells, and vivid red paintbrush comes a little later in the season.
History Rock Trail is one of the best wildflower hikes in Bozeman, Montana thanks to its large, sunny meadow – the perfect place for wildflowers to thrive! You'll see swaths of blooms as far as the eye can see, and not just on the History Rock trail – Hyalite Recreation Area is full of them.
Pro tip: Bring your bathing suit! Hyalite Reservoir is one of Bozeman's best swimming holes, with lots to do. You'll see people stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, swimming, and more!
4. Triple Tree Trail
Distance: 5- or 3-mile loop
Difficulty: Moderate
When to go: Arrowleaf balsamroot usually peak around mid-May and through the month of June, while fireweed peaks in late July and early August.
Triple Tree Trail is another great wildflower hike, thanks to the variety of wildflowers that grow there. It's one of the most reliable places to see fireweed in late summer, but also puts on a show with hillsides covered in arrowleaf balsamroot and lupine earlier in the season.
5. Sypes Canyon
Distance: 4 miles out and back to the viewpoint, with the option for a longer hike
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult, depending on length
When to go: Although it's a more shady trail, there are still plenty of sunny spots; wildflowers usually peak around mid-May and through June.
You’ll notice there are plenty of wildflower hikes in the Bridger Mountains (the range looming above town), and for good reason. The alpine environment lends itself well to several different growing seasons, with microclimates in each gully and canyon that offer many unique locations to wander for wildflowers.
Sypes Canyon is one of these, and is a pretty spot to check out with more shade than other hikes on this list. You’ll still find ample amounts of that vivid yellow arrowleaf balsamroot, along with bright pink shooting stars, swaths of purple larkspur, pale pink spring beauties, and so much more.
6. The M Trail
Distance: 1-3 mile loop or out-and-back
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult, depending on the trail you take
When to go: This trail doesn't have much shade, so wildflowers tend to bloom here first; they usually peak in mid-May and early June.
As one of the most popular trails in Bozeman, the College M trail is a great spot for a quick workout as you huff and puff your way up this steep climb. Arrowleaf balsamroot blooms every spring, its vibrant yellow flowers grow in great bushy clumps all the way up the steepest section of trail.
Even if you’d rather skip the leg burner and just cut straight to the flowers, you can hike the longer route to the M and see the hillside of blooms spreading out beneath you. In fact, you can choose from three different routes, all with varying mileage and difficulty. The numerous trails makes this one of our favorite wildflower hikes in Bozeman, Montana!
Pro tip: If the M is too busy, hop next door to its sister trail that winds up Drinking Horse Mountain. It's very similar to the M and still affords stunning views of the Gallatin Valley, but is usually a little less crowded (although still popular).
7. Chestnut Mountain
Distance: 10 miles out-and-back
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult, depending on length
When to go: This trail is in full sun but sits at a slightly higher elevation, so wildflowers are usually at peak bloom throughout June.
Arguably the least popular hike on this list, Chestnut Mountain is a great option if you're looking for a less crowded spot. While the high mileage may seem intimidating, you don't have to do the entire trail since it's out-and-back.
The elevation gain is also pretty gradual, so this can actually be a fairly relaxing hike if you don't want to do the full 10 miles, and you'll still get nice views even if you don't go all the way to the top.
Looking for more hiking trails? Check out The 10 Best Hikes in Bozeman. For more travel tips as you plan your outdoor adventures in Bozeman, download the Bozeman Travel Guide below.
If you enjoyed this blog, take a look at some of our other related articles at Bozemancvb.com:
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- Where to Enjoy Bozeman's Best Cocktails
- The Ultimate Bozeman Summer Adventure Day
- Top Ten Hiking Trails Close to Bozeman, Montana
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