Bozeman, MT, USA
Community
July 2025
By: Alex Glenn
Looking to enjoy Bozeman’s extensive trail system but don’t know where to start? Are you a skier desperate to still get into the alpine once the snow has melted out? Maybe you're a fellow runner, curious of what we have to say about the local scene.
The Ridge
The Bridger Mountains alone could make up this entire list. Their proximity to Bozeman makes them an easy place to get a run in before or after work in the summer. That, coupled with their relief from Gallatin Valley and an often-rocky ridgeline keeps things exciting for every type of runner. A great way to spend the day is to link up Saddle Peak and Baldy via Middle Cottonwood, then take the Bridger Foothills Trail back to the car. Likewise, in my opinion, Mt. Baldy proper is one of the best training runs you can do around here. With 3500 feet of near constant gain, it's the perfect way to suffer—suffering is training, right?
The College M / Drinking Horse
Perhaps the best easily-accessible trail runs close to Bozeman. Both have something to offer that the other doesn’t. The steep way up the M provides an unrelenting and slightly technical path to the top, while the long way provides a long and gentle slope that is rather enjoyable compared to the former. The M is a great way to test yourself as you train for summer trail races. A quite enjoyable workout that I regularly do is to go all out up the steep way, then rest on the run down the long way. Repeat this twice and you've got a great tempo loop to train for the Rut.
Across the street is Drinking Horse, a similar run that is a tad more loopable than the M. Both ways to the top offer a gentle pitch that is strenuous at times but never will-breaking. Choose one way to go up and follow the other to go down for a perfect loop to do before work or class.
Mystic Lake via Sourdough
Somewhere in between a trail run and road running, Sourdough is a long, relatively flat trail that extends for what seems like eternity. While this may seem as monotonous and soul-crushing as loops around town, a creek and forested atmosphere provide a much-needed change of scenery while kicking out. Follow the creek up 4.7 mi until you find a fork at Bozeman Creek. Left follows the Wall of Death, a steep single track intermittently bisected by steep limestone walls. While the name sounds bold and daring, rest assured it's no steeper nor exposed than some sections of the ridge (just be on the lookout for mountain bikers on this trail). If this doesn’t appeal to you, follow the same forest service road to the right, where it will gradually meander up towards the reservoir. Once at Mystic Lake, fill up your water and cool off before retracing your steps back to the car.
Painted Hills / Highland Glen
A short and sweet loop that takes you through cow pastures with a great view of the Bridgers. There are dozens of ways to pick your way through this area, but this outlines what I believe is the “most loopable” route. Start by parking at the softball field complex and crossing Ellis road to the start of the dirt trails. From there, run and take the first right and follow the fence line. From there continue on the beaten path until you reach Kagy. Cross the road and run towards the Painted Hills trailhead where you will then cross the road once more. Getting back to the car is a bit of a choose-your-own-adventure as there are a multitude of paths that lead you there. I recommend keeping right and going up onto the small hill to max out the distance.
Little Ellis
A staple run when May flowers begin to bloom. Little Ellis is a somewhat straightforward 7 and a half mile trail run that snakes its way through forests and meadows and provides a beautiful view of Bozeman and the Gallatin Valley from the top. Start by taking the Mount Ellis road until you reach a gate where there should be a few parked cars. From there, follow the trail for a mile until you first enter the more forested area. Stay left on the Forest Service road and follow it for another 1.75 miles until you notice a small trail that breaks right off of the Forest Service road. That trail will snake its way through a few meadows and forested areas before placing you on the summit of Little Ellis. Take in the view of Bozeman from the top and retrace your steps back to the car.
If you're interested in hearing more recommendations for local adventures, stop by the shop and ask! We're always happy to help point you in the right direction. Stay tuned for more trip reports, gear reviews, and trail recommendations!
