Bozeman, Montana, is a true paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. While many visitors flock to the slopes during the winter, the area also offers a variety of incredible winter hikes waiting to be explored. After years of living in Bozeman and trekking through its stunning landscapes, I’ve put together a list of the top 10 winter hikes in the area. From scenic waterfall trails to peaceful forest paths and breathtaking viewpoints, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

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Tips For Hiking In The Winter

Is It Okay To Hike In The Winter? 

Hiking in the winter is absolutely okay but there are some aspects to consider when choosing the right trail. The first consideration is the terrain. I normally tend to avoid paths with a lot of steep cliffs due to the risk of slipping and falling. 

I also lean towards hiking on more popular trails in the winter. This is because the more popular the hike the more packed down the snow will be. Also less people hike in the winter, so even popular paths won’t feel too busy. In addition, it is a lot less difficult to get lost if there is already a path created by others.

Hiking on packed snow is far easier than trudging through untouched snow. Without a well-packed trail, you risk postholing—creating deep holes in the snow as you walk, sometimes sinking as far as your thighs. Postholing isn’t just exhausting; it can also be risky since you can’t always see what lies beneath the surface.

If you do want to travel on less popular trails, wear some snowshoes. They will help you stay above the snow and make your hike so much easier. 

How To Dress Winter Hiking?

Lastly, you will need to think about what gear you need to wear to stay safe, dry and warm. To stay warm, put on lots of layers. You might even get hot while winter hiking, so being able to cool yourself down and not sweat too much is key. However, not wearing enough warm clothes is not ideal either. 

For me, I wear a t-shirt, long sleeve shirt, fleece, and winter jacket along with my gloves, scarf and hat. This way I stay warm but also have plenty of options of items to take off to maintain a steady body temperature. 

I also like to wear snow pants sometimes, as I can be a bit clumsy. If I fall, I will still stay dry because my snow pants will protect me. 

Do I Need Winter Hiking Boots?

I don’t think you particularly need any specific winter hiking boots to go winter hiking. Depending on the hike, I would either wear my normal hiking shoes or my regular winter boots. 

If it is a packed down trail that has some steeper areas, I add microspikes or yaktrax. This helps with grip and they aren’t very expensive either. 

If the hike doesn’t have a lot of hills, regular boots or hiking shoes are just fine. It can even be fun to glide and slip around!  

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Best Winter Hikes In Bozeman

Now to the good part. I have compiled a list of my 10 favorite winter hikes in Bozeman. I have grouped the list from easiest to hardest. There is a good mix of winter hikes to waterfalls, forest hikes and ones with excellent views. Enjoy! 

Grotto Falls

• Distance: 3.9 km / 2.4 mi out and back
• Elevation gain: 85 m / 279 ft
• Average time: 1 hour
• Gear: Boots only

Starting out the list is probably one of the most popular winter hikes in Bozeman. Grotto Falls is a great hike in the winter for many reasons. First, you can drive all the way to the trailhead. With little elevation gain, the hike is easy and everyone can enjoy it. 

Grotto Falls is located in the beautiful Hyalite Canyon which has many other fun winter activities you can enjoy in the area too such as cross country skiing, sledding or ice climbing. The best part is you end at a frozen waterfall!

These pictures are from early spring hiking, so the waterfall isn’t frozen at this time, but it can be in the middle of winter.

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Ousel Falls

• Distance: 2.7 km / 1.7 mi out and back
• Elevation gain: 74 m / 243 ft
• Average time: 45 minutes
• Gear: Boots only

Ousel Falls is a very pretty waterfall hike in Big Sky, Montana. It is a popular hike, so the snowy path should be very packed down. There is little elevation gain on this trail and is beautiful the whole way as it follows a frosty stream. The waterfall at the end can be seen from a few different viewpoints. Be careful, especially if going down the stairs to the base, since the area can be very slick. 

South Cottonwood Creek

• Distance: 7.9 km / 4.9 mi out and back
• Elevation gain: 524 ft
• Average time: 2 hours
• Gear: Boots and microspikes

The winter hike that I did most when living in Bozeman was South Cottonwood Creek. It helped that it was close to my home, but I also enjoyed other aspects of this trail too. It isn’t the easiest path but it isn’t hard either. I find it to be a good mix of hills and flat areas that are doable for all fitness levels. 

You cross a few streams, but are mostly in a wooded forest. Hiking in forests in the winter is so peaceful and quiet. A great way to escape! Alltrails says the path is 4.9 miles out and back, but if you want to hike longer, you can. The turn around point is where the trail splits.

Triple Tree

• Distance: 5.4 mi (3.2 mi from recommended start) loop
• Elevation gain: 958 ft (758 ft from recommended start)
• Average time: 2 hours and 30 minutes (1 hour and 45 minutes from recommended start)
• Gear: Boots and microspikes 

For a nearby hike with really nice views, consider hiking Triple Tree. This loop hike is perfect in the summer and winter. The panoramic views from the top are beautiful and the trail isn’t too steep but still provides for a nice workout! 

The first mile of the hike is through a muddy field ,and I would skip that part. Instead of parking at the trailhead, do as the locals do, and park on Limestone Meadows Lane after you turn off of Triple Tree Road. You can access the footpath on the corner there. Take the route to the left, away from Triple Tree Road.

You can take the loop in either direction, but I usually veer to the right, but there’s really no reason for that. The trail is a bit steep at times and can be slick, so I would wear some yaktrax for traction. 

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Pine Creek Falls

• Distance: 4.8 km / 3 mi out and back
• Elevation gain: 226 m / 741 ft
• Average time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
• Gear: Boots only

Another stunning waterfall hike through a forest is Pine Creek Falls. It is located in Paradise Valley near Livingston, Montana. The trail has a very gradual incline until the very end where it is a little steeper, but it’s not too hard. The waterfall is very beautiful and is one that you should definitely see if you are in the area. It is a fairly popular hike, so you should be okay with just boots unless it snowed heavily the night before. 

Drinking Horse Mountain

• Distance: 3.5 km / 2.2 mi loop
• Elevation gain: 197 m / 646 ft
• Average time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
• Gear: Boots and microspikes

The winter hike on this list that is the closest to Bozeman is Drinking Horse Mountain. Besides the location, the best part of this hike is the views. You are awarded with picturesque vistas almost all of the way up and a few different panoramic viewpoints at the top. 

Take the loop trail to the right for the easiest way up and for better overlooks. The way to the left is mostly through the trees, so if you want to go back to the trailhead the same way as you came up, I wouldn’t blame you! 

The path can be steep and icy at times, so I would wear some spikes for grip. It is a very popular hike, so the snow will be well packed down. 

Blackmore Lake

• Distance: 7.2 km / 4.5 miles out and back
• Elevation gain: 270m / 885 ft
• Average time: 2 hours and 30 minutes
• Gear: Boots and microspikes unless a lot of snow, then snowshoes

Another phenomenal hike in Hyalite Canyon that I would recommend is to go to Blackmore Lake. While backcountry skiers might hike all the way up to the peak, the path to the lake is a perfect distance in the winter for the average hiker. 

The trail is moderate and pretty consistent uphill the whole time. Keep your eyes peeled for a sign that takes you to the right around 1.2 miles in. Last time I hiked it in the winter I missed the turn and went a little bit out of the way. The path is obvious in the summer, but in the winter, not as much. 

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Lava Lake

• Distance: 8.7 km / 5.4 mi out and back
• Elevation gain: 504 m / 1,653 ft
• Average time: 3 hours and 15 minutes
• Gear: Boots and microspikes

This moderate hike through Gallatin National Forest is beautiful. You will begin this hike in the forest with minimal views, but it will eventually open up. The lake at the top is stunning as well. Winter is my favorite time to hike Lava Lake as it can be super busy in the summer, but in the winter, it is empty and peaceful. 

The trail climbs pretty consistently throughout and I would recommend microspikes for traction, but it should be packed down enough not to need snowshoes. 

Storm Castle Peak

• Distance:  12.4 km /  7.8 miles out and back
• Elevation gain: 641 m / 2103 ft
• Average time: 4 hours and 30 minutes
• Gear: Boots and microspikes

In the summer, Storm Castle Peak is one of my favorite hikes near Bozeman, Montana. I have probably hiked it the most out of any trail. The views are incredible (which doesn’t change in the winter), the location and the steady climb are hard to beat. 

In the winter, Storm Castle Peak is a little bit more difficult to get to. The gate on the road is closed about 1.5 miles from the trailhead making the hike a little longer. The path has some sections that have a steep drop off, so make sure you are wearing yaktrax. The trail should be wide enough that it is still safe though.

The very end of the hike is also wooded and can be hard to navigate. Hopefully there is a clear path, but if not, keep going uphill, but stay near the left side. This is where the peak and the famous arch are located. 

Even with these challenges, it is still a fantastic hike!

Garnet Mountain

• Distance: 17.2 km / 10.7 miles out and back
• Elevation gain: 858 m / 2814 ft
• Average time: 7 hours
• Gear: Snowshoes

Across the road from the Storm Castle Peak trailhead is the Garnet Mountain trailhead. This hike isn’t as popular as Storm Castle because it is a little longer and more challenging. The peak isn’t as dramatic either, but the views are still incredible. 

Since the trailheads are right next to each other, you will also have to park 1.5 miles down the road during the winter which adds some miles to your hike. 

I did this hike in early May which is not technically winter but there was still a lot of snow. I was postholing a little at the top, but I pressed on and made it. Snowshoes would have made my life a lot easier. Regardless, it was still enjoyable and the top was worth it. 

You can also rent the lookout cabin that is at the top and stay the night! 

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FAQs About Bozeman In Winter

Is Bozeman Worth Visiting In Winter?

Bozeman is a fantastic winter destination. There are so many things to do in Bozeman in the winter including world-class downhill skiing. Even if you don’t ski, you can find many wonderful things to do. Here is my post on the best things to do in Bozeman in winter. 

What Are Winters Like In Bozeman, Montana?

The winters in Bozeman are cold and snowy. Thankfully the sun is out a lot which makes it feel warmer and happier. There is usually a week or two that are frightfully cold, but otherwise the temperature stays between 10 and 30 degrees Fahrenheit (-12 and -1 Celsius) most of the time. This may seem super cold, but isn’t too bad with the right coat. 

What To Wear In Bozeman, Montana In Winter?

In the winter, you will want to wear warm clothes. If you are playing outside, be sure to dress in layers. Have a snow jacket and snow pants to keep yourself warm and dry. 

For going out around town, wear good shoes with grip. The sidewalks almost always have snow and ice and can be slippery. It is no place for spiky boots and high heels. 

What To Do In Bozeman In The Winter?

There are so many things to do in Bozeman in the winter. Click on the links to read about the best things to do in Bozeman, MT.

A few wintery activities include, downhill skiing, cross country skiing, seeing a show, going sledding, ice skating, visiting the Museum of the Rockies, enjoying Christmas festivities, going for a hike, soaking in a hot spring, visiting Yellowstone National Park, going shopping downtown and enjoying a delicious meal.