The best hikes to familiarize yourself with around town

Moving to a new city can be hard and finding a sense of home can be even harder. Sometimes, the best way to find your footing in a community is by discovering what it has to offer. Luckily, Bozeman has no shortage of trails running in and around town. Familiarize yourself with Bozeman with three of the community’s staple trails — they may just lead you to a new mountain hideaway and one step closer to calling Montana home. 

THE M TRAIL “BOZEMAN’S GOLDEN TRAIL”

1.6 mile loop    //   Easy-difficult   //    1-2 hours  //   Heavily trafficked // 850-foot elevation gain // 5.8 miles from MSU

The M trail is one of the most high-traffic hikes in Bozeman, known for MSU students’ large white “M” mural made out of hand-painted rocks that was crafted in 1915. The M offers two routes. One pushes hikers to climb a steady and steep incline of ragged rocks and the other allows hikers to walk a narrow, winding path of trees and cliff walls. 

Depending on your hiking abilities — and for out-of-staters, familiarity with the altitude — it’s recommended to take the long way on your first go around. 

This trail is well-marked and easy to follow. At the bottom, there is a sign pointing you in one-of-two directions, for the long-wa, cut left at the fork and for the short-cut, stray right. When you reach the top, everything is golden — from the thin strands of grass to the heads of bald mountain ranges, you’re met with peerless beauty. 

If you want to extend your hike, the trail continues high above the painted M. You can stop at any point and see a never-ending collage of skylines and mountain tops while passing several notable peaks along the way. If hikers wish, they can pursue 26 miles of ridge terrain until they reach Sacagawea Peak, one of the highest points in the range at 9,843 feet, according to AllTrails. 

LAVA LAKE “YOU’LL LAVA IT”

6 miles out-and-back   //   Moderate-difficult   //    3-5 hours  //  Lightly trafficked // 1,620 foot elevation gain // 27 miles from MSU

Located in the Gallatin National Forest, this hike is a bundle of beautiful views and landscapes. In the summer it's a glorified bathtub for sweaty, dirt-caked hikers and in the winter, a pastime for snowshoers and skiers. 

Prepare accordingly for this hike regardless of the season. Temperatures drop significantly at the top and a view is never truly admired while miserable and cold. Every season, bring a pair of trekking poles or a  walking stick for the trail's unpredictable terrain. And throughout the trip, expect your balance to be tested with various river crossings. Your most durable rain boots may come in handy. On the trail, you'll find that the incline is consistent up until the last mile, where the pitch steepens. As the lake slowly comes into view, be aware of trail signs if you're interested in camping, starting a fire, or seeking an extended path. 

This hike is recommended to anyone looking for a trip out of the city and into the inner workings of the Big Sky Canyon. Make a day out of it. Pack a picnic and if you're feeling adventurous, a swimsuit too.  

STORM CASTLE “THE KING AND QUEEN OF ALL HIKES”

5 miles out-and-back   //   Moderate   //    2-4 hours  //  Lightly trafficked // 1,900 foot elevation gain // 25 miles from MSU

Similar to Lava Lake, this hike packs on the elevation, dipping in and out of trees and peering over wide cliff edges to the canyon below. When planning your trip to Storm Castle, it’s essential to know when the road leading up the trailhead is closed. The best time to visit is June through October with full access to service roads — providing the best conditions for a smooth, well-packed and pleasant hike. The road closure and limited access, adds three miles to your trek if you’re eager to visit Storm Castle outside these months. 

At the trailhead, you’re greeted by the Gallatin River and a small crossing bridge if you want to venture further to the children’s summer camp, Rockhaven Camp and Retreat Center or neighboring rock climbing routes. After climbing through moderately rugged switchbacks, the last quarter-mile takes you high above the tree line and into the fresh mountain air. While up there, gaze through a gaping hole in the rock and experience what it’s like to peer through the mountain’s eyes. This hike is perfect for anyone searching for a unique and unforgettable day trip. 

For newcomers to the area, I hope you, too, will find value in Bozeman's astounding landscape. In nature, there is always a story to tell — learn from the outdoors, and soon enough, you'll feel the community’s welcoming embrace. 

All trail data as seen in above paragraphs was sourced from AllTrails.com.