- Some of the best national forest cross-country trails are found on the Gallatin National Forest just minutes from downtown Bozeman.
- Within Gallatin National Forest, you will find miles of both groomed and ungroomed recreation trails.
- Various retailers in the Bozeman area offer quality ski rental equipment.
Overview
There are vast and diverse landscapes for cross-country skiers and snowmobilers in the Gallatin National Forest near Bozeman, Montana. Cross-country skiers can follow miles of designated ski-touring trails of varying difficulty across timbered slopes, open meadows and ridgelines. There are also thousands of miles of ungroomed recreation territory.
National Forest Cross-Country Trail Details
The following trails in the Gallatin National Forest offer cross-country skiing access near Bozeman:
Bear Canyon Trail
Bear Canyon Trail is shared with snowmobiles. This trail is not groomed. It offers mountain biking opportunities in summer months.
- Length: 9.6 km more difficult trail.
- Trail Begins: Bozeman
- Trail Ends: Bear Canyon Area
Beehive Basin Ski Trail
Beehive Basin Ski Trail is a moderate to difficult, ungroomed 5 km single-track loop near Big Sky. The view is spectacular. Avalanche hazard areas are common.
- Length: 5 km most difficult trail.
- Trail Begins: Two miles north of Big Sky Resort
- Trail Ends: Beehive Basin
Bozeman Creek Trail
Snowmobiles are not permitted on this trail, which is groomed intermittently. The trail takes you from Sourdough Canyon to Mystic Lake.
- Length: 10 km of more difficult trail
- Trail Begins: 5 miles South Bozeman
- Trail Ends: Bozeman Creek B
Brackett Creek/Fairy Lake Road Ski and Snowmobile Trails
Fifteen miles of these trails – as the name implies – are shared with snowmobiles. The portion of the trails shared with snowmobiles are groomed.
- Length: 24 km of more difficult trail
- Trail Begins: 20 miles north of Bozeman on Highway 86.
- Trail Ends: Loop
Hyalite Loop Ski Trail
Some sections of the Hyalite Loop Ski Trail are shared with snowmobiles. No portion of this trail is groomed.
- Length: 24 km most difficult trail.
- Trail Begins: This is a loop trail around Hyalite Reservoir, which is located 15 miles south of Bozeman on Hyalite Canyon Road.
- Trail Ends: Loop
Moser Creek/Bozeman Creek Trail
This is an ungroomed, difficult cross-country ski trail that travels from Moser Creek to Leverich Canyon.
- Length: 4.5 km of most difficult trail
- Trail Begins: 10 miles south Bozeman
- Trail Ends: Moser Creek-Bozeman Creek
Moser Creek/Face Draw Loop Ski Trail
Moser Creek/ Face Draw Loop Ski Trail is not groomed.
- Length: 5 km of most difficult trail
- Trail Begins: Located 11 miles south of Bozeman.
- Trail Ends: Loop
New World Gulch Trail
New World Gulch Trail is an ungroomed difficult trail located just 6 miles south of Bozeman.
- Length: 16 km most difficult trail.
- Trail Begins: 6 miles south Bozeman
- Trail Ends: New World Gulch
Olsen Creek Trail
Olson Creek Trail offers skiing and snowmobiling in the winter.
- Length: 3.0 miles
- Trail Begins: 13 miles north Bozeman
- Trail Ends: Olson Creek
Wildhorse/Lick Creek Trail
This trail is shared with snowmobiles. This trail is not groomed.
- Length: 12.9 km of more difficult trail
- Trail Begins: Wildhorse\Lick Creek
- Trail Ends: Loop
Services
Various sports shops and retailers in the Bozeman area offer quality ski rental equipment for classic and skate skiers of all ages as well as snowshoe rental.
All of the trails listed are within easy driving distance to Bozeman. However, it is always a good idea to pack water, a snack or a more substantial meal when planning to exercise in the great outdoors.
Contact Info
Bozeman Ranger District
3710 East Fallon St.
Bozeman MT 59718
406-522 2520
