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Enjoy waterfalls and mountain-top views galore on this summit route.


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Map Key

15.0

Miles

24.1

KM

83%

Runnable

10,136' 3,090 m

High

6,894' 2,101 m

Low

3,245' 989 m

Up

3,245' 989 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (5°)

25%

Max Grade (14°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Because much of Hyalite Basin and especially the final section of Hyalite Creek Trail #427 to the summit of Hyalite Peak are all north facing and/or shaded, this route tends to hold snow through mid-July.

Overview

Close to Bozeman, this peak run is an easy escape to alpine lakes and meadows. The majority of the route climbs gently along the bottom of Hyalite Basin, generally paralleling and occasionally crossing Hyalite Creek. Hyalite Lake and the edge of the forest mark the beginning of the final push to the summit. Cross the meadow and ascend a series of switchbacks across scree-covered slopes to a saddle, then follow the ridgeline to Hyalite Peak.

Need to Know

This is a shared-use trail—expect to encounter mountain bikers and horses.

Runner Notes

Scree zones and potentially rooty trail through coniferous forest.

Description

From the popular Hyalite Creek Trailhead, follow the Hyalite Creek Trail #427 past dozens of gorgeous waterfalls, through thick coniferous forest, across boulder-strewn scree zones, and then up, up, up a series of switchbacks to gain the luscious Hyalite Lake cirque.

From the basin below Hyalite Peak begins another steep climb along switchbacks and possibly past late season snowfields to the pinnacle of the 10,000+ foot Hyalite Peak. From the peak, your views of a half-dozen mountain ranges unfold as far as the eye can see.

Flora & Fauna

Climbing along a creek and past lakes mean there are abundant summer wildflowers. And the final section of trail to the summit is a great place to spot alpine flowers.

Contacts

Shared By:

Sam H with improvements by Russell Hobart

Trail Ratings

  4.9 from 13 votes

#604

Overall
  4.9 from 13 votes
5 Star
92%
4 Star
8%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
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1 Star
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Recommended Route Rankings

#15

in Montana

#604

Overall
8 Views Last Month
9,365 Since Apr 22, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate

8%
0%
62%
8%
23%
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Photos

Hyalite basin
Apr 22, 2015 near Bozeman, MT
Waterfall near the Hyalite Peak Trail
Apr 22, 2015 near Bozeman, MT
Looking down the Hyalite Creek valley
Apr 22, 2015 near Bozeman, MT
Just one of the many great views from the Hyalite Creek Trail!
May 29, 2015 near Bozeman, MT
Grade A view.
May 29, 2015 near Bozeman, MT
Late season snowfield below Hyalite Peak.
Apr 22, 2015 near Bozeman, MT

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Check-Ins

Jul 30, 2021
Robert Hill
Great trail. Get up early and be the first one up! 15.3mi — 4h 12m
Sep 7, 2019
Mike Hinshaw
16mi — 5h 00m
Sep 15, 2018
Mike Hinshaw
14.2mi
Aug 18, 2017
Julie Donagan
15.2mi
Jul 15, 2017
Julie Donagan
15mi
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