A quick and rewarding workout, Drinking Horse Mountain Trail provides panoramic views across the picturesque alpine mountains.
The Drinking Horse Mountain Trail is a 2.2 mile loop and is considered easy to moderate. There is a decent amount of elevation gain in less than a mile, but there are also plenty of benches to stop and catch your breath. There’s also a sign where the loop begins where you can decide whether to take the steep or less steep route. This took us about 1 hour with a few stops near the top to take pictures in all directions. We went up the steep route and down the less steep, which is recommended so that you can enjoy more of the views as you descend. Dogs are able to take this trail as well.
Details:
Directions (Google Maps): To get to the Drinking Horse Mountain trailhead, search for the Drinking Horse Mountain Trailhead in Bozeman, MT or click here.
Directions (old school maps): From Bozeman, take Highway 86 (Rouse Ave) north until it turns into Bridger Canyon Drive. Before you enter the windy canyon roads of Bridger Canyon, you’ll veer off to the right and into a large parking area.
Driving Info: This is all paved so it’s accessible to anybody.
Time & Weather: We did this hike towards the end of May, when the weather was cool and sunny. But any hike in Montana requires paying attention to the weather, as it changes quickly and can be extreme.
Gear: We wore trail runner shoes which were fine, but sometimes your footing is on a rockier pathway so boots would help as well. Poles for stability on the sharper declines. Bring layers as always for hikes in Montana.
Trail Navigation: The trail splits off at a few points along the way up, most notably before the loop begins. You can check if you want to go up or down along the steep or less steep routes. But all paths lead to the top where you can wander around a bit.
Water & Food: Pack water as always and a tasty snack to enjoy from the many benches along the trail.
Trailhead Info: The parking lot is large but is quite popular in the summer as the weather improves. There are lots of off-leash dogs as well so be careful in the parking lot.
Pictures of the Drinking Horse Mountain Trail:
From the parking area there is a marked trailhead, and you’ll begin by winding in towards the canyon.
We took the steep route to the top, so the first half of the hike was amongst the pines as you switchback up the mountain.
As the trees thin out and you near the peak, the views begin to open up. This is looking back towards Bozeman.
At the top, the path continues to meander. In the distance are the snow-capped mountains.
Stunning alpine hillside views as we started to descend down the less-steep route.
As wrap around the front side of the mountain you get panoramic views back towards Bozeman.
One of the many benches situated along the trail. Not a bad view either.
Descending down the less-steep route, you’ll wind through the tall forests.
This is a fantastic hike that is close to Bozeman, so find a nearby brewery or restaurant to celebrate after. If you’re looking to tack on a few more miles and a hefty elevation gain, you can walk to the other side of the parking lot to hike the College M Trail. Like Drinking Horse Mountain, you can choose between the steep or less-steep route as you climb the mountain. It’s only about 2 miles, and the views continue to improve as you ascend.
Looking to climb another nearby mountain? Just across Bridger Canyon Road is the trailhead to the College M Trail. This hike is like a right of passage in Bozeman.
