Considered a right of passage in the lively mountain town, the College M Trail is a challenging, enjoyable and rewarding hike that gives you a panoramic birds eye view of Bozeman.
The College M Trail is just over 2 miles if you do the loop. It’s considered moderate to challenging, primarily because the ‘steep route’ is a sharp rocky incline to the top. This took us about an hour, with a few stops on the way up to catch our breath and a few stops at the top to take pictures of the views below. We went up the steep route and down the less-steep route, which we recommend in order to enjoy the sweeping views as you hike down. Dogs are able to use this trail, and the majority run off leash on this trail so be mindful.
Details:
Directions (Google Maps): To get to the College M Trail, search for the College M Trailhead and Picnic Area in Bozeman, MT or click here. You can also park across on the other side of Bridger Canyon Road in the Drinking Horse Mountain Trailhead parking lot.
Directions (old school maps): Take Highway 86 (Bridger Canyon Road) North out of Bozeman. It’s about 3 miles past the Highway 90 junction. If you get into the actual canyon you’ve gone too far. There are parking lots on the left and right. The trailhead is on the left.
Driving Info: This is all paved so it’s accessible to anybody, although like anywhere in Montana road accessibility can vary depending on weather or animal activity.
Time & Weather: We did this hike towards the end of May, when the weather was cool and sunny. We were hot and sweaty on the way up, perfect at the top, and then got chilly on our walk down.
Gear: The steep route is a sharp incline with some loose rock, so boots or trail runners with good grip are recommended. Bring layers as always for hikes in Montana. Hiking poles can help on the sharp incline or decline. This hike is usually very busy, so you’re less likely to have animal encounters, but it’s always a good idea to bring bear spray (and make sure you feel confident using it) while hiking in grizzly bear country.
Trail Navigation: The trail is easy to follow and there is usually a visible line of people ahead on the trail.
Water & Food: Pack water as always, but this is such a quick hike there’s no need for snacks unless you want to sit and relax at the top.
Trailhead Info: The parking lot has a good number of spots, but this is a hugely popular trail especially in good weather. You can park at the Drinking Horse Mountain parking lot across the road as well.
Pictures of the College M Trail:
Once you park and get to the trailhead, you can decide between the steep or less-steep route up the to the top. We decided to do the steep up and less-steep down, which we recommend. It allows us to admire the views on the way down without having to worry as much about your footing on the sharp downhill route.
Halfway up we snapped a picture of the views below. You can see a red paraglider near the bottom.
For perspective, you can see the sharp incline here as the other hikers continue up. Note the loose rocks which you can slip on. Use poles, shoes with good grip and be careful of your footing.
At the base of the M looking down, the views are spectacular.
The expansive views of Bozeman, with rolling green foothills below the mountains.
On the way down we took the less-steep route, which winds slowly down the mountain. You’ll trek through the thicker forests before breaking out into the open where you’ll have rewarding views the entire way down.
Enjoy all the views on the way down, and be mindful of cars, hikers and dogs in the parking lot. There’s always a lot of everything at this trailhead.
Looking to climb another nearby mountain? Just across Bridger Canyon Road is the trailhead to the Drinking Horse Mountain Trail. Similar to College M, you can loop or choose your route to the top. You get a completely different but equally as rewarding viewpoint at the top.
