Gallatin National Forest in Montana

1.8 million acres over six mountain ranges, two congressionally designated wilderness areas, and hundreds of miles of Blue Ribbon trout streams, Gallatin National Forest is a vast wilderness playground in Southwestern Montana’s Northern Rockies.

Overview
Spanning 1.8 million acres from Yellowstone National Park to the Crazy Mountains North of Bozeman, Gallatin National Forest encompasses the Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness, the Lee Metcalf Wilderness, the Gallatin Range, the Madison Range, the Bridger Range, the Crazy Mountains, and 1,740 miles of fishable streams and rivers. Outdoor recreation abounds, and you’ll find plenty of climbing, skiing, and fishing opportunities. Plus, there’s no shortage of wildlife: grizzly bears, grey wolves, and bald eagles make their home in this forest - part of the largest intact ecosystem in the continental U.S.

Location/Directions
The main office is in Bozeman but this wilderness area spans most of the area between the Crazy Mountains and West Yellowstone from North to South, and between Cooke City and Big Sky from East to West.

Bozeman District Office
3710 Fallon St., Suite C
Bozeman, MT 59718
(406) 522-2520

Seasons
Hike and camp year-round.

Activities

Hiking
With almost two million acres and 2,290 miles of hiking trails, your options are endless. Pick your ranger district and go from there (maps cost $9 and are available at the District Office and at www.nationalforeststore.com).

Camping
Choose from one of the many campgrounds open May 15 - September 15 or pitch your tent where it suits you. Rustic log cabins are also an option – reservations are required for an overnight stay in one of the twenty-three in Gallatin National Forest.

Biking
Bike everything from beginner to expert mountain terrain. Start with the hour-and-a-half ride on South Cottonwood Creek trail, just four miles from downtown Bozeman. You’ll follow the creek over 5 miles and a 450ft elevation gain.

More intense is the Bangtail Dive Trail off of Bridger Canyon Road. You’ll spend four to six hours climbing 3,400ft in 22 miles.

Pick up a bike trail map from any Bozeman outdoor store for specific area biking restrictions and detailed trail descriptions.

Skiing
Alpine ski at Bridger Bowl or Nordic at one of the four nearby Cross Country ski areas. In Big Sky, try Lone Mountain Ranch for lessons and rentals.

Fishing
Fish over 700 high mountain lakes year round and 1,740 miles of streams from the third Saturday in May until the end of November. Late June will be your best bet for catch - try the Gallatin River, just West of the Gallatin Range, which has some of the best trout fishing in the country. Pick up a permit at a local sporting goods store or one of the Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks regional offices, available in two-day increments for out-of-staters.

Ice Climbing
Some of the best and most consistent natural ice climbing in North America, Hyalite Canyon has over 140 ice climbing routes over the course of two and half miles. That’s including Winter Dance, what some climbers cite as one of the top ten sites in the world. Plus, it’s easily accessible - find these concentrated ice climbs right along Hyalite Canyon Road, about 5 miles South of Bozeman.

Snowmobiling
West Yellowstone alone has 135 miles of groomed snowmobile trails, but some areas are restricted. Hire a local snowmobile guide so you don't have to worry about avalanche conditions, the 45 mph speed limit, and an out-of-state permit ($25).

Rafting and Kayaking
Spend your day battling class I – IV rapids on the Gallatin or the Yellowstone rivers. Spring runoff sends water levels soaring, so sign up with a local outfitter to guide you through this technical whitewater.

Additional Info
If planning your own trip in such a big wilderness expanse seems daunting, hiring a guide or going through an outfitter is the way to go. Area guides and outfitters can help you discover new ways of seeing the Montana wilderness through llama packing trips, horseback riding, rafting, or even dog sledding.

Stop by the Gallatin National Forest district area office before you take to the trails. There, you’ll get info on current trail conditions, fire restrictions, bear and wildlife activity, and regulations on camping and food storage.