Gallatin River Canyon, Big Sky Montana

The Gallatin River cuts through this deep canyon as it winds its way North from Yellowstone. Drive along US-191 as it follows the river for stunning views, challenging trails, Class IV whitewater, and dynamite trout fishing.

Overview
US-191 hugs the trout-rich Gallatin River as it meanders through a deep-cut canyon, making this narrow wilderness corridor into an outdoor adventure super-highway. Pull over anywhere: fishing access points, trailheads, campsites, and scenic look-outs densely dot the roadside for easy-access wilderness. The drive is gorgeous and the landscape is iconic - it was the setting for fishing scenes in Robert Redford’s classic film A River Runs Through It, and the clear blue water is framed by steep mountains and canyon walls as it winds through fields of golden grass and dense forest.

Location/Directions
From Gallatin Lake in the high mountains of Yellowstone National Park, the West Gallatin River flows through scenic Gallatin Canyon between the Madison and the Gallatin Ranges for 80 miles. Running North from Big Sky to Gallatin Gateway, US 191 drives directly through the Canyon following the Gallatin River for almost 30 miles.

Seasons
Open year round –even for fishing! - but heavy snow and ice can make trails treacherous through April.

Fishing
The king of Blue Ribbon trout streams, the Gallatin hosts scores of rainbow, brown trout, mountain whitefish, cutthroat, and brook trout. Fishing season is year-round on this river, but anglers have the best luck casting in late June. 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.

Rafting and Kayaking
Spring runoff transforms the Gallatin from a friendly babbling stream to a surging river, peaking in June when water flows at around 3,230 cubic feet per second. By August, its already back down to around 630 cfs. Bring your wetsuit to paddle the frigid Class II - IV rapids on the 13-mile section between Greek Creek and Spanish Creek.

Wildlife Viewing
Keep an eye out for the bighorn sheep, black bears, elk, and moose that call Gallatin Canyon home.

Camping
Pitch your tent at one of the riverside designated campgrounds right off of US-191: Greek Creek, Swan Creek, Moose Flat or Red Cliff. You’ll have access to pit toilets, picnic tables, fire rings with firewood ($5), garbage service, and drinking water ( $14, 1-877-444-6777).

Hiking and Mountain Biking
Trails sprinkled along US-191 offer a wide range of hiking and biking options. Try the Lava Lake trailhead, 15 miles North of Big Sky. From there, choose between the steep three-mile trek through the forest and up to the alpine lake, or the moderate five-and-a-half-mile Gallatin Riverside Trail that hugs the eastern side of the Gallatin.

More Information
For more information contact the Bozeman Ranger District at 406-587-6920.