Hyalite Peak

Dogs Leashed

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

Close to Bozeman, this peak hike 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.

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

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.

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.