Bozeman Creek Trail

Length: 1.5 miles (round-trip to the most popular turnaround) or 20 miles (round-trip to Mystic Lake)

Duration: 30 minutes to all day

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Elevation Gain: 40 to 1,552 feet 

Activities: Hiking, mountain biking, trail running, cross-country skiing, fishing, camping

Crowds: Heavy traffic
 

About
Bozeman Creek Trail (aka, Sourdough Canyon) is an old logging road that parallels Bozeman Creek. The trail's proximity to town and easy grade make this a popular hiking, biking, and cross-country-skiing route. As an out-and-back, the distance is up to you: Take a short jaunt, or hike the full 10 miles to Mystic Lake, where the trail officially ends. Bring a rod for brook, rainbow, and cutthroat trout if you plan to head to Mystic Lake, or reserve the Mystic Lake Cabin year-round for an overnight stay. 

Seasonal Conditions
In winter, the short trail is groomed by the Bridger Ski Foundation, making for a fun skate-ski or cross-country ski. During and just after rain, rocks on the trail will be slippery. Be aware of hunters in the fall if you continue toward Mystic Lake. 

Directions
From Kagy Blvd. & S. Church Ave., head south on Sourdough Rd., eventually turning right onto Nash Rd. Make a quick left onto Sourdough Canyon Rd., then follow the road to the parking lot and trailhead. 

For a map of this trail, click here. Map courtesy of Robert Stone's Day Hikes Around Bozeman, Montana.