Fairy Lake Trail

Length: 1.2 mile (loop)
Duration: 30-40 minutes 
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 100 feet 
Activities: Hiking, trail running, fishing, swimming
Crowds: Heavy traffic

About
Fairy Lake is a gorgeous alpine lake in a forested bowl at the base of Sacagawea Peak. Starting at the upper trailhead, the trail loops around the perimeter of the lake for an easy 1-mile hike. If your car can't make it past the lower trailhead, you can still hike the lake; just add about 4 miles round-trip. This is a great place to have a picnic, fish, and swim. Make sure to have a go on the rope swing mid-way across the lake.

Seasonal Conditions
The road to Fairy Lake is impassible during the winter and closed beyond the ranch gate about one mile in.

Directions
Head north from Bozeman on Bridger Canyon Rd. Veer left at the Bracket Creek Y and go up and over Battle Ridge Pass. Just after cresting the pass, look for signs for Fairy Lake Rd. It will be the first left, take it and continue to the end. The road is extremely rough and conditions can vary depending on the time of year. Cars with low clearance will not fare well. 

Map courtesy of Robert Stone's Day Hikes Around Bozeman, Montana.