W W W. D I S T I N C T LY M O N TA NA . C O M
29
ROSS CREEK CEDARS
SCENIC AREA
MARION LAKE
LAKE COMO
LOOP
OUSEL FALLS
HYALITE CREEK
CANYON
HYALITE CREEK
CANYON
Hyalite Creek Canyon just outside
Bozeman occupies a vast U-shaped defile
overlooked by the glacier-crazed peaks of the Gallatin
Range. In the summer, easy access to the high country
means the trails teem with two-wheeled recreationists
in addition to the hiking hordes. In the winter, visitors
on foot have it all to themselves, all the better to enjoy
the red rock canyon. It's 5.5 miles to Hyalite Lake at
creek grade, but snowshoers need not go all the way
to enjoy the scenery: 11 ice-encased cascades over the
trail's length all make good turnaround spots, the clos-
est of which, Grotto Falls, making for an easy 2.4-mile
trek. e trail is popular with ice climbers, too; snow-
shoers may have the opportunity to watch crampon-
wearing climbers carefully ascend the frozen, fluted
sculptures of the waterfalls.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS: From Main Street in Bozeman,
drive south on 19th Avenue for 7 miles, then turn left on
Hyalite Canyon Road. Continue 11.5 miles and, just after
crossing to the east side of Hyalite Reservoir, turn right
at the junction. Continue 1.9 miles to the Hyalite Creek
trailhead and large parking area.
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