With Sweeping Canyon And Mountain Views, The Little-Known Drinking Horse Mountain Trail In Montana Is Unexpectedly Magical

We all know there's no hike quite like a Montana hike. Whether you want to get lost in the forest, scale a mountain, have a picnic by a waterfall, or take in sweeping canyon views, you'll find it in the Treasure State. And, while many of our hiking trails are well known to the public, we still have plenty of hidden gems that offer both solitude and natural beauty. If you happen to live in (or near) Gallatin County, give Drinking Horse Mountain a try the next time you're in the mood to explore! This sweeping loop trail will provide you with some seriously stunning views, and they're all packed into a short and sweet hike that is marvelously underrated.

You'll find the Drinking Horse Mountain trailhead near Bozeman, at the mouth of Bridger Canyon.

Drinking Horse Mountain is the prominent hill across from the popular "M" trail.

The hike itself is just over two miles in length, and it's a fairly easy loop.

You'll start by walking alongside the Fish Technology Center to a bridge over Bridger Creek, followed by the official trail arch.

Next, you'll take a left at the trail junction and head up toward the summit.

Veering left takes you up a steeper climb with multiple switchbacks, but it's well worth it. Take your time and rest if you get tired.

As you near the top, you'll begin to enjoy breathtaking views of Bridger Canyon and the surrounding Story Hills...

...and you can take it all in from one of the benches you'll see along the way.

The Gallatin Valley will loom before you, looking absolutely gorgeous.

While this hike isn't well-known to those who don't live in the Bozeman area, it's definitely a popular local trail.

To avoid the crowds, try going early in the morning. As you can see, it's an amazing time of day.

While you might not be able to access the trail in the dead of winter, it does stay open all year long (as long as the weather cooperates).

Most prefer to hike it in the summertime, but if the trail isn't packed with snow, it's gorgeous in the late fall (Montana winters start early).

The Drinking Horse Mountain trail is a fantastic day hike for those who want a great workout, but also want to be home in time for dinner.

You'll have no problem completing your hike in an hour or two.

Have you ever hiked Drinking Horse Mountain near Bozeman? Share your trail experience and best tips in the comments! Of course, while this trail is considered to be on the easy side, being prepared is always a good idea.

Next, fuel up for your next adventure! There are plenty of spectacular eateries in Montana's capital city to choose from, but you'll also find loads of things to see and do as well. In fact, you might even find yourself sticking around for a while!

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