---
title: Hyalite Canyon Hikes, From Easy to Epic
description: From a paved waterfall walk to a 10,000-foot summit, Hyalite Canyon hikes cover every ability level — and they're all just 20 miles south of Bozeman.
image: https://blog.visit-bozeman.com/hubfs/Hyalite%20Reservoir.jpg
---
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# Hyalite Canyon Hikes, From Easy to Epic
Written by [Kelsey Frey](https://blog.visit-bozeman.com/blog/author/kelsey-frey)
Updated on June 24, 2026
**Key Takeaways**
- Hyalite Canyon sits about 20 miles south of Bozeman off South 19th Avenue and packs waterfalls, alpine lakes, and summit views into nine popular hikes.
- [Palisade Falls, Grotto Falls, and the Westshore/Crescent Lake Loop](https://blog.visit-bozeman.com/blog/hyalite-canyon-hikes#easy) are the easiest and most accessible options — great for families, beginners, and anyone who just wants a relaxing walk.
- [History Rock and Champagne Falls](https://blog.visit-bozeman.com/blog/hyalite-canyon-hikes#moderate) step things up slightly, adding more mileage and elevation gain but also a rock covered in pioneer-era carvings and stunning waterfalls.
- [Emerald and Heather Lakes and Hyalite Lake](https://blog.visit-bozeman.com/blog/hyalite-canyon-hikes#emerald) are both more difficult — over 10 miles with about 2,000 feet of elevation gain — but the beautiful lakes at the end of each trail make the strenuous sections worth it.
- [Hyalite Peak and Mount Blackmore](https://blog.visit-bozeman.com/blog/hyalite-canyon-hikes#blackmore) are full-day commitments with 3,000-plus feet of elevation gain, but offer incredible views of the reservoir below and beyond.
Locals know that Hyalite Canyon is the backyard gem Bozeman doesn't always shout about loudly enough. Twenty miles south of downtown, the canyon is full of waterfalls, alpine lakes, dense pine forests, and some of the most varied trail options in the Gallatin Range, making it one of the [top summer destinations in Bozeman](https://blog.visit-bozeman.com/blog/top-10-things-to-do-in-montana-summer).
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing, flat walk or a peak bagging adventure, these Hyalite Canyon hikes offer a trail for any occasion. Here's how they stack up, from easiest to hardest.
## Easy Hyalite Canyon Hikes
### Palisade Falls
1.1 miles out-and-back | 249 ft elevation gain
[**Palisade Falls’**](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/montana/palisade-falls) path is fully paved, wheelchair and stroller accessible, and delivers an 80-foot waterfall at the end of a 15-minute walk. Thanks to its gentle grade and shorter distance, this hike is [one of the best things to do with kids in Bozeman](https://blog.visit-bozeman.com/blog/things-to-do-in-bozeman-with-kids).
The falls drop off a volcanic basalt wall — a remnant of the canyon's ancient geological past — and the surrounding forest keeps things shady even in peak summer heat. Keep in mind this is a pretty popular trail, and arrive early if you want it to yourself.
### **Westshore and Crescent Lake Loop Trail**
2.8-mile loop | 275 ft elevation gain
The [**Westshore and Crescent Lake Loop Trail**](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/montana/hyalite-reservoir-loop-trail) skirts the western edge of Hyalite Reservoir through shaded forest before returning along the shoreline with open views of the canyon and surrounding peaks.
It's flat enough to cruise through in about an hour, dog-friendly, and a good pick for birders. If Palisade Falls is the waterfall hike, this is the one for people who just want a relaxing walk near the water.
### ****
### **Grotto Falls / Hyalite Creek Trail**
2.5 miles out-and-back to Grotto Falls | 278 ft elevation gain
[**Grotto Falls Trail**](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/montana/grotto-falls-trail) follows Hyalite Creek through a wide, wheelchair accessible dirt path to a gorgeous waterfall flowing into a deep pool below. This hike climbs gradually uphill, and is mostly forested, with occasional views of rocky mountains beyond. You’ll find a picnic table just before reaching the falls.
## **Moderate Hyalite Canyon Hikes**
### **History Rock**
6.3 miles out-and-back | 1,496 ft elevation gain
[**History Rock Trail**](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/montana/history-rock-trail) is one of the [best wildflower hikes in Bozeman](https://blog.visit-bozeman.com/blog/the-best-wildflower-hikes-around-bozeman-montana), thanks to a large meadow. The trail follows History Rock Creek through the trees, making it a shady and solid kid-friendly option.
The hike gets its name from the large rock about a mile in, which is covered in the names and dates of early settlers dating back to the 1800s.
### **Champagne Falls**
7.5 miles out-and-back | 1,263 ft elevation gain
[**Champagne Falls**](http://alltrails.com/trail/us/montana/champagne-falls) is the reward for hikers willing to push a little further up the Hyalite Creek Trail. Starting from the Grotto Falls Trailhead, the route passes several waterfalls — Grotto, Arch, Silken Skein — before reaching the falls, where a massive volume of water drops 80 feet onto a large black rock tucked in a tight ravine.
## **Hard Hyalite Canyon Hikes**
### ****
### **Emerald and Heather Lakes**
11.4 miles round-trip to Heather Lake | 2,208 ft elevation gain
The [**Emerald Lake and Heather Lake Trail**](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/montana/emerald-lake-and-heather-lake-trail) is the quieter side of the canyon. This trailhead sits past Palisade Falls at the end of a gravel road, and the trail climbs steadily through lodgepole pine and Engelmann spruce before opening into high alpine meadows.
Emerald Lake appears about 5 miles in — named appropriately — with Heather Lake another half mile up. Heather Lake is especially stunning but both are beautiful, making this trail [one of the best hikes in Bozeman](https://blog.visit-bozeman.com/blog/10-best-hikes-in-bozeman). Both lakes are stocked with cutthroat trout and Arctic grayling, so a fly rod is worth packing.
### ****
### **Hyalite Lake**
11.3 miles out-and-back | 2,152 ft elevation gain
[**Hyalite Lake**](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/montana/hyalite-creek-trail-to-hyalite-lake) sits in a glacial cirque at the top of the creek trail, below Hyalite Peak. You’ll see lots of waterfalls along the way, and prepare for a number of stream crossings.
The trail opens up as it climbs toward the lake, where a few primitive campsites make this a good overnight option. Snow lingers on the upper trail into July most years, so check conditions before heading out.
### **Blackmore Lake to Mount Blackmore**
12.5 miles to the summit | 3,723 ft elevation gain
This Hyalite Canyon hike starts easy and builds. Blackmore Lake appears almost immediately, and is surrounded by meadow and lodgepole pine.
Push past the lake toward [**Mount Blackmore**](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/montana/mount-blackmore-via-blackmore-trail?u=i&sh=vtn1va)and the character of the hike changes considerably — over 3,500 feet of gain and a summit of over 10,000 feet at the top. However, you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of Hyalite Reservoir and beyond.
### **Hyalite Peak**
15.1 miles out-and-back | 3,484 ft elevation gain
The most difficult hike on this list, [**Hyalite Peak**](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/montana/hyalite-peak?u=i&sh=vtn1va) is a full-day commitment. The payoff is a 360-degree view spanning numerous mountain ranges, including the Bridgers and Gallatins. Expect several stream crossings.
The trail shares its lower section with the Hyalite Lake route, so hikers get the full waterfall show before things get serious above the lake. Hiking poles help on the rocky upper sections, and snow can persist near the summit into late July.
## **A Few Things to Know Before You Go**
Carry bear spray on all of these Hyalite Canyon hikes — this is grizzly, black bear, and moose country. Cell service disappears once you start driving up Hyalite Canyon Road, so download an offline trail map before leaving Bozeman. Parking fills up fast on summer weekends, especially at Palisade Falls.
Hyalite Canyon Road closes annually (although it stays open to pedestrians and cyclists) from April 1 to May 15, so plan accordingly. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, so bring rain jackets and start longer, more difficult hikes earlier in the morning to give yourself plenty of time. Interested in a swim in the reservoir? Bring a bathing suit — it’s [one of Bozeman’s best swimming spots](https://blog.visit-bozeman.com/blog/6-amazing-swimming-holes-near-bozeman-montana), although keep in mind it’s typically on the chillier side.
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#### Kelsey Frey
Kelsey Frey is the Content Marketing Specialist for Visit Bozeman, and has been writing about her favorite mountain town since 2024. She moved to Bozeman in 2022 with plans to stay just three months, but quickly fell in love with the Gallatin Valley and never left. When she's not writing articles, you'll find her hiking, backpacking, birding, searching for wildflowers, and capturing the beauty of Southwest Montana through her camera lens.
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