Bozeman is a lovely place any time of year, but summer in the Gallatin Valley is especially pleasant. The long days and warm weather make it perfect for hiking, biking, going to the local farm market or just enjoying nature at a leisurely pace. And with so many activities that you can do outside almost every day from June through September, there’s never a shortage of things to do in Bozeman when the weather heats up. Here are some ways to get the most out of your summer in Bozeman.
Hiking in Bozeman
There’s no better way to get to know a place than by hiking its trails, and there are plenty of excellent trails in Bozeman. There are short trails perfect for families, trails that provide a good workout and some hikes that last all day as you traverse the landscape.
For a short hike, try the Montana State University Trail, which takes you through the historic campus and beyond to some excellent views of the Gallatin Valley. For a more challenging hike, try the Blue Canyon Trail, which takes you to the base of Hyalite Peak—a very rewarding journey.
Cycling in Bozeman
There are plenty of great places to bike in Bozeman. We’ve included two of our favorites below. Bridger Bowl The Bridger Bowl ski area is open during the summer months and is an excellent place to go mountain biking. Bridger Bowl is one of the best downhill mountain biking trails in the area. There are plenty of other trails to ride, too.
Bridger Bowl is about a 5-minute drive from downtown Bozeman. Gallatin Valley Trail The Gallatin Valley Trail is a 78-mile trail that goes from Big Sky to Bozeman. The trail is excellent for bicycling and hiking. The trail follows the Gallatin River for much of its length. There are numerous access points along the trail, so it is easy to find a place to start.
Go for a swim at Hells Gate
Hells Gate is a natural pool that forms when the Madison River dries up. The river is a popular place to go rafting, so the natural pool that forms when it isn’t flowing is perfect for swimming. The pool is about 50 feet long and 5 feet deep at its deepest point. Hells Gate is about a 15-minute drive from downtown Bozeman.
Go rock climbing at Montana Rock Gym
The Bozeman Rock Gym is open during the summer months. Bozeman Rock Gym is one of the best places in the state to go indoor rock climbing. The indoor climbing wall features a variety of different rock climbing routes. The rock climbing gym also has a yoga studio, a fitness center and a cafe.
Where to stay during the summer
Hilton Bozeman is a 4-star hotel located in the heart of downtown Bozeman and perfect if you want a good location when it comes to Bozeman hotels. The hotel is connected to the Galleria Mall, which is the largest shopping mall in the state. Bozeman Trailhead is an RV park on the eastern edge of town. It is a good place to stay if you are exploring the area.
The summer is a great time to visit Bozeman, Montana. The long days and warm weather make it perfect for hiking, biking and enjoying nature at a leisurely pace. With so many activities that you can do outdoors almost every day from June through September, there’s never a shortage of things to do in Bozeman when the weather heats up.