Montana · Hiking · Near Emigrant

Bozeman Creek

20.2 mi
round trip
1,415 ft
climb
6,477 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jul–Sep
best months

Is Bozeman Creek open right now?

Closure reported

The Forest Service lists a closure that covers Bozeman Creek.

As of · Source: USFS · Bozeman Ranger District. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Bozeman Creek is a hard hike of about 20 miles on natural surface in the Bozeman Ranger District of Custer Gallatin National Forest in Montana. The trail is managed by the Forest Service and rated hard, with an elevation gain of about 1,400 feet one way from a low point of about 5,258 feet to a high of about 6,477 feet. Bikes and horses are both allowed on this route, so it works for riders and pack animals as well as hikers. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Bozeman show July highs around 82°F with lows near 52°F. That station sits about 1,500 feet below the trail, so temperatures up high run cooler. Mystic Lake is just 0.1 mile away, and the Bozeman Creek Trail for cross-country skiing is about half a mile off. Moser Creek Road and Mystic Lake Cabin are both within about 2 miles.

Around this trail

Add any of these when you start a trip
  • Sleep close

    Fr 1783 Moser Creek 6211 081a

    Campground

    Campground · 1.5 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    Blacksmith Italian

    Restaurant

    Open after 6

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors

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Local outfitters

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  • Best time to go · Jul–Sep

    Best time to visit Bozeman Creek

    Best months: July–September. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      34° / 15°

      11 wet · 9 snow

    2. Feb

      37° / 17°

      10 wet · 8 snow

    3. Mar

      46° / 24°

      12 wet · 9 snow

    4. Apr

      54° / 30°

      13 wet · 6 snow

    5. May

      63° / 39°

      15 wet · 2 snow

    6. Jun

      72° / 46°

      15 wet

    7. Jul

      82° / 52°

      11 wet

    8. Aug

      81° / 50°

      10 wet

    9. Sep

      71° / 42°

      9 wet · 1 snow

    10. Oct

      57° / 32°

      10 wet · 3 snow

    11. Nov

      42° / 22°

      10 wet · 7 snow

    12. Dec

      33° / 14°

      11 wet · 9 snow

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Bozeman Montana State Univ, MT, 9.1 mi away at 4,913 ft. The station sits about 1,600 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

    Closures we've recorded since August 2026

    • Sourdough/Bozeman Creek Trailhead and Trail Closure

      Bozeman Ranger District · Order dated November 2, 2026; seen Oct 30, 2026, no lift recorded · Forest Service

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