Montana · Hiking

Red Knob

2.6 mi
round trip
197 ft
climb
7,627 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jul–Sep
best months

Is Red Knob open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Bozeman Ranger District. It doesn't name Red Knob, so check the source for the area it covers (16 listed).

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

Red Knob is an easy out-and-back hike in the Bozeman Ranger District of Custer Gallatin National Forest in Montana, about 2.6 miles long with a total elevation gain of 197 feet. The trail rises from a low point of 7,452 feet to a high of 7,627 feet, and it is open year-round. The route is natural-surface and allows horses, so it works well for riders. Bikes are not permitted. The nearest town is Bozeman, and the trail sits within the Forest Service's national forest system. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Big Sky show July highs around 78°F with lows near 41°F, while winter highs stay in the 20s and 30s. Carpenter Creek lies just 0.1 mile away, and Lossberg Cutoff is about 1.8 miles off. The Madison River Area climbing area and Kobayashi Beach, a lake fishing spot, are both within about 5 miles.

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · Jul–Sep

    Best time to visit Red Knob

    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

      30° / 9°

      13 wet

    2. Feb

      34° / 9°

      11 wet

    3. Mar

      42° / 17°

      12 wet

    4. Apr

      48° / 23°

      11 wet

    5. May

      58° / 30°

      14 wet

    6. Jun

      67° / 36°

      14 wet

    7. Jul

      78° / 41°

      11 wet

    8. Aug

      77° / 39°

      11 wet

    9. Sep

      68° / 33°

      10 wet

    10. Oct

      53° / 25°

      10 wet

    11. Nov

      37° / 16°

      11 wet

    12. Dec

      27° / 9°

      14 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Big Sky 2wnw, MT, 17.7 mi away at 6,590 ft. The station sits about 1,000 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.