Montana · Mountain biking · Palisade Falls Trailhead · Near Emigrant

Crescent Lake

1.3 mi
distance
132 ft
climb
Jul–Sep
best months

Is Crescent Lake open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Bozeman Ranger District. It doesn't name Crescent Lake, 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.

Crescent Lake is a short mountain biking ride in Montana's Custer Gallatin National Forest, within the Bozeman Ranger District. It is a compact outing: the route is about 1.3 miles long, and the climb is a modest 132 feet, from a start elevation of 6,782 feet to a high point of 6,882 feet. The steepest stretch comes early, at about 0.17 miles into the ride, with a 9% grade. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station run to highs around 78°F in July, with lows near 41°F. Winter is cold, with January highs around 30°F and lows near 9°F. Several other rides sit close by. The Upper Westshore Loop is about 0.2 miles away and Westshore about 0.3 miles. Black Crescent is about 0.4 miles off. Hood Creek campground is roughly half a mile away for an overnight stay.

Around this trail

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

    Hood Creek

    Campground

    Campground · 0.5 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    Blacksmith Italian

    Restaurant

    Open after 6

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors

More in Emigrant
  • Best time to go · Jul–Sep

    Best time to visit Crescent Lake

    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, 22.1 mi away at 6,590 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

Map and trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors