THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Drinking Horse Mountain National Recreation Trail wilderness guide
National Recreation Trail · MT

Drinking Horse Mountain National Recreation Trail

The Drinking Horse Mountain National Recreation Trail offers a rewarding trek with panoramic views of the Gallatin Valley and surrounding mountains, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

National Recreation Trail1001+ Trails

Designation

National Recreation Trail

Total Wilderness Area

100

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Drinking Horse Mountain National Recreation Trail

The Drinking Horse Mountain National Recreation Trail offers a rewarding trek with panoramic views of the Gallatin Valley and surrounding mountains, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Located near Bozeman, Montana, Drinking Horse Mountain National Recreation Trail is a well-loved hiking destination offering a moderate climb and exceptional vistas. The trail rises steadily with a loop configuration, taking hikers through diverse landscapes including open meadows and wooded areas. It provides a vibrant display of wildflowers during the spring and is home to various local wildlife, including birds and small mammals. Historically, the trail area served as an important route for indigenous peoples and early settlers, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of the region. The pathway reaches a summit that treats visitors to sweeping views of the Bridger Canyon and Gallatin Valley. Its proximity to Bozeman makes it a convenient retreat for locals and visitors alike, whilst maintaining an atmosphere of natural tranquility. The trail accommodates a range of visitors, from casual walkers to serious hikers, offering something for anyone eager to indulge in Montana’s great outdoors.

Field Guide · National Recreation Trail
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Drinking Horse Mountain National Recreation Trail

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Discover the Chestnut Mountain Trailhead★ 8.1⌖ 15 miHiking
Chestnut Mountain Trailhead

Discover the Chestnut Mountain Trailhead

Explore the Chestnut Mountain Trailhead near Bozeman, Montana. This moderate 9.2-mile hike offers stunning views and varied terrain. Ideal for hiking and photography, it is best visited in spring and summer when wildflowers bloom brightly.

Bear Canyon Hiking Adventure★ 8.2⌖ 18 miHiking
Bear Canyon Trailhead

Bear Canyon Hiking Adventure

Explore Bear Canyon Trailhead near Bozeman, Montana. Enjoy hikes through forests and meadows with views of peaks. Great for photographers, this area hosts varied wildlife and stunning fall colors, offering activities like wildlife observation and mountain biking.

Hiking Treasures at College M Trailhead★ 5.5⌖ 19 miHiking
College M Trailhead and Picnic Area

Hiking Treasures at College M Trailhead

Hike the iconic College M Trail near Bozeman, MT. This moderate loop offers panoramic views and diverse terrains over a couple of miles. Perfect for families, enjoy wildflowers and birdwatching in spring and summer.

Discover the Scenic Beauty of Mt Ellis Trailhead★ 8.2⌖ 19 miHiking
Mt Ellis Trailhead

Discover the Scenic Beauty of Mt Ellis Trailhead

Explore the Mt Ellis Trailhead for breathtaking views and wildflower displays near Bozeman, MT. Perfect for adventurous hikers seeking mountain vistas. Best visited in late spring or early fall for ideal conditions.

Hiking Drinking Horse Mountain Trail in Bozeman★ 8.2⌖ 19 miHiking
Drinking Horse Mountain National Recreation Trail

Hiking Drinking Horse Mountain Trail in Bozeman

Explore this 2.4-mile trail near Bozeman, MT. Known for its moderate climb and panoramic views of the Bridger Range, it's a favorite for hiking, photography, and trail running. Enjoy diverse landscapes and wildlife sightings along the way.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ The panoramic viewing point at the summit of Drinking Horse Mountain✦ The diverse flora including seasonal wildflowers such as lupine and arrowleaf balsamroot✦ The historical significance of the trail as a traditional route and its proximity to Bozeman's cultural sites✦ The quieter, lesser-known loops that offer a more secluded trail experience
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Drinking Horse Mountain National Recreation Trail

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Drinking Horse Mountain National Recreation Trail
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Drinking Horse Mountain National Recreation Trail
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Drinking Horse Mountain National Recreation Trail
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Drinking Horse Mountain National Recreation Trail.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No permits or fees required.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Drinking Horse Mountain National Recreation Trail

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Langohr Campground

Located in the Gallatin National Forest, offering easy access to nearby trails and facilities.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Drinking Horse Mountain National Recreation Trail

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Livingston
⌖ 3.79 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Livingston, Montana

A charming frontier town with rich access to the adventurous outdoors, offering scenic landscapes and thrilling activities.

Summer and FallExplore Town
Clyde Park
⌖ 12.02 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Clyde Park, Montana

A quiet rural gateway offering easy access to mountain adventures, fishing, and wide-open landscapes in the Rocky Mountain foothills.

Late spring through early fall for hiking and fishing; winter for snowmobilingExplore Town
Bozeman
⌖ 21.64 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Bozeman, Montana

A vibrant gateway town blending college spirit with world-class outdoor pursuits in the northern Rockies.

Summer and WinterExplore Town
Glacier
⌖ 22.72 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Glacier, Montana

A gateway to vast mountainous wilderness offering rugged hiking, scenic paddling, winter skiing, and backcountry backpacking in Glacier National Park.

Late June to September for hiking and paddling; December to February for skiingExplore Town
Pray
⌖ 24.77 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Pray, Montana

A quiet gateway into Montana’s rugged west, offering world-class river recreation, sweeping mountain views, and a peaceful setting for outdoor enthusiasts seeking solitude and authentic wilderness.

Late Spring to Early FallExplore Town
Emigrant
⌖ 24.77 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Emigrant, Montana

A gateway community to the vast wilderness of the Yellowstone region, offering a quiet, rustic feel with easy access to hiking, fishing, and backcountry adventures.

Late Spring through Early FallExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Drinking Horse Mountain National Recreation Trail

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Yellowstone Fall Wildlife Tours: Wolves, Bears & Elk Viewing from LivingstonLivingston, Montana · 3.26 mi away
Trails & Outdoor Adventures· Kaul Of The Wild Yellowstone Tours

Yellowstone Fall Wildlife Tours: Wolves, Bears & Elk Viewing from Livingston

Spend a full day tracking wolves, bears, elk and moose through Yellowstone in peak fall—customized pickups from Livingston, Paradise Valley, Gardiner, or Mammoth Hot Springs. Long days, expert local knowledge, and open autumn roads make this one of the best seasons for behavior-rich wildlife viewing.

8–10 hours

Explore this trip

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.