Gallatin National Forest Hiking
The Gallatin National Forest offers diverse trail system totaling 2,290 miles, including seven National Recreation Trails. This a hiker's mecca. Visitors to the area can access the Gallatin Range, the Madison Range, the Bridger Range, the Absaroka Range, and the Beartooth Range with each offering a range of difficulty levels, terrain ranging from 5,000 feet to over 10,000 feet, and vary in lengths.
Alpine Forest
© Vertical Media
The Bridger Foothills National Recreation Trail offers dozens of trailheads on either side of the Bridger Range. This area is very dry in the summer and fall, so plan to carry all your water as the availability of water is limited. The dense timbered valleys and ridges with rugged peaks climbing to nearly 10,000 feet characterize the Gallatin Range. Most common in the area is petrified wood, steep canyons, and many waterfalls leading to pristine creeks and lakes. The Madison Range was shaped by alpine glaciation, seen in its steep, rugged peaks with knife edge ridges and numerous cirques, with several peaks exceeding 11,000 feet. The Absarokas are characterized by stratified volcanic and metamorphic rocks, forested valleys and rugged peaks. This region is home to a variety of wild animals, notably the grizzly bear. Dramatically different are the neighboring Beartooths. This mountain country is mostly rugged, dominated with deep canyons and high tundra plateaus. High in elevation, the area is mostly rocky and barren of vegetation.
Hiking in the great outdoors brings us all closer to nature with a new experience in every adventure. You are surrounded by dense stands of timber, open meadows, rock outcroppings, spectacular mountain peaks, waterfalls, clear mountain streams, lakes, a wide variety of flora and fauna, and abundance of wildlife. In this great vast wildland, one most be prepared for anything to happen - from wildlife sightings to extreme weather. It is imperative that hikers are knowledgable on trail safety and are prepared for inclimate weather.
The summer is a spectacular time to explore the Gallatin National Forest. Early summer, in June, brings a world that is just waking from a long winter's nap. The streams are rushing with high water from spring runoff and can offer some hazards in crossings and trail quality. The peak summer month, July and August tend to be drier and the wildflowers are vibrant covering the open meadows and steep mountainsides. Keep in mind that a clear sunny day can quickly become stormy, bringing lightning, hail and snow at higher elevations. Since storms often develop by early afternoon, plan hikes so you reach the highest point before noon and descend soon after.
Fall brings colorful foliage, active wildlife, crystal clear waters, and a cool mountain air. It is crisp and beautiful and is a time to cherish with nature openly sharing its transition into the long winter months. During the winter, trail activity shifts to cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and ski touring. Nearly every parking lot and camping area in the forest serves as a starting point for several trails. With snow, there are concerns for frostbite, orientation, and avalanche danger. One most be competent when setting out for a day of recreation in the winter.
Enjoy the hiking in Gallatin National Forest. There is a lifetime of experiences in this vast land of thousands of miles of trails. One would be lucky to explore this unique forest at any time of year for any amount of time. Visit with any local outfitter shops and with the visitor centers to receive information. Consult authorities for current conditions and wildlife sightings before venturing into the backcountry. The more informed you are, the more comfortable your hike will be.
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