Home › Montana › Bozeman › Drinking Horse Mountain National Recreation Trail
Drinking Horse Mountain National Recreation Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 329 Google reviews · Running trail in Bozeman, Montana · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Drinking Horse Mountain National Recreation Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Shady, scenic trail featuring views from its summit, along with a fort and a bench.
What runners say about Drinking Horse Mountain National Recreation Trail
“Well maintained and popular trail with a few dogs off leash.”
“Summit was beautiful, but the view across the street was the College 'M' trail, which looks very fun too.”
“Beautiful hike with gorgeous views and part shade.”
Great workout! Dog friendly trail. Nice and flat trail with many shaded spots. You can go the easy way or steep way up the mountain. Several benches to rest and wonderful scenic views. A work in progress stick hideout at the top!
This is a short hike but very beautiful. It’s fairly steep and gets your heart pumping, but not challenging otherwise. The views at the top are nice and it was very peaceful to sit and stare at the mountains for a while.
First day of our Bozeman trip. This was a good start to our week in Bozeman. IMO, the hike was easy to moderate. You can make it a bit easier if you take short loop. But if you want some stunning views, go to the top. Some parts are a little steep so shoes with good traction will definitely help.
This was a great hike. It’s a bit steep in some places, but overall moderate. Hiked in late march and it was still a bit icy and muddy but doable with the right boots. View is incredible. I went to the right, which is the easier path.
Trail conditions & character
“Loved the hike and the view, a must do if you are looking to stay close to Bozeman but still want to get in a great hike.”
“Trails are moderately steep up and down so reasonable fitness or frequent stops are required.”
“Lovely views and nice to have a creek at the beginning/end for the dogs to cool off.”
“Fun spot to go hike, the mountain can be done as a loop in 2-2.”
“Beautiful hike with gorgeous views and part shade.”
“Hiked in late march and it was still a bit icy and muddy but doable with the right boots.”
Plan your run at Drinking Horse Mountain National Recreation Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitefws.gov
- Phone(406) 587-9265
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Bozeman
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
College 'M' Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 353 reviews
Tourist attraction featuring a hiking trail with scenic views at the top.
Glen Lake Rotary Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 464 reviews
Park offering fishing, a beach, picnic areas, volleyball, trails, and a dock.
Sypes Canyon Trailhead
4.6 ★★★★★ 190 reviews
This popular hiking path through rocky & wooded terrain offers dramatic mountain & valley views.
Peets Hill/Burke Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 499 reviews
Green space featuring a popular hiking trail & a hill with scenic views & wintertime sledding.
Gallagator Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 97 reviews
A mostly level former railway line featuring paved trails that connect four or five parks.
