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Sypes Canyon Trailhead
4.6 ★★★★★ 190 Google reviews · Running trail in Bozeman, Montana · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Sypes Canyon Trailhead'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.
This popular hiking path through rocky & wooded terrain offers dramatic mountain & valley views.
What runners say about Sypes Canyon Trailhead
“But overall, The trail is beautiful and there are multiple stops where you can take a rest or enjoy the view over the town.”
“An easy trail as far as mountain hikes go, with an awesome view of the Gallatin Valley at the top.”
Very pretty scenic hike. A little slick and muddy in spots but not too bad. Only walked about a mile and a half to get to this lookout.
An easy trail as far as mountain hikes go, with an awesome view of the Gallatin Valley at the top. We went in early March so the trail was pretty slushy but worth it.
Close to town. Nice beaten path all the way up. You can tell whoever maintains the trail is proud of it. Lots of runoffs to keep it from rutting out and bushes and trees are trimmed. There's a small push of .45 mi up 300 ft to a rock bluff that provides a great view across the valley. Great sunset shots.
This is technically the only trail I hike in the Valley currently, I like the overall challenge, the trail starts pretty gradually, the first 2.4 miles are mostly forested and under cover, it's also the only area where you may encounter black bears, but they're mostly active during dawn and dusk, and during the night.
Trail conditions & character
“That being said, it's a lovely hike, a great place to access the foothills trail and the ridge, pretty quick hike for a view, and fairly close to town.”
“There are some steep grades in a few places, plenty of switchbacks and there are narrow steep elevated dropoffs at some points.”
“Keep your dog on a leash& please clean up after them(so much left behind dog poop), wear good shoes with traction.”
“Ranges you can see from the top include Absarokees, Gallatins, Spanish Peaks (Madisons), Gravellies, Rubies, Tobacco Roots, Highlands, Elkhorns, Bulls, and of course the Bridgers.”
“As such, parking can be a pain, you'll pretty much always see quite a few folks, and the poo bags by the trail can be distracting.”
Plan your run at Sypes Canyon Trailhead
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.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitefs.usda.gov
- 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 |
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