Gallatin National Forest

Photo Essay: Hiking the Andes with Mountain Lodges of Peru

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Featured Trails:

Garnet Mt. Lookout | Hidden Lake | Hidden Lake to Porcupine Creek | Golden Trout Lakes | Windy Pass Trail | Gallatin Divide (S) | Porcupine Cr to Rainbow Ranch | Cinnamon Mt. Lookout | Cinnamon to Taylor Creek | Cinnamon Creek to Taylor Fork | Ramshorn Lake Trail

GARNET MOUNTAIN LOOKOUT TRAIL, #85

Length: 4 miles (6.4 km.)
Recommended season: Summer through Fall
Use: Light
Difficulty: Moderate
USGS Map(s): GARNET MOUNTAIN Quad

TRAIL BEGINS: 5440' elevation (1658 m)At the Forest Service horse pasture at the mouth of Squaw Creek.

TRAIL ENDS: 8245' elevation (9513 m)Garnet Mountain lookout.

ACCESS
Follow U.S. Highway 191 south of Bozeman for 25 miles to Squaw Creek Ranger Station. Follow Squaw Creek Road #132 south for approximately 1.5 miles to the trailhead.

ATTRACTIONS AND CONSIDERATIONS
Garnet Mountain offers an excellent view of the surrounding area. A section of the trail parallels the path of a recent avalanche giving the hiker an opportunity to view the results of this natural phenomena. The lookout is no longer manned. Climbing on the tower is dangerous. NOTE: All motorized vehicles are restricted to designated routes in this area.

NARRATIVE
The four mile climb to Garnet Mountain will reward the hiker with an outstanding view of the Spanish Peaks, Hyalite Peaks, and the Gallatin Range. The old lookout is no longer manned. All fire detection on the Bozeman-Gallatin District is now done with aircraft.

HIDDEN LAKE TRAIL #66

Length: 3 miles (4.8 km)
Recommended season: Summer through Fall
Use: Moderate
Difficulty: Moderate
USGS Map(s): GARNET MOUNTAIN Quad

TRAIL BEGINS: 7040' elevation (2682 m)Approximately 3.3 miles southeast on Portal Creek Road to the Hidden Lakes junction. South on Hidden Lakes Road to the trailhead.

TRAIL ENDS: 8800' elevation (2609 m)Hidden Lakes.

ACCESS
Follow U.S. Highway 191 south of Bozeman for 38.6 miles to Portal Creek Road #984. Turn east on Portal Creek Road and continue southeast for 3.3 miles to the junction of Hidden Lake Road. The trailhead is 2.6 miles southwest on Hidden Lake Road.

ATTRACTIONS AND CONSIDERATIONS
The Hidden Lake Trail is suitable for family outings. The lakes may offer good trout fishing. Wildlife can be seen at times in the area. NOTE: All motorized vehicles are restricted to designated routes in this area.

NARRATIVE
The Hidden Lake Trail is suitable for family outings. Moose, elk, deer, black bear, and many small mammals and birds inhabit the area. Five of the eight Hidden Lakes contain rainbow and/or golden trout. The first lake, 2.5 miles from the trailhead, is barren. The second lake is 0.5 mile further up the trail and contains fish.

HIDDEN LAKE TO PORCUPINE TRAIL #66

Length: 11 miles (17.7 km)
Recommended season: Summer through Fall
Use: Heavy
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
USGS Map(s): GARNET MOUNTAIN and CROWN BUTTE Quads

TRAIL BEGINS: 8000' elevation (2438 m)Approximately 3.3 miles east on Portal Creek Road, then .6 miles south on Hidden Lake Road.

TRAIL ENDS: 6160 elevation (1878 m)At Porcupine Ranger Station; .5 mile east of U.S. Highway 191.

ACCESS #1
Follow U.S. Highway 191 south of Bozeman for 38.6 miles to Portal Creek Road #984. Turn east onto Portal Creek Road and proceed for 3.3 miles to the Hidden Lake/Golden Trout Lakes junction. The trailhead is 2.6 miles south on Hidden Lake Road.

ACCESS #2
Instead of turning on Portal Creek Road, continue south on U.S. Highway 191. Approximately 2.5 miles south of Big Sky, turn east, cross the concrete bridge, and continue east for .5 mile to the trailhead at Porcupine Ranger Station.

ATTRACTIONS AND CONSIDERATIONS
The Porcupine Creek Trail is in good condition for most of the 11 miles. From Hidden Lake to Porcupine Creek (Access #1), the cumulative elevation gain is 1470' as compared to the 3068' from Porcupine Creek to Portal Creek (Access #2). The trail passes through a winter elk range. The trail also contains sections of the Big Sky Snowmobile Trail. NOTE: The Porcupine Creek area is closed to all motorized vehicles over 40 inches in total width. Other trail vehicles are restricted to designated routes.

NARRATIVE
The Porcupine Creek Trail is a moderate to difficult hike. The first 3 miles rise at a 10 to 20 percent grade with an elevation gain of 1200 feet. Two small streams must be forded during the first 3 miles. Next, the trail crosses several meadows at a 0 to 15 percent grade with the highest elevation at 9228' before descending into Porcupine. Many switchbacks are encountered during the 3 mile descent into Porcupine Creek basin. Porcupine Creek must be forded twice before reaching the end of the hike.

GOLDEN TROUT LAKES TRAIL #83

Length: 2.5 miles ( 4 km)
Recommended season: Summer through Fall
Use: Moderate
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
USGS Map(s): GARNET MOUNTAIN and CROWN BUTTE Quads

TRAIL BEGINS: 8000' elevation (2438 m)Approximately 6 miles southeast on Portal Creek Road.

TRAIL ENDS: 9200' elevation (2804 m) Golden Trout Lakes.

ACCESS
Follow U.S. Highway 191 south of Bozeman for 38.6 miles to Portal Creek Road #984. Turn east on Portal Creek Road and continue southeast for 6 miles to a logged over area. The trail begins on the south side of the clear cut.

ATTRACTIONS AND CONSIDERATIONS
The Golden Trout Lakes trail can be a day or an overnight hike. There are four dispersed campsites with fire rings at the larger lake, but no developed facilities. Fishing is possible at the larger lake. NOTE: Motorcycles and pack stock can be taken to the lakes. All motorized vehicles over 40" in width are restricted to designated routes in this area.

NARRATIVE
The Golden Trout Lakes Trail is an easy to moderate hike. The first mile of trail rises at a 0 to 10 percent grade, with some pitches at 20 to 25 percent. The Hidden Lake and Porcupine Creek Trail #194 joins the Golden Trout Lakes Trail after 0.2 of a mile. There are three switchbacks present during the first mile and one meadow containing a large bog.

The second mile of trail is basically the same as the first mile, with a 10 to 15 percent grade and four switchbacks. There are four dispersed campsites with fire rings at the largest lake. No developments are available at the site.

WINDY PASS TRAIL #82

Length: 2.5 miles ( 4 km)
Recommended season: Summer through Fall
Use: Light
Difficulty: Moderate
USGS Map(s): GARNET MOUNTAIN Quad

TRAIL BEGINS: 7920' elevation (2414 m)Approximately 6 miles southeast on Portal Creek Road.

TRAIL ENDS: 9200' elevation (2804 m) Windy Pass.

ACCESS #1
Follow U.S. Highway 191 south of Bozeman for 38.6 miles to Portal Creek Road #984. Turn east on Portal Creek Road and continue southeast for 6 miles to a logged over area. The trail begins on the north side of the clearcut.

ACCESS #2
Follow Portal Creek Road #984 east for 3.3 miles to the Hidden Lake/Golden Trout Lakes junction. The trail begins on the other side of Portal Creek where the old Portal Creek bridge has washed out. This option would extend the hike to 5 miles.

ATTRACTIONS AND CONSIDERATIONS
Windy Pass Trail leads to Windy Pass, which is an open plateau with adequate camping room. The trail passes by Windy Pass Ranger Station. It intersects the Gallatin Divide Trail #96 at Windy Pass. There are also several other trails in the area. The trail has adequate room for pack stock. NOTE: All motorized vehicles are restricted to designated routes.

NARRATIVE
The Windy Pass Trail has a fairly constant 15 to 20 percent grade with some pitches. There are two options in hiking the trail. You may either drive the 6 miles to the clearcut area, park at the end of the road, and hike the 2 mile trail to Windy Pass, or start at the washed out bridge and hike along a logging road on the east side of the creek to Windy Pass. The second option would extend the hike to 5 miles. Windy Pass is on an open plateau. Elk and deer frequent the area. There is no drinking water at the pass.

GALLATIN DIVIDE TRAIL (SOUTH) #82 to #96 to #160

Length: 19.5 miles (31.4 km) (South Half)
Recommended season: Summer through Fall
Use: Heavy
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
USGS Map(s): GARNET MOUNTAIN and CROWN BUTTE Quads

TRAIL BEGINS: 7920' elevation (2414 m)At the logged area; 2.5 miles west of Windy Pass.

TRAIL ENDS: 6560' elevation (1999 m)Buffalo Horn Campground.

ACCESS #1
Follow U.S. Highway 191 south of Bozeman for 38.6 miles to Portal Creek Road #984. Turn east onto Portal Creek Road and proceed southeast for 6 miles to a logged over area. The trail begins on the north side of the clearcut.

ACCESS #2
See Gallatin Divide Trail #96 (North Half).

ATTRACTIONS AND CONSIDERATIONS
The hiker should allow 2 to 3 days to cover the south half of the Gallatin Divide Trail. Due to the high elevation and lack of natural shelter, the hiker must pay special attention to the weather. Windy Pass is a wide meadow area covered with wildflowers when in season. The hiker will pass through the Gallatin Badlands where there is evidence of past volcanic activity and more recent land movement. The trail also passes through a section of the Gallatin Petrified Forest— rock collection requires a Forest Service permit. Hikers will need to arrange a shuttle hack to their vehicle at Portal Creek.

NARRATIVE
The south half of the Gallatin Divide Trail begins at the clearcut area, 6 miles southeast on Portal Creek Road. Trail #82 heads northwest through the parking area, then east for 2.5 miles to Windy Pass where it joins trail #96. Windy Pass is a wide meadow, at an elevation of 9200 feet.

From Windy Pass, trail #96 heads south for 3 miles and switchbacks up the eastern slope of Eaglehead Mountain. The trail drops southeasterly off the top of Eaglehead onto more defined ridge trail.

The next 2 miles of trail follow a rolling rocky ridge at a 15 to 25 percent grade. Rock Creek drainage can be seen to the east, Eaglehead to the north, and Fortress Mountain and Ramshorn Peak to the south.

As the hiker approaches the Gallatin Badlands area, the divide trail narrows. Heavy erosion and recent landslides are encountered. Looking west and below the divide, large towers of volcanic rock can be seen which formed thousands of years ago when volcanic activity was common. This volcanic activity played a major role in forming the Gallatin Petrified Forest; which runs from Windy Pass south to Yellowstone National Park. A Forest Service permit is required for the collection of petrified specimens.

Continuing south on the Divide Trail, the hiker encounters a small pass at an elevation of 9040 feet between Rock Creek and Porcupine Creek. The trail then climbs steeply at a 30 percent grade and up a northerly slope to a 9447 foot plateau. It continues south along an eastern slope which faces Steamboat Mountain, Twin Peaks, Ramshorn Peak, and Fortress Mountain.

The trail continues south along the western base of Fortress Mountain. It passes through lush meadows, conglomerate boulder fields, and spruce forests then drops to an elevation of 8440 feet at Rams horn Lake. Ramshorn Lake is one of the better camping opportunities along the route; offering good scenery, fishing, and undeveloped campsites. The lake is approximately 12 miles from the beginning of the trail; or 9.5 miles south of Windy Pass.

From Ramshorn Lake, the trail descends along Buffalo Horn Creek, passing several other trail junctions. The trail crosses Buffalo Horn Creek several times before reaching Buffalo Horn Campground.

PORCUPINE CREEK TO RAINBOW RANCH TRAIL

Length: 4 miles (6.4 km)
Recommended season: Summer through Fall
Use: Medium during hunting season.
Difficulty: Moderate
USGS Map(s): CROWN BUTTE Quad

TRAIL BEGINS: 6100' elevation (1859 m)Porcupine Ranger Station; 0.5 mile east of U.S. Highway 191.

TRAIL ENDS: 6240' elevation (1902 m)Rainbow Ranch.

ACCESS #1
Follow U.S. Highway 191 for 45 miles south of Bozeman, or 2.5 miles south of the Big Sky turnoff. Turn east, cross the concrete bridge, and continue east for .5 mile to the Porcupine Ranger Station and the trailhead.

ACCESS #2 From the turnoff at Porcupine, continue south for 2.5 miles to the Rainbow Ranch. Cross the wooden bridge over the Gallatin River then turn left through the gate just east of the bridge for parking. The trailhead begins here.

ATTRACTIONS AND CONSIDERATIONS
This is a relatively short trail open to horseback or foot travel. It is located in a winter elk range. There are few trees with blaze markings along the trail however, the trail is well worn. Bring a map and compass. From Rainbow Ranch back to Porcupine is 3 miles. You may wish to arrange a shuttle back to your car. NOTE: The Porcupine Creek area is closed to all motorized vehicles over 40 inches in total width. Other trail vehicles are restricted to designated routes. The Rainbow Trail is closed to motorized vehicles all year long.

NARRATIVE
The Porcupine to Rainbow Ranch Trail is an easy to moderate hike. The first 1.2 miles ascend at a 0 to 10 percent grade in a wide open valley. The trail follows Porcupine Creek. At approximately 1.2 miles, the trail swings south over a small rolling hill. The next .3 mile ascends this hill at a 10 to 15 percent grade. There are few trees with blaze markings along the trail but the trail is well worn. At the top of the hill, the trail descends a creek drainage at a 15 to 20 percent grade for approximately 0.5 mile. A map and compass are recommended.

CINNAMON MOUNTAIN LOOKOUT TRAIL #6 to #73

Length: 3.3 miles ( 5.3 km)
Recommended season: Summer through Fall
Use: Moderate
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
USGS Map(s): SPHINX MOUNTAIN and CROWN BUTTE. Quads

TRAIL BEGINS: 6560' elevation (1999 m)Cinnamon Ranger Station; .3 mile west of U.S. Highway 191.

TRAIL ENDS: 9235' elevation (2815 m)At the lookout on Cinnamon Mountain.

ACCESS
Follow U.S.. Highway 191 south of Bozeman for 55 miles to Cinnamon Creek Road. The road is 100 yards south of Almart Lodge on 191. Turn west on the dirt road and follow for 0.3 mile to the Cinnamon Station and the parking area.

ATTRACTIONS AND CONSIDERATIONS
The Cinnamon Mountain Lookout Trail offers an excellent view of the Taylor Hilgards, Spanish Peaks, and the surrounding area. NOTE: All motorized vehicles are restricted to designated routes.

NARRATIVE
The Cinnamon Mountain Lookout Trail is easy to moderate in difficulty. On clear days, the Taylor Hilgards, Spanish Peaks, and other peaks can he seen from Cinnamon Mountain. The hiker has an option of continuing on trail #30 and #33 to Albino Lake in the Taylor Creek drainage. This trail branches off of trail #6 approximately 2 miles west of the parking area.

Cinnamon lookout is no longer manned. All fire detection is now conducted by aircraft on the Bozeman-Gallatin District. Climbing on the tower is dangerous.

CINNAMON TO TAYLOR CREEK TRAIL #6 to #30 to #33

Length: 12 miles (19.3 km)
Recommended season: Summer through Fall
Use: Moderate
Difficulty: Moderate
USGS Map(s): SPHINX MOUNTAIN and CROWN BUTTE Quads

TRAIL BEGINS: 6560' elevation (1999 m)Cinnamon Creek Station; .3 mile west of U.S. Highway 191.

TRAIL ENDS: 688O' elevation (2097 m)Taylor Creek; approximately 3.8 miles west of U.S. Highway 191 on Taylor Fork Road.

ACCESS #1
Follow U.S. Highway 191 south of Bozeman for 55 miles , or 11 miles south of the Big Sky turnoff. Turn west on Cinnamon Creek Road and drive 0.3 mile to the parking area at Cinnamon Station.

ACCESS #2
Approximately 14.5 miles south of the Big Sky turnoff, turn west on Taylor Fork Road and follow for 3.8 miles. The trail begins before the junction of Wapiti Creek Road. Head north up a small open valley towards Albino Lake.

ATTRACTIONS AND CONSIDERATIONS
This trail may be considered for either a one or two day hiking or backpacking trip. It is also an excellent horse trail. Albino Lake is a 60 acre reservoir containing rainbow and cutthroat trout. The trail offers spectacular views of the Taylor Peaks. Distance by road from the Taylor Fork trailhead to Cinnamon is approximately 7.3 miles. You will need to arrange a shuttle back to your car.

NARRATIVE
The 12 mile trail from Cinnamon Station to Taylor Creek offers a good route for either a one or two day hiking or backpacking trip. Albino Lake contains planted rainbow trout. You will need a Montana fishing license to fish in the lake. The trail starting from Cinnamon Creek has a 10 to 25 percent slope for 2.4 miles to the small pass dividing Cinnamon and Taylor Creek drainages. The trail then descends into Taylor Creek on a smooth trail for 3.2 miles to Albino Lake. From the lake, the trail follows a shallow draw out to Taylor Creek.

CINNAMON CREEK TO TAYLOR FORK TRAIL #68

Length: 5.3 miles (8.5 km)
Recommended season: Summer through Fall
Use: Moderate
Difficulty: Moderate
USGS Map(s): CROWN BUTTE and SPHINX MOUNTAIN Quads

TRAIL BEGINS: 6560' elevation (1999 m)Cinnamon Creek Station, 0.3 mile west of U.S. Highway 191.

TRAIL ENDS: 6880' elevation (2097 m)Taylor Creek; approximately 3.8 miles west of U.S. Highway 191 on Taylor Fork Road.

ACCESS #1
Follow U.S. Highway 191 south of Bozeman for 55 miles, or 11 miles south of the Big Sly turnoff. Turn west on Cinnamon Creek Road and drive 0.3 mile to the parking area at Cinnamon Station.

ACCESS #2
Approximately 14.5 miles south of the Big Sky turnoff, turn west on Taylor Fork Road and follow for 3.8 miles. The trail begins before the junction of Wapiti Creek Road. Head north up a small open valley on trail #33 for 0.5 mile to the trail junction of trail #68.

ATTRACTIONS AND CONSIDERATIONS
Most of this trail lies in open-sloped, sage covered terrain. It offers an excellent view of the surrounding area. There is a magnificent view of the .Taylor Hilgards from Marble Mountain. Distance by road back to Cinnamon Ranger Station is approximately 7.3 miles. You will need to arrange a shuttle to get back to your car. NOTE: All motorized vehicles are restricted to designated routes.

NARRATIVE
Trail #68, from the Cinnamon Creek Station to Taylor Creek, can be an interesting day trip for the hiker or horseman. The trail traverses through dense timber and large, open, sage covered slopes. It provides an excellent view of the surrounding area.

RAMSHORN LAKE TRAIL #1 to #160

Length: 7 miles (11.2 km)
Recommended season: Summer through Fall
Use: Moderate
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
USGS Map(s): CROWN BUTTE Quad

TRAIL BEGINS: 6640' elevation (2024 m)At the end of a 1.5 mile dirt road up Buffalo Horn Creek, east of 320 Ranch.

TRAIL ENDS: 8440' elevation (2573 m)Rams horn Lake.

ACCESS
Follow U.S. Highway 191 south of Bozeman for 52 miles to the 320 Ranch. Turn east at 320 Ranch. The road winds through the ranch buildings. Park at the stock loading ramp. The road continues for another 0.5 mile but is badly rutted. Parking is not permitted beyond the horse ramp.

ATTRACTIONS AND CONSIDERATIONS
The Ramshorn Peak and Lake area is a good example of Montana's backcountry. There are many interesting rock formations along the route. Petrified wood specimens can be found along Buffalo Horn Creek. When in season, wildflowers can be seen in abundance along the trail. There are several undeveloped campsites with fire rings at Ramshorn Lake. The road from 320 Ranch to the campground can be impassable when wet. Ramshorn Lake contains cutthroat trout. NOTE: Motorized vehicles are restricted to designated routes in the Buffalo Horn area. The section of trail from Buffalo Horn Campground to trail #199 is restricted to snowmobile use only.

NARRATIVE
The Ramshorn Lake Trail can be a day or overnight trip. The landscape consists of open parks, mature stands of lodgepole pine, and spectacular rock outcroppings. The first 2 miles of trail follow the banks of Buffalo Horn Creek at a gentle grade. The trail crosses the Creek twice at a large meadow. The trail rises gradually for the next 4 miles through stands of timber and open side hills. The last 0.5 mile of trail rises steeply before descending to Rams horn Lake.