Tails on Trails

Dog-Friendly Hikes and Trails

Drinking Horse Hiking Trail
This 2.1-mile loop offers scenic views and welcomes dogs. Located close to town, it offers a great moderate-level hike for canines and owners alike.

Sypes Canyon
Located in the Gallatin National Forest, this 5.8 trail through a shaded forest follows a creek-fed canyon that will quench your dog’s thirst. Two miles in, there’s an overlook with a great view of the Gallatin Valley. Don't be surprised to see horses on the trail. 

Hyalite Reservoir
A 30-minute drive from downtown Bozeman, this getaway offers endless opportunities for hiking, breathtaking waterfalls and lakeside camping. 

Leverich Canyon Trail
A narrow canyon tucked between the two prominent drainages of Hyalite Canyon and Sourdough Canyon. The moderate trail forms a loop around the canyon walls and ridge overlooking Bozeman Creek and Sourdough Canyon. The trail crosses the head of Leverich Canyon on the Moser Creek Rd. Also popular bike trail.

Emerald Lake and Heather Lake:
This beautiful, moderate trail is 10.5 miles featuring a lake and a number of activity options from May to September. Expansive fields of wild flowers. Bring your fishing poles and bug spray! Horses and dogs are welcome!

Fairy Lake
Gorgeous alpine lake in a forested valley at the base of Sacagawea Peak. The trail loops around the lake for an easy 1-mile hike. If your car can't make it past the lower trailhead, you can still hike the lake (5 miles round-trip). Ideal for picnics, fishing, and swimming. Want some fun adventure? Swing on the rope swing over the lake.

Bangtail Divide Trail
This classic Bridger Canyon trail is a must! This trail is accessible from three different points. Bangtail showcases the best natural features of Montana: lodgepole pines, spruce and fir forests, wildflower meadows, and panoramic views of Bridger Canyon.

Pete’s Hill
A quick and convenient trail for downtown residents or main-street visitors. Ample room for your pets to play at this off-leash park with lots of trails and open space. Burke Park (aka Peets Hill) is not fenced. Bring your water! 

M Trail
At the mouth of Bridger Canyon is the landmark “M” created by Montana State University students in 1915. Two routes stem from trailhead. One steep, the other winding. To take the steep route, go right at the first junction; for an easier, longer trail, take a hard left. Spectacular views of the Gallatin Valley. 

Snowfill Recreation Area
Thirty-eight acres of open space now serves as one of the area's largest and most scenic off-leash dog parks. This hilly site offers over 2 miles of gravel trails with views overlooking the Gallatin Valley.

Cooper Park
Voted the most dog-friendly park in town, located in a historic residential area.

Middle Cottonwood Creek
Seven-point-three-mile, moderate trail is located near Bozeman, features a river. The trail is best from May to October, and is primarily used for hiking, trail running, and mountain biking. 

Bozeman Pond Dog Park
Fantastic beach for dogs with a 1-acre off-leash area. Plus, an on-leash trail nearby.


Many restaurants offer outdoor seating allowing dogs in the summer and early fall. A few favorites: Bozeman Brewing Company, Naked Noodle, Plonk, Nova Café, Starky’s