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College M
Trail to 'M', Bozeman, MT 59715, United States
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College M

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Jo
Review №1

Nice hike and views, but not worth a one hour climb for only 2 bars signal.BTW, the bike path from town to the trail head is completely car free and lovely. Also goes past Story Mill and other interesting stuff. Highly recommended way to get out there.

Do
Review №2

Great hike, going up the right side is kind of steep, but if you continue past the M up to the ridge, The View overlooking the other side is incredible... pictures will never do it justice you have to see for yourself.. takes a little bit to get there, but so worth it, plan a little extra time and just do it!

Jo
Review №3

* unfortunately closed due to wildfire* awesome super convenient trail head which offers three routes; easy to (proceed with caution) more difficult steep straight up approach. Great energy with a priceless view of the changing Gallatin valley. Also neighboring : fish hatchery and Drinking Horse trail head.** May contain wildlife. My personal experiences include ️ Enjoy heavily traveled now days but at least by positive people 528hz

Co
Review №4

Beautiful and short hike. The easy way is most logical approach. Going down the steep way was difficult without poles. Bring your lunch and enjoy the view!

M
Review №5

Fun and quick hike.

M
Review №6

Go the easy way up with kids and be careful if you choose the shortcut trail on the way down. It saves a 1/2 mile but theres a tough rock decent section for children. Great trail though!

La
Review №7

Favorite local trail with great views of Bozeman and options for a hard or easy way up.

Ro
Review №8

This is a great trail. Im currently 59, out of shape and overweight and I still made the 1.5 mile trek. Of course, I paid for it the next day but my doctor will be pleased.

Ji
Review №9

Crowded as always but great views, especially in Spring.

De
Review №10

Great views, and hikers are given the option of a quick, exhausting path vs a longer, less tiring path. Regardless of your choice, the view at the top is incredible.A small outhouse is available at the base of the hill, and parking is free. For obvious reasons, the area is not wheelchair-friendly.Bring water and expect muddy paths in the summer.TL;DR: Nice hikes, better views.

Lo
Review №11

Its a nice, short, hike just outside of Bozeman. There arent a lot of trees, so it can be really hot on a summers day.There are also some parts that can be impossibly slick in the winter. Overall, its a safe hike outside of town that provides some great views and is family friendly.

An
Review №12

Steep and rocky. Yet apparently a must do.We did, and we went the short steep way, 850 vertical feet in half mile. Dont go that way unless your actually In shape. The alternative 1.5 mile up is moderate, but the elevation can challenge sea level folks like myself.

Jo
Review №13

Great hike with not a bad view. Doesnt beat the real M trail. (UM) Go Griz

Pa
Review №14

Incredible view! Took the .5 mile strenuous hike up, it was fantabulous!

Ka
Review №15

A little over crowded but a great way to get some movement in. Its nice when people clean up after their doggies.

Ad
Review №16

Although the parking lot was packed, we saw relatively few people on the actual trail. We took the 1/2 mile steep route to the M, then continued on up to the ridge trail, which was almost as steep as the first part. It was a great hike and the views were pretty spectacular, especially as you got up and could see the Bridger Bowl side (you could still see subdivisions on the M side, which I think is a most unfortunate development taking place in Bozeman). My pups did this trail, and they ended up needing most of the water as shade is limited and it was about 86 outside. I would definitely so this again, but would probably stick to the cooler months since the lack of shade is a bit tough for the furry friends.

Ar
Review №17

Small children...maybe not. Lol

Ka
Review №18

Close to town, nice hike for exercise after work.

he
Review №19

This is a wonderful hike with 3 different levels of steepness. You can get to the M by a hard, a medium, or an easy way up. The trail also connects to Sypes trail and other trails if youre looking into a long hike. Just be safe and prepared as there is no reception once youre behind the mountain.

Ch
Review №20

A good walk! The breeze and view up at the M was wonderful. There was a grueling way straight up the hill, or an easy winding path to take. Benches were available along the way if a rest were needed. For a Thursday I thought the location was well used by plenty of outdoor enthusiasts. The wild flowers, and plants of all colors and form were like candy to my eyes.

Kr
Review №21

I had the best time hiking the M....It was amazing watching the sunset.

Jo
Review №22

Probably the most popular local hike and one of the first to open up for the year.

St
Review №23

Great hike, great views of the valley!

Ja
Review №24

Spectacular views, great exercise. Step way up is a half mile. Long way is 1.5 miles. The trail keeps going if you are up for more.

Br
Review №25

Short and steep. Mid-Rocky path.

Sa
Review №26

Love the M! Good hike not too far from town

Ni
Review №27

A pretty hike amidst wildflowers in the spring

Em
Review №28

Beautiful hike! Especially around sunset. There are several options to get up depending on how strenuous of a hike you’re looking for. Even the easiest path has a significant incline, but if you’re relatively in shape you should be fine. And the views are worth it!

Al
Review №29

Classic Bozeman hike! Can be crowded on nice days. Great for off leash dogs, please remember to pick up after your pup!!

Ad
Review №30

Take the steep hike up past the M, connect to Bridger ridger trail for stunning views!

Tr
Review №31

Fun short hike with a great view at the finish

Ry
Review №32

When youre tired of hikes that end in beautiful waterfalls, peaks, and scenery, and youre looking to surround yourself with other people to avoid the serenity of quiet nature trails, the M is the hike for you!

Ch
Review №33

Very great hike! So many stunning views and plenty of benches to stop and enjoy the view. There mightve been snow there but it actually wasnt that bad hiking up on the dirt trails with it. Sundays here are often busy, so I suggest going on a Friday or Monday! Night hiking here can also be interesting, just please be careful of the wildlife as spring approaches. Mountain lions and the likes.

Da
Review №34

Awesome hiking trails just outside Bozeman. Beautiful scenery and you meet nice people along the trail. People have their dogs running loose. I think having them leashed would make it better for all.

ka
Review №35

1.5, 2 it 3 mile round trip trails . 3 difficulty. Absolutly beautiful views

Br
Review №36

Short hike but very great view and a lot of different trails. Perfect for a good workout!

Av
Review №37

Great scenic hike to the Montana State University M. The hike can be somewhat leisurely or pretty vigorous depending on which route you take. Got a great morning workout taking the hard route up to the top. Beautiful views of Bozeman and the surrounding valley. Was a great way to end our week long trip out to Bozeman.

Ka
Review №38

Nice hike! Great views.

ch
Review №39

Hard hike is hard, easy hike is easy. As advertised! Great views and lots of dogs.

Pr
Review №40

Great anytime hike! Just looking to get a work out in or if you’re looking for some beautiful wildflowers and sights, this is a great, accessible hike.

Ma
Review №41

Always awesome to take this trail up and admire the view of Bozeman.

Al
Review №42

Very nice hike, Go for it!!

Je
Review №43

Great hike! Super fun

Da
Review №44

Looking.from the bottom it does not seem like it would be interesting. It is. For the best workout, climb up the steep way and down the long way (counterclockwise.

Sa
Review №45

Small parking lot. Good hike.

El
Review №46

Great trail for a hike. Beautiful views of Bozeman. Number of easy trails up, along with a hard hike up trail option. Dog friendly trail, lots of friendly locals.

Ch
Review №47

Classic Bozeman hike, but crowded..

Ce
Review №48

This hike is a good hike for beginners/intermediate people. You can go at your own pace which is refreshing. A lot of people seemed to run up and down this which was cool to witness, so maybe in the future when I like hiking Ill do the same

Te
Review №49

Great hike close to Bozeman. Busy with local hikers but good for a visitor too. Not too much ice and snow early April.b

Be
Review №50

Busy, if you have a big pickup there wont be much parking and if you open carry expect to meet a sheriff at the base. There are usually 4-6 priuss in the lot with a smattering of Subarus. Lots of city kids who think its cute to climb a well trodden path and smoke their choice herbs. Nice view at the top of the main trail, and there is far more trail above where most people stop if you want a better hike and more satisfying view. Trail is well maintained.

Ja
Review №51

Wow incredible hike; take it all the way Mount Baldy for an incredible change in elevation, breathtaking views of Gallatin Valley and Bridger Mountain Range, drastic change in terrain and a very difficult hike...not for the faint of heart, but definitely worth it!!!

Ro
Review №52

Great hike and run. Awesome view

Ad
Review №53

Great local hike. Beautiful view at the top with options to challenge yourself

Ke
Review №54

This hike is great. There are a lot of options to choose from for difficulty getting to the same place. It offers quick and great views of the Gallatin valley and Bozeman. Its not the place to go if you are looking to get away from crowds. On a nice weekday evening you might have trouble finding a parking spot. Its easy to access and quick enough to squeeze in before your dinner.

La
Review №55

Quick hike after work or on the way in and out of Bridger Canyon. The steep way is only .5 miles and easily doable if you have sure footing, otherwise you can walk around the other way, which was .9 miles. Pretty view for a short hike!

to
Review №56

Good quick workout, trails can be a little icy in winter. Nice to have poles or yaktrax for your shoes. Great views

Ka
Review №57

Good hike

Ra
Review №58

Very cool trail. Lots of dogs running free, it was beautiful

Li
Review №59

Always a satisfying hike!

Mi
Review №60

I LOVE THIS HIKE!! I highly recommend it for anyone able to hike a moderately difficult trail thats dog friendly (pick up after yourself)

Ja
Review №61

A great must do trail if you are new to Bozeman or just visiting. Very nice view at the top of the M. Taking the steep trail to the right is the most direct but its pretty much straight up so make sure you are in decent shape.

Ra
Review №62

If you love hiking up A mountain youll love this. There are different levels of difficulty and the difficult trail was definitely a challenge. It was fun, but not something for elders or people who want an easy trail.

Sc
Review №63

Great hike !!!

Wi
Review №64

Great hike for people of all abilities. There are three routes to the M; steep and short, less steep and longer and not steep and longest. Parking lot fills up most weekends so arrive early to beat the crowd. Even if the parking lot is full the trail is hardly ever crowded.

Ro
Review №65

Always fun to hike up - great views from the top

Mi
Review №66

Great wildflowers right now! And its a great hike with a view of the town. It seems to always be busy.

Ma
Review №67

Fun. some what hard, but worth it

Me
Review №68

Good trail variety for reaching the top. Easy and difficult options. Great views!

Ja
Review №69

Great trail but super busy unless you get there before daylight.

St
Review №70

Great Hike. Easy and hard options

Er
Review №71

You go here to hike the M.So, expectations are key here. Unless you are in fantastic shape you need to take the 1.5 mile trail. Even if you are in great shape the .5 mile trail is really steep and loose rocks the whole way. Of course when you get to the top you cant see the M at all, just a pile of white rocks that have been trampled many times.The view back to Bozeman would be awesome if California wasnt on fire when we were there... Likely not going back

Br
Review №72

Nice and short with a good view all the way up if you take the steep path.

Ho
Review №73

Not an overly complicated hike, options for personal challenge level but everybody gets to the same place and beautiful view. Love it.

Jo
Review №74

The view is great! I recommend taking the hard road up because the view is better.

As
Review №75

Its a beautiful hike with amazing views. The are definitely some tricky spots on the medium difficulty way, especially with kiddos.

Mi
Review №76

Love this hike

Ja
Review №77

Very popular for good reason. Great views.Conveniently close to town with great views. Three trail options ranging from short and step to gradual but long.Parking can be a challenge at popular times (which is most times!)

Sa
Review №78

A difficult path awaits! Trail to M is a beautifully maintained hiking path up to the historic M. Horses and dogs are welcome. The M offers different choice paths of varying difficulty. The view from the top is worth it!

Ru
Review №79

Reasonable hike on easy trail, 1.5 miles. Nice view from M

Ka
Review №80

Awesome vertical hike

Ch
Review №81

The M as a destination in itself is pretty meh. Steep trail gets you some views, which are nice, but the M is really just a bunch of white rocks. The trail continues on (and up!) for many miles along the ridge, and that is quite nice. Parking lot gets crowded. A busy place.

Ca
Review №82

Did the hard a ascent to the M. Nice challenging work out with very rewarding views

JJ
Review №83

Great hike! Highly recommended.

ca
Review №84

Great little hike in Bozeman

Je
Review №85

Great trail with great views at the top, Magical experience, if UFOS were to land or visit I think the M would be the place to be. So when you get to the top of the M trail sit down smoke and enjoy the beauty that the Aliens would enjoy

Ga
Review №86

Tough or easy trail depending on your preference, great view of Bozeman and surrounding mountains.

Mi
Review №87

Must climb with every visit thru Bozeman; steady uphill thats tough if you are not yet acclimated to altitude

Al
Review №88

Great trail with a few different routes

Ni
Review №89

Amazing view after the very long and challenging hike up. Will do again

Bi
Review №90

Great hike. .5 or 1.5 mile hike. great view of bozeman and msu

Jo
Review №91

My friend insisted we take the harder, steeper route up and she quickly regretted it. Its quite a climb to the top, but if you go the long way, its not bad at all, and you get some really great views once you get to the top.

Wi
Review №92

Too many people.

Ro
Review №93

The best hike in the Rockies if you ask me!

De
Review №94

Love this hike but parking is horrendous!

D
Review №95

Great hike, awesome view

Th
Review №96

I hike this several times a week, its a good work out with great views. That said, its getting too busy on the weekends, and theres very little shade so it can be a hot, dry hike.

Tr
Review №97

Fun family trail!

Cr
Review №98

Too a hike with my platoon here great experience great exercise hell of a good hike beautiful view

Em
Review №99

Best views of Bozeman. My kids loved it

Ki
Review №100

A vigorous, but short hike to gorgeous views of the Gallatin Valley. Good for out-of-towners, trail runners doing hill repeats or lovers out for a stroll. A classic hike for the area.

Information
100 Photos
100 Comments
4.7 Rating
  • Address:Trail to 'M', Bozeman, MT 59715, United States
Categories
  • Tourist attraction
Working 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
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance:No
Amenities
  • Good for kids:Yes
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