mission creek
gallatin national forestTrail Stats
Distance: Varies; access via Mission Creek Road through 63 Ranch
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: Varies by route
Trail Type: Out and back
Estimated Time: Varies
Dog Friendly: Yes; carry bear spray
Parking / Access: Mission Creek Road; note access runs through private land via 63 Ranch
Best Season: Summer through fall; check road conditions
Trail Description:
Mission Creek is the trail you recommend when someone tells you the M parking lot was full and they want something quieter. This is a more remote stretch of the Gallatin National Forest with light use compared to many of Bozeman's popular trailheads, which means solitude, wildlife, and the kind of hiking that feels genuinely off the beaten path. Access runs through the 63 Ranch area via Mission Creek Road, so it requires a little more planning and a higher-clearance vehicle is helpful, but that is exactly what keeps it uncrowded. The trail follows the creek corridor through a mix of meadows and forest, connecting further into the backcountry for those who want to extend the day.
Laurie’s Notes:
This is where Laurie writes his own personal take on the trail.