Bozeman, MT: Summer Vibes in Hyalite Canyon





After highway views in four states, reaching the Rocky Mountains was a welcoming and familiar sight. Bozeman ushered in snow-capped vistas and gorgeous waterfalls, along with brisk mountain air nights. Nestled between the Bridger Range and Gallatin National Forest, the college town ushers in summer's travelers with outdoor life and cool city scenes.

The Hyalite Canyon, in the Gallatin National Forest, is a popular hiking and camping destination. Stumbling upon this canyon in search of a campsite late Friday evening, we quickly realized we weren't the only ones in Montana looking for a little nature. Every campsite in the forest, all along a picturesque reservoir, was completely full. Luckily, most National Forests allow camping anywhere in the forest, so this was the route we took. (Always a good option when searching for cheap lodging.)

In the morning we awoke to the most amazing view and couldn't resist starting the day off with a hike up the canyon, looking to explore more of the area's beauty. The trail meandered to several waterfalls and after checking out one, we headed into town. Although we wanted to hike the 7+ miles to the peak, there was too much to do and we had little time in the area. So down the mountain we went, to tend to real world chores and enjoy a cup of joe.

Bozeman yields a smorgasbord of dinosaur fossils at the Museum of the Rockies. For those of you who are still dinosaur fans (we know we are!) - the museum holds the world's largest collection of dinosaur fossils and research. The area's geology is also described in fine detail. One interesting fact, "Rocks lying exposed in the Beartooth Mountains are among the oldest in North America. Some of the minerals in these rocks formed 4.02 billion years ago, when the Earth was young."

Main Street is home to the classic outdoor specialty shops, restaurants, and coffee shops you'd expect in a fine mountain town and the college (Montana State University) nearby adds to city's charm.  Seeing countless posters for shows and music festivals all summer long, we wished we had longer to enjoy Bozeman's best.

Details on our stop in Missoula and yesterday's chance tour at Big Sky Brewing Co. soon. Hello, Glacier. Banff and Jasper, here we come. Alaska, it won't be long.










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3 comments

  1. I've yet to visit Bozeman but it's on my bucket list! Safe travels! xo

    ReplyDelete
  2. Looks like your trip is already exciting and beautiful. Keep the updates coming!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Did you have a Cold Smoke!? My fave MT beer : )
    Bozeman is great, glad you two stopped in. Safe travels!

    ReplyDelete

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