Emerald Lake Trail at Northern Gallatin Range

more stats

4.3 miles

Distance

1,858 ft

Climb

-44 ft

Descent

01:34:57

Avg time

1,814 ft

Altitude change

7,108 ft

Altitude min

8,937 ft

Altitude max

7,108 ft

Altitude start

8,924 ft

Altitude end

7.9%

Grade

-13.6%

Grade max

48.8%

Grade min

4 miles

Distance climb

1,007 ft

Distance down

574 ft

Distance flat

01:34:57

Avg time

Emerald Lake Details

Activities
- Mountain Bike
- E-Bike
- Horse
- Hike
- Trail Running
Riding Area

Northern Gallatin Range
Bozeman, Montana
Ref Number

#434
Difficulty Rating

Black Diamond Rate
Voted Difficulty

Blue (1 vote)
Local Popularity
75 in Mountain Biking [+]
- 90 in E-Biking
- 75 in Trail Running
- 95 in Hiking
- 5 in Horseback
Global Ranking
#113085 in Mountain Biking [+]
- #110807 in E-Biking
- #25368 in Trail Running
- #68516 in Hiking
- #21719 in Horseback
State Ranking
#845 in Mountain Biking · Montana [+]
- #175 in E-Biking
- #245 in Trail Running
- #829 in Hiking
- #986 in Horseback
Trail Type

Singletrack
Bike Type

AM, Fat
Direction

Both Directions
Climb Difficulty

Black Diamond
Physical Rating

Hard
Season

June-September
Dogs Allowed

Yes
eBike Allowed

Yes up to Class 1
TTFs on Trail

Bridge
Land Owner

Custer Gallatin National Forest

This out and back trail climbs steadily over roots and rocks before committing to a series of switchbacks eventually depositing you at Emerald Lake which is situated at the head of a stunning alpine basin. Retrace your route enjoying the full range of trail surfaces from the rough upper sections to the flowy forested floor of the lower canyon. **FYI** This trail is subject to the Trail Timeshare plan which prohibits mountain bike use on Sundays and Mondays between July 16 and September 5.

Access Info

The trailhead can be found at the end of the east fork road of hyalite canyon.

Disclaimer

No Mtn Bikes Sundays and Mondays; Trail Time Share July 16 to September 5. Ebikes and Motorcycles allowed W,Th, F, Sat from 7/16 until 9/04.

Trail Supporters

USFS
Land Manager

Local Trail Association

Southwest Montana Mountain Bike Association
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trail development & maintenance.
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Traditionally Indigenous Territory

Recent Activity on Trail

Past Week

0 rides

6 Months

18 rides
12 miles avg distance

All

164 rides
Last: Sep 26, 2026

c1	c2	c3	c4
January	February	March	April
May	June	July	August
September	October	November	December

update trails status or condition

Emerald Lake Trail Reports

status	date	description
	Sep 18, 2025 @ 10:26am (America/Denver) Sep 18, 2025	Wet side of good, maybe 10 big puddles, otherwise great conditions on the trail as of Wednesday. I suspect today, and through the weekend will be...
	Aug 22, 2025 @ 5:46pm Aug 22, 2025	reporter Downed trees have been removed.
	Aug 15, 2025 @ 12:53pm Aug 15, 2025	Two downed trees in the first few miles. Trails is quite loose and dusty on top.
	Jun 18, 2025 @ 12:06pm Jun 18, 2025	reporter Usfs cleared trees snow still to be expected higher up.
	Jun 12, 2025 @ 6:22pm Jun 12, 2025	Significant amount of downed trees and some snow cover. Snow became too much just before switchbacks started. Needs tree clearing and time to melt.