Chris Boyd–Highland Ridge Trail

Hiking distance: 4.4 miles round trip
Hiking time: 2 hours
Elevation gain: 100 feet
Maps: U.S.G.S. Bozeman

Summary of hike: The Highland Ridge Trail begins at Peets’ Hill in Burke Park. From the top of the hill are great views of Bozeman and the Bridger, Madison and Gallatin Ranges. The beginning of the trail along the ridge in Burke Park has been renamed and dedicated to Chris Boyd, founder of the Gallatin Valley Land Trust. Benches are placed along the ridge. The trail skirts the edge of a subdivision and heads south through rolling grasslands, connecting with the Painted Hills Trail.

Driving directions: From Main Street at the east end of downtown Bozeman, drive south on South Church Avenue 0.4 miles to the parking area on the left, at the base of Peets’ Hill across from Story Street.

Hiking directions: Take the main trail south up to the top of Peets’ Hill. From the top are several paths. The Chris Boyd Trail, which begins in Lindley Park, heads south and follows the hillside ridge through Burke Park. Pass the Wortman Spur Trail on the right that leads down the hillside to Church Avenue. Continue along the ridge 0.7 miles to a signed junction with the Simkins Spur Trail at the water tower. Bear left on the Highland Ridge Trail. Follow the wooden rail fence to the east, between farmland to the north and a row of homes to the south, to Highland Boulevard. Go to the left 75 yards on the paved bike path, and cross the road, picking up the signed trail again. The path curves around the perimeter of New Hyalite View subdivision and curves south through the rolling grasslands. At 2.3 miles, the trail forks. Curve left, reaching Kagy Boulevard. Follow the Kagy Connector Trail east, crossing the road to the Painted Hills Trailhead 0.4 miles ahead. Return on the same path.

The view facing west from near the Wortman Spur Trail