East Fork Hyalite Creek Trail

Hiking distance: 10 miles round trip
Hiking time: 5 hours
Elevation gain: 2,000 feet
Maps: U.S.G.S. Fridley Peak, U.S.F.S. Hyalite Drainage map, Crystal Bench Maps—Bozeman, Montana

Summary of hike: Emerald Lake and Heather Lake sit in a high mountain alpine meadow at the head of the East Fork Hyalite Creek drainage. The towering rock walls of Mount Chisholm and Overlook Mountain drop sharply to the shore, forming a dynamic cirque around the lakes. The trail passes Horsetail Falls, a long, narrow waterfall tumbling of f the west canyon wall and a 60?foot unnamed waterfall in the creek drainage.

Driving directions: From Main Street and 19th Avenue in Bozeman, drive south on 19th Avenue, which becomes South 19th Road, 7 miles to Hyalite Canyon Road on the left?turn left. Continue 11.7 miles, crossing to the east side of Hyalite Reservoir, to a road fork. Take the left fork 2.1 miles, passing the Palisade Falls parking area, to the trailhead parking lot at the end of the road.

Hiking directions: The trail heads south through the forest above the East Fork Hyalite Creek. Head up the drainage, crossing a log bridge at 0.5 miles. Horsetail Falls, a series of tall, narrow braids of water, can be seen on the west canyon wall at 1.5 miles. At 3 miles, the trail reaches the banks of the creek in a small meadow. Across the canyon are Flanders Mountain and The Mummy. Ascend the hill, zigzagging up 10 switchbacks and gaining 400 feet in a half mile. At the edge of the cliff by the second switchback is the beautiful 60?foot waterfall. At the top of the switchbacks are great views back down the canyon. The trail levels out near the base of Mount Chisholm. Cross a log bridge over the East Fork Hyalite Creek, and cross the high open meadow with stands of conifers. Four switchbacks lead to an array of wildflowers in a second meadow. Cross a culvert over a stream to an overlook of the lake and a trail split. The left fork follows the northeast shoreline and circles the lake. The right fork–the main trail–continues past the north end of Emerald Lake, reaching Heather Lake a half mile further. The trail circles Heather Lake in a cirque at the base of Overlook Mountain and Mount Chisholm. Return by reversing your route.