Hike Sypes Canyon

Sypes Canyon Trail is a gorgeous hike to a scenic lookout over Bozeman, MT. The trail only lies 20 minutes north of Bozeman and offers the perfect after work exercise. The trail is heavily populated with people and trail conditions fluctuate throughout the year. The trail follows a small creek through the canyon, however, later in the year the creek will most likely be dried up.

To access the trailhead, head follow 7th or 19th to the end and turn north on Springhill Road. From Springhill, turn right onto Sypes Canyon Road and follow until the end. At the end of the road there will be small parking area. The trail starts off heading east between two fences. It weaves through a thick wooded forest between property lines for approximately 0.25 miles. Respect the homeowners property and stick to the trail, no trespassing signs litter the area. Once the trail gets away from private property it continues, at a mellow steepness, to follow the drainage east. For the majority of the 2 miles to the lookout, the trail stays low in the drainage in heavily shaded woods. I recommend bringing a light coat if your hiking later in the afternoon, since the mountains surround the trail in all directions. After about a mile the trail begins to curve southerly, and gains elevation quickly. Watch out for bikers,since the trail is heavily biked and blind corners can lead to hazards (hikers are able to hear the bikers long before the bikers are aware of hikers). The trail begins to switchback up the northern face of the hill. At the top the trail splits. Right takes you up a steep but short hill then begins descending towards its end down the west side of the mountain. The left trail continues for a short distance to a clearing overlooking the Gallatin Valley and Bozeman. Theres a log bench that sits right off the trail, and allows a resting spot with a scenic overlook and a brilliant place to watch the sunset. The left trail (trail that heads south) continues on to the Bridger Foothills National Recreation Trail and ultimately Mount Baldy, the prominent peak visible from Bozeman.

So whether your looking for a quick hike or an all day excursion into the Bridgers, Sypes Canyon offers extraordinary views with only a short distance of 2 miles to the scenic overlook.