Blackmore Lake Trail

The trailhead for the Blackmore Lake Trail is located near the northwest edge of Hyalite Reservoir, just 30 minutes outside of Bozeman, Montana. There is a sizable parking lot available with amenities like vault toilets.

No, there is no specific permit required to hike the Blackmore Lake Trail, nor are there any entrance fees. The trail is located within the Custer Gallatin National Forest, which generally does not require permits for day hiking. However, it's always a good idea to check the USDA Forest Service website for any updated regulations or alerts before your visit.

Yes, the Blackmore Lake Trail is generally dog-friendly. However, it's always recommended to keep your dog on a leash to protect wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all trail users.

The Blackmore Lake Trail is popular year-round. For hiking, the warmer months (late spring through early fall) are ideal when wildflowers are in bloom and the weather is generally mild. In winter, the lower section is often groomed for cross-country skiing, and it serves as a starting point for backcountry skiers and peak-baggers.

The suitability for beginners depends on your chosen route. The 4-mile round-trip hike to Blackmore Lake is considered an easy to moderate hike with a 640-foot elevation gain, making it suitable for most beginners with a reasonable fitness level. However, extending the hike to the summit of Mount Blackmore is a significantly more difficult and strenuous undertaking, not recommended for beginners.

The terrain varies significantly. It begins with a steady climb through dense pine forest, featuring sections with loose rock, lengthy rock gardens, and off-camber roots, especially on the ascent. You'll encounter switchbacks as you gain elevation and may need to rock-hop across minor stream crossings. Beyond the lake, towards Mount Blackmore, the trail becomes much steeper with powerful switchbacks before opening into an alpine field.

Hikers are treated to picturesque views throughout the trail. You'll wind through the Gallatin Forest, with views of Mount Blackmore and Elephant Mountain. The serene Blackmore Lake is nestled beneath these peaks, surrounded by meadows and thick pine forest. During warmer months, you can spot wildflowers like Indian Paintbrush, Lupine, and wild daisies. As you ascend, the forest opens up, offering expansive views, and the summit of Mount Blackmore provides panoramic vistas of the Hyalite area and the Gallatin range.

The primary route to Blackmore Lake and further to Mount Blackmore is an out-and-back trail. However, the trail offers versatile options, allowing hikers to choose between a shorter outing to the lake or a more strenuous, all-day adventure to the summit.

Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Fs 3153, Blackmore Trail, and Fs 3153C.

The trail offers versatile options. You can choose a shorter, more moderate outing to Blackmore Lake, which is about 4 miles round-trip. For a more strenuous, all-day adventure, you can continue to the summit of Mount Blackmore, which can be a 12-mile round-trip with significant elevation gain. Ambitious hikers can even continue for an additional 11 miles to the S. Cottonwood trailhead for a shuttle vehicle pickup.

The trail winds through the Gallatin Forest, offering opportunities to observe wildlife such as squirrels. During the warmer months, the meadows and forest floor are adorned with wildflowers like Indian Paintbrush, Lupine, and wild daisies, filling the air with the aroma of fir and various blooms.