Hike the College “M” Hiking Trail

In Bozeman, it’s hard to miss the collegiate “M” posted high onto the ridgeline of Bridger Canyon. This 250-foot white-rock letter was built piece by piece by students at Montana State University in 1915 and has since served as a pride point for the University and a symbol for the city. This decorative door hanger at the mouth of Bridger Canyon is more than just aesthetically pleasing though.

Two short hiking trails near the base encourage visitors to hike up and enjoy the view. At the trailhead, the steeper half-mile trail forks to the right, and a 1.5-mile trail begins switchbacking to the left. Both trails gain approximately 800 feet to reach the “M” and strain the legs of most average hikers. Benches adjacent to the “M” help ease sore leg muscles.

The “M” is just an introduction to Bozeman’s hiking experiences. The Gallatin Valley Land Trust oversees a large network of in-town hikes. And just across Highway 86 from the College “M” Trail, Drinking Horse Mountain is another popular trail that’s a part of their Main Street to the Mountains trail system.

And the surrounding Custer Gallatin National Forest comprises several of the other best hikes near Bozeman. Within an hour’s drive in almost every direction, surreal alpine landscapes host bigger Montana adventures. Bridger Canyon, Gallatin Canyon, and Hyalite Canyon are just a few adventure avenues stemming from the city.