Trail Difficulty – Intermediate
Trail Length – 9.50 miles
Trail Time Share – No
Ride Type: Loop / Out & Back
Ascent – 1495 ft.
Descent – 1490 ft.
Min Elevation – 6476 ft.
Max Elevation – 7746 ft.
High Resolution Topo Maps
This trail is somewhat of a hidden gem. It is by no means a difficult trail nor is it flat and boring. It is a trail that can be ridden by beginners to experts and all will enjoy. Take note that the trailhead parking lot for this trail is slightly past and on the right side of the road (opposite from where the dirt begins). As you leave the parking lot turn left back downhill Hyalite Canyon for about 100 yards and you will see a logging road on the right. This is where the trail begins. ½ mile up you come to your first intersection (go right, “south”) and continue up towards Hyalite Reservoir via Wild Horse trail. As you continue up towards the Reservoir do not take any spur roads, rather take the path most traveled (don’t worry, it is clear which way to go). At 3 miles you will come to a 4 way intersection and you will want to take a hard left (east) and continue uphill. At 4 ¼ miles bear right on Hood Creek Trail and at 4.35 miles turn left onto the Lick Creek connector trail. At this point the trail changes from logging roads into an ATV width trail. As you approach the top of Lick Creek (~5 ½ miles), the trail will begin to widen again and the downhill starts. Just follow the logging road down and don’t concern yourself with any of the spur roads. Keep in mind that there are some fun water diversion bars that will send you airborne, so keep your speed in check, because a few of them are harsh bottoms and very steep faces.
Driving Directions:
Departing from Bozeman, drive west on Main Street and take a left (south) on 19th. Continue to drive on 19th Street headed south and west out of town for approximately 7 miles until you reach the turn to Hyalite Canyon. Make a left-hand turn onto Hyalite Canyon Road and continue up approx. 9 miles and make a right hand turn into the Lick Creek trailhead parking lot. If you reach History Rock turnoff, you have gone too far.
Google Maps Driving Directions (IOS and Android compatible)
Lick Creek / Wild Horse Loop