College 'M' Loop(edit)

Overview

This is an easy-to-moderate loop trail in Gallatin National Forest.

This trail goes by College 'M'.

There are multiple ways to reach the "M." To the right is the quickest, and steepest, and is considered a difficult route, albeit short. To the left is a more gradual trail that heads up the mountain, switching back several times through the forest. About a half mile into this trail, another trail to the right offers a third option for getting to the "M," this one requiring some brief rock scrambling, but is certainly manageable for all ages.

This hike continues up past the "M" and eventually to the Bridger Ridge Trail, Mt. Baldy, and beyond.

Getting Started

The large parking lot often gets crowded, but additional parking is available across the road at Drinking Horse.

Taking Children

This is a great hike for all ages, which is why it's one of the most heavily trafficked hikes near Bozeman. For little kids, start to the left for a longer but more gradual ascent, then return the same way.