Hiking in Montana is an unforgettable experience. But, while we are lucky to experience all four seasons in the Treasure State, that often means our hiking days are limited. Many of our most famous trails, especially in places like Glacier National Park, are inaccessible in the winter.
Luckily, Montana does have great hiking trails that can be explored in any season, and some of them are short and beginner-friendly. You can always count on the Grotto Falls Trail for breathtaking scenery and easy access.
Located in Hyalite Canyon near Bozeman, Grotto Falls is accessible from the Hyalite Creek trailhead.
Coleman Zauner / alltrails.com To reach it, drive up to Hyalite Reservoir and continue around the dam. When the road splits, veer right, and you’ll see the trailhead parking lot before you know it.
The hike itself is about 2.4 miles long, and it’s an out-and-back trail.
Sharon Stoneberger / alltrails.com While there isn’t much of an incline, the mountain and cliff views along the way are remarkable.
Before you know it’s you’ll reach the tranquil Grotto Falls.
Jan Weisel / alltrails.com Although the waterfall itself isn’t overly tall, it makes up for that by its sheer volume.
The best part: this hike is just as accessible in the winter as it is in the summer.
Nolan Berg / alltrails.com In fact, the scenery might be even more stunning in the winter when everything is dusted with soft snow - although you’ll have to bundle up.
If you’ve ever enjoyed a winter waterfall hike, you already know how gorgeous a frozen waterfall is.
Claire Louise / alltrails.com If you haven’t, add this trail to your winter bucket list.
You’ll love this hike whenever you decide to go, but note that the best time to attempt it is definitely the off-season.
Christine Blake / alltrails.com Summer always brings eager hikers to the trail, both locals and tourists. If you want to avoid the crowd, go long after summer is over or in the earliest days of spring.
This trail will take your breath away, and not just because you’ll be exercising.
Christopher Scheer / alltrails.com There’s a reason Grotto Falls is one of Montana’s most popular waterfall hikes.
Grotto Falls is a nice, easy day hike that leads to some gorgeous scenery. If you enjoy low-key hikes with amazing views, this list is for you.
Coleman Zauner / alltrails.com
To reach it, drive up to Hyalite Reservoir and continue around the dam. When the road splits, veer right, and you’ll see the trailhead parking lot before you know it.
Sharon Stoneberger / alltrails.com
While there isn’t much of an incline, the mountain and cliff views along the way are remarkable.
Jan Weisel / alltrails.com
Although the waterfall itself isn’t overly tall, it makes up for that by its sheer volume.
Nolan Berg / alltrails.com
In fact, the scenery might be even more stunning in the winter when everything is dusted with soft snow - although you’ll have to bundle up.
Claire Louise / alltrails.com
If you haven’t, add this trail to your winter bucket list.
Christine Blake / alltrails.com
Summer always brings eager hikers to the trail, both locals and tourists. If you want to avoid the crowd, go long after summer is over or in the earliest days of spring.
Christopher Scheer / alltrails.com
There’s a reason Grotto Falls is one of Montana’s most popular waterfall hikes.
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Address: Grotto Falls, Montana 59047, USA
