While the majority of our hiking trails here in Montana are best enjoyed in the summer, there are plenty of trails that can be hiked year-round. And while going on a winter hike might not seem overly appealing, it might help to know there’s a frozen waterfall awaiting you at the end. When cabin fever strikes, head to the Palisade Falls Trail for a visual treat.
Palisade Falls is located near the Hyalite Reservoir just south of Bozeman.
Luke Weyrauch / alltrails.com The waterfall itself is a towering cataract that drops more than 80 feet off a vertical rock wall at the southern base of Palisade Mountain.
Due to its remote location, this waterfall tends to freeze early in the season.
Mary St. Clair / alltrails.com And it looks absolutely magical when it’s surrounded by snow.
The Palisade Falls Trail is stunning in any season, but it’s exceptionally beautiful in the winter.
Ashley Ann / alltrails.com It’s also much less crowded, and that’s because the trail isn’t as easy to reach. The road to the trailhead is closed during the winter, so you will have to park at the gate where the road past Hyalite Reservoir splits and hike the two miles to get to the trailhead.
Fortunately, the trail itself is only about 1.2 miles long, so the extra walking won’t add too much to your hike.
Adam Noel / alltrails.com Bring your snowshoes with you. If there has been a recent snowfall, you’ll definitely need them.
This is a very mellow trail without much elevation gain, so it’s great for all skill levels.
Adam Noel / alltrails.com That being said, if you’re not experienced or you don’t go snowshoeing regularly, you might want to bring someone more skilled along with you.
At the halfway point, you’ll find the frozen waterfall.
Adam Noel / alltrails.com Palisade Falls is one of Montana’s most underrated treasures.
Hiking season doesn’t have to end when winter begins.
Dustyn Padderud / alltrails.com If you’re willing to bundle up, bring your snowshoes and do a bit of extra hiking, you’ll be treated to some visually stunning rewards.
Do you have a favorite winter hike in Montana?
Luke Weyrauch / alltrails.com
The waterfall itself is a towering cataract that drops more than 80 feet off a vertical rock wall at the southern base of Palisade Mountain.
Mary St. Clair / alltrails.com
And it looks absolutely magical when it’s surrounded by snow.
Ashley Ann / alltrails.com
It’s also much less crowded, and that’s because the trail isn’t as easy to reach. The road to the trailhead is closed during the winter, so you will have to park at the gate where the road past Hyalite Reservoir splits and hike the two miles to get to the trailhead.
Adam Noel / alltrails.com
Bring your snowshoes with you. If there has been a recent snowfall, you’ll definitely need them.
That being said, if you’re not experienced or you don’t go snowshoeing regularly, you might want to bring someone more skilled along with you.
Palisade Falls is one of Montana’s most underrated treasures.
Dustyn Padderud / alltrails.com
If you’re willing to bundle up, bring your snowshoes and do a bit of extra hiking, you’ll be treated to some visually stunning rewards.
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Address: Palisade Falls, Montana 59047, USA
