While every Montanan loves the great outdoors, not everyone loves being in the great outdoors during the cold winter. If you’re not into skiing or snowboarding, you might be tempted to hide out at home on the couch until spring. But, depending on where you live, winter can actually be a great time to go hiking here… particularly if the trail ends at a gorgeous frozen waterfall, as these four do.
- Palisade Falls
Ashley Ann / alltrails.com
Blake Clawson / alltrails.com This is a nice, easy, 1.2-mile hike that’s just a short drive from Bozeman. However, while it’s extremely popular in the summertime, more difficult to get to during the winter. The road to the Palisade Falls Trailhead is closed, so you’ll have to park at the gate where the road past Hyalite Reservoir splits, then hike back to the trailhead. But rest assured, it will be worth it.
- Ousel Falls
Ousel Falls / alltrails.com
Melissa Cox / alltrails.com Located in Big Sky, the Ousel Falls Trail is another hike that’s great for all skill levels. While the easy hike is only about 1.6 miles long, you’ll want to pack your microspikes or traction sneakers because it can get slippery.
- Kootenai Falls
Scott Jensen / alltrails.com
Scott Jensen / alltrails.com Kootenai Falls is more of a nature walk than a hike. At just under a mile in length, it isn’t exactly strenuous. But the sight of the beautiful waterfall surrounded by snow is breathtaking.
- Grotto Falls
Debi Herren / alltrails.com
Nolan Berg / alltrails.com Located in Hyalite Canyon, Grotto Falls is a 2.5-mile trek every Montanan can appreciate. To get there, head to Hyalite Reservoir and continue around the dam. When the road splits, veer right and you’ll see the parking lot shortly. When you’re hiking, check out the surrounding cliffs, where you just might see some ice climbers.
A waterfall hike is a perfect cure for cabin fever, and all of these trails can easily be hiked in an afternoon. Enjoy!
Ashley Ann / alltrails.com
Blake Clawson / alltrails.com
This is a nice, easy, 1.2-mile hike that’s just a short drive from Bozeman. However, while it’s extremely popular in the summertime, more difficult to get to during the winter. The road to the Palisade Falls Trailhead is closed, so you’ll have to park at the gate where the road past Hyalite Reservoir splits, then hike back to the trailhead. But rest assured, it will be worth it.
Ousel Falls / alltrails.com
Melissa Cox / alltrails.com
Located in Big Sky, the Ousel Falls Trail is another hike that’s great for all skill levels. While the easy hike is only about 1.6 miles long, you’ll want to pack your microspikes or traction sneakers because it can get slippery.
Scott Jensen / alltrails.com
Kootenai Falls is more of a nature walk than a hike. At just under a mile in length, it isn’t exactly strenuous. But the sight of the beautiful waterfall surrounded by snow is breathtaking.
Debi Herren / alltrails.com
Nolan Berg / alltrails.com
Located in Hyalite Canyon, Grotto Falls is a 2.5-mile trek every Montanan can appreciate. To get there, head to Hyalite Reservoir and continue around the dam. When the road splits, veer right and you’ll see the parking lot shortly. When you’re hiking, check out the surrounding cliffs, where you just might see some ice climbers.
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Address: Palisade Falls, Montana 59047, USAAddress: Ousel Falls, Big Sky, MT 59730, USAAddress: Kootenai Falls, MT 59935, USAAddress: Grotto Falls, Montana 59047, USA
