Hike: The College "M" Trail

This trail was the first official "hike" that I went on in Montana. I first hiked this trail sometime in the summer of 2011 and have hiked it countless times since. In fact, there was a period of time in the summer of 2013 where I hiked/ran this trail twice everyday. There is just something about this trail that I love......Maybe it is the fact that it was my first ever hike in Montana or maybe it is the perfect length and elevation combined with the gorgeous views of my home in the Gallatin Valley....well, whatever it is, I love this trail.

This trail is a popular one for locals and tourists alike. At any given point of the day or day of the week, this trailhead is PACKED. Cars can be seen parked all along the road or even across the street in the parking area for Drinking Horse Summit. With this stated, if you enjoy a solo hike, this is definitely not the trailhead for you.

This trail has two trails that can be chosen from: a switchback trail which results in an easy hike or a very steep trail that climbs straight up the face of the mountain to the "M". I have now hiked both at least once. As a hiker new to the "M", it is good to climb the switchback trail first to get accustomed to the trail, but this switchback trail quickly becomes easy and it is fun to switch things up by climbing the steep side and then enjoying a trail run down the switchback side. There is also the option of climbing up past the "M" to the ridge of the Bridger Mountain Range or turning off before heading up to the "M" and hiking the Bridger Foothills Trail #534 towards Cottonwood Creek and Sypes Canyon. LOTS of options here depending on one's hiking desires.

All in all, the "M" trail is a great trail to hike along others who call Gallatin Valley their home as well as random tourists who take as long to hike this trail as it may take to hike Everest.

Until next time.....

MontanaMarci!

The College "M" Trail Basics:

Elevation Gain: 850 Feet
Trail Distance: 1.6 miles (roundtrip)
Estimated hike time: 45 minutes (roundtrip) - based on hiking the switchback trail and then running down it
MontanaMarci's Favoritism Rating: 5^s
Trail Highlights: Great sense of community on the trail; beautiful views of Gallatin Valley; close proximity to Bozeman
Difficulty: 2/5

On the "M"



At the summit

Winter hike of the "M"

View of the Trailhead