Leverich Canyon Trail
A popular 6-mile loop trail near Bozeman, offering a good workout and historical mining claims, but requiring high-clearance vehicle access.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures and fewer bikers
Leverich Canyon Trail
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures and fewer bikers
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A popular 6-mile loop trail near Bozeman, offering a good workout and historical mining claims, but requiring high-clearance vehicle access.
"The trail is good for bikers and hikers, but be aware of the bikers."
🚗 High-Clearance Vehicle Needed
A high-clearance vehicle is essential for reaching the trailhead due to road erosion.
⚠️ Watch for Bikers
Be alert for fast-moving mountain bikers, especially on downhill sections.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Full Loop
Leverich Canyon Trail
A challenging 6-mile round trip hike offering a good workout and scenic views. Be prepared for shared terrain with mountain bikers.
Old Mining Claim
Leverich Canyon Trail
Explore remnants of past mining operations along the trail, adding a historical element to your hike.
Ridge Views
Leverich Canyon Trail
Enjoy decent views from the ridge, especially during Montana's summer months.
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Planning Your Visit
Accessing Leverich Canyon Trail
Trail Etiquette & Safety
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 High-Clearance Vehicle Needed
A high-clearance vehicle is essential for reaching the trailhead due to road erosion.
⚠️ Watch for Bikers
Be alert for fast-moving mountain bikers, especially on downhill sections.
⬆️ Hike Left to Avoid Bikers
Take a left at trail junctions to avoid downhill biker traffic.
🏞️ Respect Private Property
The trail crosses private property easements; be respectful of residents.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 High-Clearance Vehicle Needed
A high-clearance vehicle is essential for reaching the trailhead due to road erosion.
⚠️ Watch for Bikers
Be alert for fast-moving mountain bikers, especially on downhill sections.
⬆️ Hike Left to Avoid Bikers
Take a left at trail junctions to avoid downhill biker traffic.
🏞️ Respect Private Property
The trail crosses private property easements; be respectful of residents.
👟 Good Workout Trail
The 6-mile loop offers a solid workout for hikers.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Leverich Canyon Trail offers a rewarding 6-mile loop hike with historical interest and decent ridge views, but access requires a high-clearance vehicle. Hikers should be cautious of fast-moving mountain bikers sharing the trail, especially on downhill sections. The trail is a popular spot for both activities, making awareness and respect key for a positive experience.
"Didn't make it to the trail - the road has an eroded area about half mile from the trailhead that my Subaru couldn't negotiate without bottoming out and there is no place to park without blocking the road so we could walk the last half mile. This is more than a normal road full of potholes - take a high clearance vehicle!"
Susan Broadaway
"It’s a fair nice round trip hike of close to 6 miles. Hiking it at fast pace it provided a good workout. The only downside is that mountain bikers rule the trail making it difficult because of the terrain. It’s good for the mountain bikers and bad for the hikers."
Santiago
"A nice trail that is a bit difficult to get to, if you're in a sedan forget about it. If you are hiking make sure to take a left and avoid the downhill trail, bikers will be going very fast down it. On the ridge the views are ok but the old mining claim is more interesting."
Joseph Taylor
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The access road to Leverich Canyon Trail has an eroded section about half a mile from the trailhead, requiring a high-clearance vehicle. Sedans are not recommended.
No, the road is unpaved and can be rough, especially the last half-mile before the trailhead.
It's highly unlikely. A regular car or sedan will likely bottom out or get stuck on the eroded road.
A high-clearance vehicle, like an SUV or truck, is strongly recommended to navigate the road conditions.
Parking can be limited, and sometimes you may need to park without blocking the road if the trailhead parking is full.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Leverich Canyon Trail is a public trail and does not require tickets for entry.
There are no official fees for accessing Leverich Canyon Trail.
Leverich Canyon Trail is generally accessible during daylight hours.
While generally open, winter conditions may make the access road impassable. It's best to check local conditions.
No, as it's a public trail, reservations are not available or necessary.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The full loop is considered a moderate to challenging hike, especially with the elevation changes and shared terrain.
The full clockwise loop is approximately 6 miles round trip.
Yes, it's a good hike for a workout, but be mindful of mountain bikers.
Yes, it's a popular trail for mountain bikers, offering hilly terrain.
You can expect decent views from the ridge, with some historical interest from old mining claims.
🎫 🐶 Pet-Friendly
Yes, dogs are generally allowed on Leverich Canyon Trail, but always keep them on a leash and clean up after them.
It's generally safe, but be aware of mountain bikers and ensure your dog is comfortable with other trail users.
It's advisable to bring plenty of water for your dog, as natural water sources may be scarce or unreliable.
While not explicitly prohibited in all sections, it's best practice to keep dogs leashed to ensure safety for all trail users and wildlife.
Bring water, a portable bowl, waste bags, and consider a leash that allows for some freedom of movement.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep an eye on younger children, especially near downhill sections where bikers may be moving quickly. Bringing plenty of water and snacks is essential, as is being prepared for varying weather conditions in Montana. The historical mining claims can add an element of discovery for curious kids.
🐶 Dog Owners
Remember to bring ample water for your dog, as well as waste bags for cleanup. The 6-mile loop can be a good workout for active dogs, but assess your dog's stamina and comfort level with varied terrain and potential encounters with other people and animals.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Terrain: Hiking vs. Biking
Mountain bikers find Leverich Canyon Trail appealing for its hilly terrain and the challenge it offers. The loop provides a good workout, and the history of the area, including old mining claims, adds an interesting layer to the ride.
Respecting the shared nature of the trail is key. Whether you're on foot or on two wheels, communication and awareness are paramount. Enjoy the beautiful Montana scenery while being considerate of fellow adventurers.
Vehicle Requirements and Access
Travelers strongly advise using a high-clearance vehicle for this trail. This includes SUVs, trucks, or vehicles with significant ground clearance. Attempting the drive in a low-clearance vehicle is a common pitfall, leading to visitors not being able to reach the trail at all.
Plan your transportation accordingly. If you don't have a suitable vehicle, you might need to consider alternative arrangements or be prepared for a longer walk from where you can safely park.
Social
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