South Cottonwood Creek Trail is a 4.9 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Gallatin Gateway, Montana that features a river and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from May until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
As expected, it’s slushy and icy on the trail. Yak Tracks will be your friend right now if you plan on hiking here anytime soon!
Great trail. You jumpstart it with the biggest hill of the hike. Good news...you end it with a big downhill. The trail was easy to navigate. I recommend spikes in the ice and snow. Everyone had their dogs. That was so fun to see. One guy told me he keeps his on leash until after the barbed wire. It starts after the 4th switchback on the first hill and runs for a bit. But otherwise, they were all running free.
Great little hike near town. Used microspikes in a couple spots on the way back down but probably could have managed without just fine. Lots of dog poop on the trail in the beginning :(
A very easy, relaxing hike that follows a stream. Very popular and I think I was the only person hiking that didn’t have a dog. Takes about 5.5 miles to get to the meadow but the meadow is beautiful. I would strongly suggest bringing extra socks if you hike past the meadow, I payed the price of not bringing any extras and had to hike 6 miles back to the trailhead in soaking wet shoes and socks.