Gallatin Crest Trail

Multiple entrances to this hike exist and it can be done in either a North to South or reverse direction. Trailheads at Buffalo Horn and Portal Creek on the West are good starting points as is Tom Miner Basin from the East. Hyalite on the North End is a great place to leave a car for a Northern-terminus ending. The access trails from the valleys are generally in good shape - some seeing lots of horse traffic. But once on the Ridge a keen eye is required to stay on track. The trail tread comes and goes but with a modicum of attention paid to cairns, cut logs, and trail tread the route is mostly obvious as it meanders along the ridge of the Gallatin Mountains.

This trail was formerly popular with motorbikes and mountain bikers until the area became designated as a Wilderness Study Area in the early part of the 21st century. It has been popular for many years with hikers, equestrian users, cyclists, and even the occasional backcountry skier.