Middle Cottonwood Creek Trail(edit)

Overview

Also known as Middle Cottonwood Creek Hike, this is an easy out and back trail in Gallatin National Forest.
Beautiful in all seasons. You can shorten it by turning around whenever you want. Small but adequate parking lot at trailhead. Hikers who seek a longer route can take this trail up to the saddle or Bridger Ridge.

In the summer, there is plenty of tree cover for much of the hike, providing welcome shade. Since this is a pretty highly trafficked hike, the trail is easily manageable in the winter, too, though it's always a good idea to bring along micro spikes and, if you want to ascend further up the saddle, snowshoes, too.

Taking Children

The ascent is slow and gradual, making this an ideal hike even for smaller kids. In the summer, the creek crossings also provide plenty of opportunities to cool down and splash around.