Western Montana

One of the key advantages to living in Bozeman is the number of parks scattered throughout town - and the quality and beauty of those parks! My favorite park is Burke Park. Located in the southeast portion of Bozeman at the top of Highland Ridge, Burke Park runs south from Peet’s Hill down to near Kagy Blvd, paralleling both Highland Ridge and Church Street. Burke Park is probably most notable for its trail system, used by walkers, joggers, bikers, skiiers, and many more. Last Saturday, I tried walking Burke Park’s Chris Boyd trail - this particular trail offers scenic views from the top of the ridge.

In my various visits to Burke Park, I’ve found walking and/or biking there from home is a nice option. But for those who live farther away, an easily accessible parking lot is located at the bottom of Peet’s Hill. Following a short switchbacking walking trail up the hill quickly leads to Burke Park and the Chris Boyd trail (there will be signs). Going north on the trail will take you out of Burke Park, toward Lindley Park, while going south on the trail will take you along the ridge, further into Burke Park. The most scenic portion of the trail is along the ridge, so I almost always opt to head south.

When heading south, you’ll hit at least three or four benches along the trail, two of which overlook the town below. Sometimes, there are few things more romantic that sitting out and watching the sun set, and this area is a great place to watch it! The benches also provide for an often much-needed rest, particularly if you walked to the park from elsewhere.

My route last Saturday took me to the bottom of Burke Park. The trail will wind down a hill to Church Street, where the trail terminates. Church Street is pretty in and of itself, but there are no sidewalks along it, so watch out! Drivers are generally slow on Church, though. Alternatively, you can take the Highland Ridge trail, which spurs from the Boyd trail. The Highland Ridge trail then connects to the Painted Hills trail. Likewise, the Chris Boyd Trail also connects with the Galligator trail. As you can tell, Bozeman is home to miles upon miles of urban (yet beautiful) trails, and after living elsewhere for years, I’ll never take them for granted! I can easily recomment any and all of these trails, but the Boyd trail through Burke Park is still my favorite of the bunch.