College M Trailhead and Picnic Area

It was really pretty! The trail my boyfriend and I took was pretty easy, but it was steep. We say some really cute pups. The scenery was gorgeous. The trail was really clean.

No matter what path you take, the hike can be pretty intense up to the "M", but the views along the way are truly breath taking. If you take the longer path (1.5 miles) there are probably four different benches you can sit at to catch your breath and take in the view. The journey to the top is worth all of the effort, and while going back down sounds easy, it was also a good workout.

Great place to hike with the entire family - including dogs! I recommend the “long” trail, which is 1.5 miles to the top; much less steep than the 0.5 miles trail. Ensure that you have good footwear in the winter as the trail gets icy. Stunning views at the top!

We love hiking The M! There are 3 main routes to take you up so choose wisely! The easy way up (keep left at all junctions except where it says Sypes then stay right on the M route) is more scenic with lots of spots to catch your breath and take photos. It’s also much easier on the knees. The middle effort trails (start the easy route the veer right when you hit the first fork) offers a more challenging hike but still places to rest and get great photos. There is a bit of a rock scramble area so shoes with grip are helpful. The hardest way I personally don’t enjoy. Tons of slippery loose rock and very steep and it a knee buster going down. It takes me just as long to go the hard way being cautious as it does hustling the longer easy way! So at the end of the day it depends on your fitness level and what your goal is. Tons of college kids and athletes fly up & down the steepest route but I don’t find it enjoyable at all. If you are trail running I recommend the easy way 👍🏼

Amazing hike! We chose the hardest 1/2 mile route up to the top and the easier 1 1/2 mile down. Fun, fun, fun challenging! Super windy, stunning views. A DEFINITE MUST do hike. Close to Bozeman. Stop by MAP Brewery when you are done for some delicious beer!

Steep trail takes about 35 minutes if you’re out of shape. Long way down is easier on your knees!

If the idea of an uphill quest tickles your muscles, this is your stairway to heaven. Each step is a tango with Mother Nature, the steep inclines inviting the daring dance. The trail meanders on forever along the backbone of the Bridgers, granting the stout-hearted a theater of sunsets that leave even the cynics, waxing poetic. Once you ascend past the popular M overlook, solitude is your companion. Here, the ceaseless whispers of the wild and the occasional mountain goat sighting far along the ridge become the garnish to your hearty outdoor stew. As daylight’s torch dims, painting the sky in hues that writers and poets dream of, you'll find yourself in a land both majestic and mockingly elusive. Each visit feels like a flirtation with the infinite, a joke nature plays to keep you coming back for more.

Very good trail for a workout that can last all day if you decide to trek the ridge. The views are nice but since you are a distance away from the other mountain ranges it isn't as amazing as it could possibly be. Still a great place to go to take friends, family and significant others.