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Emerald Lake
6 reviews
 4.83 of 5

Great 4.5 mile singletrack with a little over 2000 ft. elevation gain. Some great technical sections but the the trail can be conqered by most reasonably fit riders on a good mountain bike. I'd suggest riding around the lake for some really great views of box canyon and surrounding area. Travel past the lake another mile or so for some really technical singletrack to Heather lake.
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Latitude
45.494736224553186
Longitude
-110.97285747528076
Trail Directions
Go south of Bozeman on S. 19th about 8 miles and turn left onto hylite canyon road. Travel accross the dam past the reservoir and take a left to go to palisade falls / emerald lake trailheads. Go past the palasade falls parkinglot and continue until the road stops.
Trail Length
4.5 miles
Trail Level
Advanced
Trail Type
Singletrack
City/County
Bozeman
Web Address
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Reviews 1 - 5 (6 Reviews Total) View All | Next 5

Review Date
August 5, 2006

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 5 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 4 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a month

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Reviewed by: venom600 ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
Just rode to Emerald Lake this morning for the first time. I'd gone up the trail before, but never all the way to the lake. The lower 2/3 of the trail is moderate, climb-wise. The last 1/3 will work you out though. It's a constant uphill for the 4.5 miles into the lake, with almost 2000 ft elevation gain (ending around 8900 ft). I was pretty wiped out when I hit the lake.

Lots of rolling single track and some relatively technical (and steep) switchbacks make for a great ride. A little bit of everything. Coming back down was an absolute blast (wish I'd been riding a full suspension bike, though).

The lake is an absolutely gorgeous mountain lake. Beautiful surroundings and nice cool water. Everybody who rides in this area should put this trail on their 'must do' list.

Recommended Route:
Drive to Hyalite Reservoir (not lake) and follow the road around the lake past the youth camp. Take a left at the fork leading to Palisade Falls. Follow this road until it ends and you'll be at the trailhead. As others have mentioned, the road between Palisade Falls trailhead and Emerald/Heather Lake trailhead can be rough. Wouldn't hurt to park at Palisade Falls trailhead and pedal to the end of the road.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Moser Creek is a fun ride in the Hyalite area.



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Review Date
March 19, 2006

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 2 votes

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Reviewed by: abegold ,  Cross Country Rider

Summary:
The singletrack has been widened by ATVs. The climb is non-stop to Emrald Lake with water crossings and deep, lush forest. Once you get to Emrald Lake the view is stellar. Maybe the most beautiful alpine lake I've seen. That's when I realized no camera. The climb above was flowing so not wanting to leave tire track I didn't go there. The ride down afterwards was lots of fun but there are hikers.



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Review Date
August 17, 2002

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

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Reviewed by: Chris Brownfield , from San Francisco, CA

Summary:
Similar to ride to Hyalite Lake, but the lake is more beautiful; I didn't make it to Heather Lake as I was plenty pooped at Emerald Lake...those last switchbacks aren't too technical but they are fairly steep and will work you. Excellent descent, but watch for horsies and hikies...be very nice to them!

Recommended Route:
Yes, park at Palisade Falls, it's an easier drive and gives you a little more warm up.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Hyalite Lake, History Rock Loop via Langohr



Review Date
May 1, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a month

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1 votes

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Reviewed by: Kail Marks , from Bozeman, MT

Summary:
I agree with the other posts - this trail is very, very sweet, but there are a lot of other users, so let's be courteous to them. I've discovered that a better time to ride this trail is in the evenings, because there are less hikers then. This is my favorite trail - anywhere. It can be ridden by novice riders, but is still very fun for experts. The climb may be difficult for people who don't ride more than twice a week. The view, the climb, and especially the descent are unrivalled by all but the best trails in the world.

Recommended Route:
Same as above, although to save some wear and tear on your vehicle, park at the Palisade Falls parking lot and pedal to the Emerald Lake trailhead. This will also get the blood pumping at a fair rate before you hit the over 2000'elevation gain.



Review Date
April 26, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a month

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Reviewed by: Chris , from Bozeman

Summary:
What a trail. The uphill is smooth and rolling, and leads you up to a sweet lake. Views are incredible the whole way. Downhill, one of the best. Rollers, jumps, and a few streams. Like it was said before though. Be aware that this is a popular trail and respect the others. She's fast and fun. Enjoy

Recommended Route:
Up Hyalite Canyon road. Keep going around the lake. Take a left at the first chance. Road is bumpy so go slow. All the way to the end. Park and Ride.



Reviews 1 - 5 (6 Reviews Total) View All | Next 5


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