Review Date
September 4, 2009

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 4 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a week

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1.00 votes

Reviewed by: fiz1ct ,  Racer

Summary:
This is one of my favorite trails in the Bozeman area. Be warned though, it is one rocky and root ridden trail, all the way. I love the challenge though and it will give you some great practice for other technical climbs. The climb isn't super difficult, the only real difficulty is keeping momentum up the steeper climbs while going over/around roots and rocks. It's a great technical climb with the majority being heavily wooded until you reach the lake. Once you get to the top be ready to be blown away by the view. It truly is incredible and in my opinion one of the best in the area.

Recommended Route:
As stated below. It's pretty easy to find.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Bangtail Ridge or Sypes Canyon.

Review Date
February 27, 2009

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Aerobic Difficulty
 4 of 5

Technical Difficulty
 3 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Once a month

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1.00 votes

Reviewed by: browntown ,  Weekend Warrior

Summary:
Hylite canyon is so darn pretty, and this trail up to emerald lake is going to knock your socks off if your not from montana. Only 4 miles to the top, but a pretty hefty vertical and lots of tree roots to negotiate. Its a tough climb but worth every lungfull. The top puts you in a beautiful basin of hylite peak, cant beat the scenery and secludedness of the ride. Coming down is fast, rough and its thick forest most of the way, great ride and a must do for cross country riders, down hillers will have to work real hard to get up.

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

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.

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, 2.00 votes

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.

Review Date
August 17, 2002

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Ridden Trail:
Ridden Once

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