Hikes: 1) History Rock, a nice little “warm-up” hike of 2.4 miles, AND 2) West Shore Trail to Window Rock Cabin and Crescent Lake, 6 miles
Date: Wednesday, July 26th
Meeting Time and Place: 8:30 at Hope Lutheran Church (from town, take S. 19th past Grace Bible Church to Graf Street. Turn right on Graf, then left into the Hope Lutheran parking lot; park at the north end of the lot so we won’t be in the way of those who are there for church activities; carpool from there.
Itinerary: carpool to History Rock in Hyalite Canyon (trailhead is 8.8 miles down Hyalite Canyon Rd., on the right), then drive a short distance to the Hyalite Reservoir parking area and park at the far (south) end, then hike along the West Shore Trail to Window Rock Cabin (at 6,554’), reverse direction, detour to Crescent Lake, then return on the West Shore Trail to the trailhead
RT Distance and Time: total of 8.4 miles RT
— West Shore Trail - 6 miles RT; 2 hrs 15 min.
— History Rock - 2.4 miles RT; 1 hr
Estimated Hiking Time: 3 hrs 15 min. total
Elevation gain: 625’ (350’ for West Shore Trail; 275’ for History Rock)
Difficulty: Easy
Return time: back in Bozeman approximately 1:00
What to bring: WATER, as always; sunscreen and insect repellent (Hyalite Reservoir area can be “buggy”)
Misc: Lots of shade for both hikes. West Fork Trail is a wonderful, flat, wide trail, covered with packed-down gravel. Lots of scenic overlooks of the reservoir and views of the surrounding mountains. For those of you who haven’t ever seen History Rock, it's an interesting historical landmark Outhouses at the West Shore trailhead AND at Window Rock Cabin. (Also, Hope Lutheran Church is usually open and bathrooms are accessible.)