5 Things To Do In Hyalite In the Springtime

1. Bike the Hyalite Road: The road closes annually from April 1st to May 15th to allow for Spring thaw. This is a great time for non-motorized use of the Hyalite road. You can ride your bike on the slow incline the 8 miles up the canyon all the way to the reservoir. Once you reach the reservoir you can enjoy a snack and take in the views in relative solitude before the Summer canyon use is in full swing. Then enjoy a smooth downhill ride back to the gate. Be aware of users who are walking or running along the road and make sure and give them plenty of room.

2. Climb at Practice Rock: If you are a climber this is also a great time to try out the climbs at Practice Rock without the crowds. When the road is closed it’s a short walk or bike up to the crag. Climbs are mostly in the 5.8 to 5.10 range although there are a few easier and harder climbs. Both traditional and sport climbs can be found at this crag. See the guidebook “Rock Climbs of Southwest Montana” for additional information on practice rock.

3. Springtime Fishing: Once the snow starts to melt many favorite Montana streams and rivers get blown out and muddy. Making fishing less ideal in the spring. However, once the ice is out on Hyalite Reservoir this is a great place for flatwater fishing. The reservoir contains Cutthroat Trout, Artic Grayling, and Brook Trout. Of course, you will need to obtain a Montana Fishing License and observe any regulations applicable to the reservoir.

4. Participate in the Friends of Hyalite Spring Clean Up: Each spring before the road opens the Friends of Hyalite, in conjunction with the US Forest Service, hosts the annual Spring Cleanup. This is a great way to help keep the canyon we all know and love in pristine condition and clean up trash and debris that has been collecting in the canyon over winter. Participants and their vehicles are allowed through the gates on this day so you can also enjoy the canyon after the cleanup is over. The cleanup typically goes from 12:30 to 4:00 followed by a BBQ for all participants.

5. Book a Forest Service Cabin for the Summer: There are two Forest Service cabins in Hyalite canyon. The Window Rock cabin and The Maxey cabin. As you can imagine these are popular destinations for overnight stays in the Summer and fill up throughout the summer season. Springtime is a good time to make your weekend getaway plans for the Summer and secure a night or two in one of these cabins. You can reserve the cabins at