Accessible from Fairy Lake Campground, Sacagawea Peak is a premier summit in the Bozeman area. While the hike itself will not knock your socks off, the view sure will.
Gorgeous views of the Hyalite range to the south and an overview of the Bridger range as well. While this peak is a spectacular sight, the trail is used often by hikers as well as their dogs.
From Bozeman, head north 16 miles towards Bridger Bowl Ski Area and continue 6 miles to Fairy Lake Road. Take a left on Fairy Lake Road (dirt road with many potholes and narrow spots) and continue to Fairy Lake Campground where the trailhead is established.
The trail starts at about 7900 ft. elevation and climbs to around 9800 ft. at the summit of Sacagawea Peak. The initial portion of the hike is moderate hiking through the forest to the valley created by Sacagawea Peak and Hardscrabble Peak. The last stretch of the initial portion includes hiking to the saddle between both peaks. This portion is relatively more difficult than the beginning section due to the steep angle of hiking. After 1.5 mi. of hiking through the forest and the portion immediately before the saddle, the saddle of the two peaks is reached. About 1 mi. to the south is the summit of Sacagawea Peak and about 1 mi. to the north is Hardscrabble Peak. Both peaks are relatively the same elevation.
Continuing on to Sacagawea Peak, another mile from the saddle will solidify a position atop Sacagawea Peak. Overall, the hike is relatively easy and quick at about 5.5 mi. round trip.