Bozemanmountain town

Bozeman rests at the crux of several mountain ranges, and just southeast of town, the 943,648-acre Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness is one of the wildest, most rugged mountain terrains in the lower 48 states. More than 700 miles of trails wind their way among jagged peaks and picturesque backcountry lakes, making Absaroka-Beartooth a backpacker’s paradise. Gear up at Chalet Sports or one of Bozeman’s many other outfitters, then hit the trail from one of several trailheads south of Livingston. If you’re only up for a quickie, the short hike to Pine Creek Falls begins at the campground of the same name, off East River Road about 15 miles south of town. It’s a 1.3-mile hike to the dramatic falls, not too steep and a great taste of the region’s woodsy, wilderness character. Watch for golden eagles and elk.