South Fork of Spanish Creek Trail to Pioneer Falls

Hiking distance: 7.5 miles round trip
Hiking time: 3.5 hours
Elevation gain: 800 feet
Maps: U.S.G.S. Beacon Point and Willow Swamp, Rocky Mountain Surveys Spanish Peaks

Summary of hike: The Spanish Creek Road to the trailhead is a public access road through Ted Turner's Flying D Ranch. The drive through the ranch has spectacular views and hundred of bison. The hiking trail parallels the South Fork of Spanish Creek. Gallatin Peak, Beacon Point and Blaze Mountain are in full view high above the trail. A series of switchbacks along the Falls Creek Trail leads to the 40–foot, full–bodied Pioneer Falls.

Driving directions: From Four Corners 9 miles west of Bozeman, take Highway 191 south towards the Gallatin Canyon. Drive 13.1 miles to Spanish Creek Road on the right. Turn right. Continue on Spanish Creek Road 9 miles to the Spanish Creek Campground and trailhead parking area. From Big Sky, Spanish Creek Road is 20.7 miles north on Highway 191.

Hiking directions: From the parking area, take the trail to the west, crossing the bridge over the South Fork of Spanish Creek. Once over the river, take the trail to the left, heading upstream. At 0.3 miles, you will enter the Lee Metcalf Wilderness. The trail crosses several streams and weaves through open stands of evergreen trees while staying close to the South Fork. At 3 miles is a posted junction.

The trail continues along the South Fork, connecting with Hell Roaring Creek and North Fork Trails.

Pioneer Falls