South Cottonwood Canyon Summary

BOZEMAN’S OWN MINI-WILDERNESS

The road leading to a spectacular canyon just a few miles southwest of Bozeman, in Gallatin County, had been illegally closed by a landowner for over 20 years. Efforts by a PLWA member with a cabin permit in the area resulted in a ruling by a district judge, in 1983, that the road was a prescriptive easement right of access. Further work led to an established county road leading to a trailhead and 20,000 acres of public land. Bozeman’s own mini–wilderness is permanently open for to public access.

Read about USFS Lands Manager Bob Dennee’s invaluable help in getting South Cottonwood’s access accomplished HERE.