Hyalite Canyon to Temporarily Close to for Spring Road Preservation

The Hyalite Canyon Recreation Corridor will close to all motorized vehicles from April 1 through May 15, with a scheduled reopening May 16.  All vehicles are asked to be out of the canyon by 6 pm on Tuesday, March 31 when the gate will be closed. Located in the Bozeman Ranger District of the Custer Gallatin National Forest, this annual closure is essential for protecting road infrastructure during the spring thaw.

As temperatures rise and snow melts, the ground beneath Hyalite Road becomes saturated and cannot support the weight of motorized traffic. Implementing this seasonal pause prevents severe surface damage, such as cracks and potholes, ensuring the long-term stability of the corridor. 

While motorized vehicles are restricted, the closure offers a highly anticipated window for non-motorized recreation. “The six-week period of no traffic in the canyon offers a unique, non-motorized recreational experience that folks enjoy and look forward to each spring,” said Kat Barker, Recreation Program Manager for the Bozeman Ranger District. 

Visitors accessing the canyon during this time are advised to exercise caution and reduce speeds when near maintenance vehicles operating on the road. 

For further information regarding the closure, please contact the Bozeman Ranger District at (406) 522-2520. 

About the Forest Service: The USDA Forest Service has for more than 100 years brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation. Grounded in world-class science and technology– and rooted in communities–the Forest Service connects people to nature and to each other. The Forest Service cares for shared natural resources in ways that promote lasting economic, ecological, and social vitality. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, maintains the largest wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. The Forest Service also has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 900 million forested acres within the U.S., of which over 130 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live.

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