Best Places To Take Your Dogs For A Swim In The Bozeman Area

Humans aren't the only ones getting cabin fever during the pandemic. If you own a pet, your animals are ready to get outside and play as well. Most cat owners I know let their cats roam the neighborhood, but for dogs it's a different story.

Fortunately, we have a bunch of dog parks in the Bozeman area and a variety of rivers, streams, and lakes.

Here are a a few of my favorite places to take my dogs for a swim in the Bozeman area.

facebook.com/GallatinRiverTaskForce
facebook.com/GallatinRiverTaskForce
1
Gallatin River
There are many places along the Gallatin River that are perfect for a swim on a hot summer day. Water levels are still somewhat high, but will drop in the coming weeks.
For more information on the Gallatin River, click here.
2
Hyalite Reservoir
Hyalite is a short drive from Bozeman and offers a lot of opportunities for swimming. The area is a popular recreation destination for many during the summer, so expect to share the space. Hyalite Reservoir is located 15 miles south of Bozeman off of 19th Avenue.
For more information, click here.
Photo Credit: Jesse Ropelato
Photo Credit: Jesse Ropelato
3
Madison River
There are many opportunities for swimming along the Madison River. The Madison is also one of the most popular rivers for floating during the summer. South of Ennis offers some extraordinary scenery, but if you want to stay closer to Bozeman, there are a lot of places below Ennis Dam as well.
For more information, click here.
4
Fairy Lake
Fairy Lake is located in the Bridger Mountain Range, 22.5 miles north of Bozeman on MT 86. It is one of my favorite places to take my dogs and relax during the summer.
The road to Fairy Lake is not fully open for the season yet, but you can hike in if you'd like.
Call the Custer Gallatin National Forest office in Bozeman for an update on road conditions. (406) 522-2520. For more information, click here.
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA / Bozeman.net
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA / Bozeman.net
5
Bozeman Pond
If you want to stay close to home, check out Bozeman Pond. There are two places for dogs to play. There's a doggy swimming beach and the Lewis and Bark Park dog park (both enclosed by fencing). For more information, click here.