1-2
Difficulty:moderate
Parking:Parking lot off of Church St. 2nd parking lot at opposite end of the trail on Josephine Dr. Accessible from Bozeman Library parking lot and paved path (also passes through Gallatin Art Crossing Sculpture Park).
Seasons:Trail can be icy in the winter. Trail is a gravel path so may also be muddy in fall and spring.
Amenities:Trail includes public bathrooms located at parking lot on Josephine Dr., bridge at Church St. parking lot, benches along the trail and great views of the sunsets and all of Bozeman.
Dogs Allowed Off-leash:Yes
Burke Park is home to the most popular trail in the Main Street to Mountains system. Hundreds visit daily to run, bike, let their dogs romp off-leash, or enjoy Bozeman’s best sunset view. Commonly known as “Peets Hill,” the land was plotted for 612 homes in 1892, when Bozeman was trying to demonstrate the urban density and sophistication worthy of a state capital. More than a century later, it remains precious open space, thanks to GVLT’s tireless work with landowners, the city of Bozeman, and individual donors. GVLT’s founder, Chris Boyd, was instrumental in negotiating the purchase of the land. A portion of the trail is named the "Chris Boyd Memorial Trail." To further honor his work at Burke Park and across the valley during our 25th Anniversary, we installed the architect-designed Chris Boyd Bridge over the seasonal creek at the base of the hill. A natural reflection of the beauty around it, the bridge improves safety and water quality and welcome the parks’ many users onto the trail. Despite its popularity and location just blocks from Main Street, the 41-acre park is home to over 220 species of plants. In the winter, the hill is known for its high-speed sledding, but old-timers remember when it used to hold a lighted ski jump.