The Bozeman Trail

The Bozeman Trail: Preserving History, Connecting Generations

The Bozeman Trail

Established in 1863, the Bozeman Trail spanned 535 miles, creating a vital “shortcut” from the Oregon Trail near Casper, Wyoming, to the Montana gold fields around Virginia City. The route passed directly through Native American hunting grounds and traditional homelands, setting the stage for a complex and often violent chapter in American history.
Its growing use by settlers and the establishment of military forts led to escalating conflict and ultimately Red Cloud’s War, which included the Fetterman Battle (1866) and the Wagon Box and Hay Field Fights (1867).
Drone Journey Along the Historic Bozeman Trail
Video by Ryan Willett

Ralph Saunders: Chronicling the Legacy of the Bozeman Trail

Ralph Saunders, a longtime board member of Our Montana, has spent decades researching, mapping, and documenting the trail’s route through Montana. His detailed maps and commentary have helped locate the trail with unprecedented accuracy, revealing visible remnants of wagon tracks still etched into the landscape.
Through his dedication, the trail’s story continues to inspire new generations of historians, educators, and travelers.

Explore the New Bozeman Trail Website

We’re proud to announce the launch of The Bozeman Trail Website — a comprehensive resource dedicated to the history, stories, and preservation of the historic Bozeman Trail.
The new site features interactive maps, Ralph Saunders’ Bozeman Trail Landowners Guide, and a deeper look into the trail’s origins, diverse perspectives, and modern-day preservation efforts.

Preservation, Advocacy, and National Recognition

Our Montana, in partnership with the Fort Phil Kearny/Bozeman Trail Association, continues to advocate for the official designation of the Bozeman Trail as a National Historic Trail under the National Trails Act of 1968. This effort seeks to honor the trail’s historical and cultural importance while ensuring its protection for future generations.

The objective is to petition the U.S. Congress to direct the Secretary of the Interior to evaluate the Bozeman Trail for inclusion in the National Trails System. If the trail meets the established criteria, we will strongly support legislation to grant it National Historic Trail status—recognizing its pivotal role in the history of the American West.

Preservation and Recognition

Our Montana, in partnership with the Fort Phil Kearny/Bozeman Trail Association, continues to support efforts toward the designation of the Bozeman Trail as a National Historic Trail under the National Trails Act of 1968.
This initiative seeks congressional recognition to preserve the trail’s cultural, historical, and environmental legacy for future generations.

Explore More

Visit thebozemantrail.com to explore:

  • The Bozeman Trail Landowners Guide
  • Interactive maps and aerial views
  • Historical and cultural perspectives
  • Trail visitor resources and travel connections through Wyoming and Montana

Acknowledgments

Special thanks to the Willett Family Foundation and Beartooth RC&D for their continued support of the Bozeman Trail project and to the many volunteers, researchers, and historians whose dedication keeps this history alive.

Special Thanks to our Bozeman Trail Partner, Beartooth RC&D!