10 on 10: Montana Hiking {Los Angeles Photographer}

A few weeks ago my family returned to Bozeman, Montana for a visit.  We saw good friends and relished in the beautiful Montana country-side, soaking in as much as we could to take back to L.A. with us.  One morning, we took a short drive up to Hyalite for a hike to Grotto Falls.  With our two boys (ages 3 and 5), our 5-year-old’s best friend, and another family of three (with a 1-year-old baby), we couldn’t do anything too extreme.  Thankfully, Hyalite offers trails for all!

After driving up the canyon, you’re first greeted with a view of Hyalite Resevoir, which never disappoints!

We drove around the north side of the reservoir to reach the trail head for Hyalite Peak.  We have yet to make the entire 7 mile hike to the Peak, which follows a creek past no less than 8 gorgeous water falls, but thankfully, you don’t have to hike far to reach the first set of falls — Grotto Falls.  This beautiful spot is only a little more than 1 mile from the trail head!  So we set off on the trail toward our destination. . .

We had happy little hikers and when we got to the Falls, we had the place to ourselves (I love Montana!)!

And thanks to our friends, we actually have a family picture (including me!) at our spot.  Yay!

The aptly named Grotto Falls, has such interesting color and texture in the rocks.  With the sun creating light areas, the shadows, and the glistening, dripping water, it’s such a pretty scene.

The little boys weren’t quite as mesmerized by the pretty sights as me, they were more interested in working on their rock throwing skills!

And rock scrambling skills. . .

On the hike back down, this little orange butterfly followed us along the trail, politely stopping to pose for me. 

After you’ve soaked up some of Montana’s beautiful summer, head on over to Milwaukee Photographer Melissa Schuett Photography  for her take on “10 on 10″ this month!