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Explore the Trail
Your Guide to the Bozeman Trail
Embark on a journey through the landscapes and history of the Bozeman Trail, one of the most important trails in Montana’s past. Whether you are exploring the trail firsthand or tracing paths traveled by earlier generations, these resources offer insight into the people, places, and events that shaped its story.
The project unfolds in two phases. Phase 1 presents detailed location descriptions and maps, while Phase 2 offers a touring guide with companion maps. Together, these resources connect readers to the trail’s history and provide a deeper understanding of its role in the development of the Northern Plains.
Description and Mapped Locations
The trail’s location was determined using emigrant diaries researched by historian Susan Doyle in her book Journeys to the Land of Gold: Emigrant Diaries from the Bozeman Trail, 1864–1866 (Montana Historical Society, 2000).
Assistance by other historians, century-plus-old Government Land Office maps, landowners, and on-the-ground research provided the necessary ingredients to identify, in detail, the original location of the trail. The result is an authentic pathway into the past — one that brings the story of the Bozeman Trail vividly to life for those who wish to retrace its steps today.
The trail is legendary, and we can be proud and thankful to still see its remains on the landscape today.
A Collaborative Effort
The detailed locations and associated maps of the Bozeman Trail are the work of Ralph Saunders, whose years of research laid the foundation for this project. Draft maps, completed in segments, were then given to Emma Hardy, a student at Rocky Mountain College, who edited and finalized the Trail maps for the book.
Montana’s Bozeman Trail Guide
After years of study, Ralph Saunders has brought together emigrant diaries, maps, and historical accounts to create a detailed guide to the Bozeman Trail. His research sheds new light on the trail’s route across Montana and Wyoming, offering readers a deeper understanding of its history, landscapes, and enduring legacy.
We are pleased to share a sample selection from the publication here on our website, providing a glimpse into Ralph’s research and writing. The complete book, The Bozeman Trail in Montana: A Trail Description and Touring Guide, is available for purchase on Amazon.
All proceeds from book sales are generously donated to Our Montana, Inc., thanks to the support and commitment of Ryan Willett and Ralph Saunders. These contributions help sustain ongoing research, education, and preservation efforts connected to the Bozeman Trail and its broader historical context.
Experience the Trail
Traveling the Bozeman Trail can be an eye-opening experience. The Guide Book is a valuable resource, containing detailed descriptions of the trail, maps, and photographs of wagon-track remnants still visible on the landscape.
The Phase 2 maps highlight visitation roads, along with mileages and odometer readings between points of interest. When visitors encounter the remaining “tracks,” they gain a sense of the hardships endured by emigrants—the terrain of rivers, steep hills, and valleys; trees and brush; the challenges of weather, breakdowns, conflict, and loss of life—as well as the determination and vision that carried them forward.
The legacy of the Bozeman Trail often sparks deeper interest in ancestry, further historical research, other trails, gold mining, and the broader search for opportunity in the American West. We are thankful to the landowners whose care of the land allows the trail to remain visible today.
Enjoy your journey.
About Ralph Saunders' Work
Preserving Montana’s History, One Map at a Time
Ralph Saunders, a professional mapper based in Billings, Montana, is widely recognized for his meticulous documentation of historic sites and events across the state. With a lifelong passion for preserving Montana’s heritage, Ralph has dedicated his career to uncovering and mapping significant locations in the American West. His work earned him the Montana Heritage Keeper Award from the Montana Historical Society, honoring his enduring commitment to historical preservation.
In recent years, Ralph has played a vital role in efforts to designate the Bozeman Trail as a National Historic Trail. His research also extends to other significant places, including explorations in the Beartooth region by Swiss mountaineer Fred Inabnit, the location of Manuel Lisa’s Fort Raymond near the Bighorn River, and John Colter’s “Run for Life” during his winter trek through Yellowstone and Teton National Parks. Ralph’s studies of the Lewis and Clark Expedition have led to discoveries along the Yellowstone River, such as the site south of Park City where Captain William Clark constructed canoes.
Beyond his research, Ralph is devoted to sharing history with the next generation. He has developed educational programs for middle school students, bringing the journeys of Lewis and Clark to life in classrooms. His dedication to historical accuracy and education has made him a respected figure throughout Montana’s historical community.