Bozeman, MT (May 31, 2024) — The Custer Gallatin Forest today closed about 5 miles of the Indian Ridge Trail for public safety reasons following numerous reports of a moose carcass on the trail.  The carcass is a food source for bears increasing the potential for bear-human encounters.  The Indian Ridge Trail is located on the west side of Gallatin Canyon across from the Storm Castle area, between Gallatin Gateway and Big Sky, Montana.

The closure includes the Indian Ridge Trail (National Forest System Trail #444) from the Trailhead to the intersection with Little Hell Roaring Trail (NFS Trail #400).  The closure could remain in effect until June 14, 2024 although Forest Service and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks staff will monitor the situation and re-open the trail as soon as it is safe to do so.

For more information call the Bozeman Ranger District at (406) 522-2520.