This is one of my new favorite spots on the planet -- absolutely beautiful, no vigorous or lengthy hiking required. Beautiful walk around the lake, stunning nature. The road to get there was quite an adventure, however -- drive slowly and use a vehicle with clearance if possible. It's something like 5 miles of dirt, rocks, potholes, and ruts.

Call it Fly Lake. Oh my g... I've never been around more biting flies of multiple kinds. Don't come with kids in the height of the summer. We were swarmed with flies- and so was everyone- after emerging from a very bumpy multiple mile service road. Couldn't eat at any tables, couldn't sit by the the lake, kids freaking out as they were bit by so many critters. We are hikers and outdoor enthusiasts but think twice before going here in July and August. We couldn't even take pictures as the swarming and biting was out of control. If you come bring heavy spray and cover up.

This is one of the most beautiful little alpine lakes that are located in the Bridger Mountains near Bozeman, Montana. The long, gravel and dirt access road will likely damage the undercarriage of a normal passenger car, though that doesn't stop many locals from thrashing their old car to get there. The lake is only a few hundred yards away from the parking lot, which has picnic tables. There is a walking trail around the small lake and a couple of steep hiking trails will take you to the nearby peaks. There you will likely run into a mountain goat family, but the views of Gallatin Valley and the city of Bozeman on the other side of the ridge are special and worth the trip if you are relatively fit and are wearing sturdy shoes.

22 miles north of Bozeman in the Bridger Range of Custer-Gallatin National Forest a gravel road winds 7 miles up and delivers you to one of the best campsites in this national forest. The spectacular Fairy Lake reflects some lovely mountain peaks. Bring your bells and spray; this is bear country. I drove my Mini Cooper Clubman over the extremely rough and rocky road, proving it can be achieved without 4x4 drive, but the 7 miles took me an hour up and 45 minutes down...no rushing it. There is a trailhead down the mountain and more easily accessible for folks unwilling to test the crazy mountain road.At the top, there are 12 FREE campsites, some along the creek. I was one of four campers during my stay. The hike to the lake from here is less than a mile, and it continues around the lake for an easy mile. Spring flowers come in August; the meadows were awash with lupine, paint brushes, daisies, and a variety of other blooms! I was the lone hiker on that particular Sunday morning, but by 10 there were at least 10 cars at the upper trail.