GVLT Bridges

GVLT Bridges

The Gallatin Valley Land Trust (GVLT) has been building, maintaining and enhancing trails on the Main Street to the Mountains trail system since 1990. The trail system now boasts over 80 miles of trail that weave and around the city of Bozeman. GVLT helps make good trails great by addressing crossings that need restoration and repair. Over the last decade they’ve been adding art to these projects to inspire trail users and complement the trail’s natural beauty. These public art installations are part of the trail system and have been designed and constructed with the help of many individuals, agencies, businesses, architects, artists, engineers and more. The benches are great places for picnics or quiet moments of reflection. Enjoy!

Participating Pieces:


Chris Boyd Bridge (Photo by MFGR Designs)

Chris Boyd Bridge

Artist: Artemis Institute & MFGR Designs

Medium: Wood & Steel | Location: Peets Hill Trailhead

In 1990, Gallatin Valley Land Trust was established by founder Chris Boyd. With a vision to maintain open space and develop trail systems throughout the valley, Peet’s Hill became the non-profit’s first trail project. Chris worked with landowners, the city of Bozeman and individual donors to purchase the land and donate it to the city. To honor his work, as well as celebrate GVLT’s 25th Anniversary, a new bridge was built over the seasonal creek at the base of Peets Hill. A natural reflection of the beauty around it, the bridge improves safety and water quality and welcome the parks’ many users onto the trail. Photo by MFGR Designs

Drinking Horse Mountain Bridge (Photo by Ellen Kress)

Drinking Horse Mountain Bridge

Artist: Intrinsik Architecture

Medium: Wood & Steel | Location: Drinking Horse Mountain Trail

Also known as the Kevin Mundy Memorial Bridge, this piece of art has won awards including a Bozeman Beautification award and a national American Institute of Architects design award. It was dedicated in 2009, along with the new 2.5 mile Drinking Horse Mountain Trail. The bridge has benches on both sides where many families enjoy lunch and some quiet time next to the creek. It also often used as an outdoor classroom by the Montana Outdoor Science School. Photo by Ellen Kress

Kendeda Lake Bridge (Photo by GVLT)

Kendeda Lake Bridge

Artist: Intrinsik Architecture

Medium: Wood & Steel | Location: Gallatin Regional Park

This bridge was installed in 2008 and features benches, a roof, and a window that perfectly frames the Bridger Mountains. It is situated between the two ponds at the Gallatin County Regional Park (100 Acre Park) on the rapidly growing west side of town. The park is also home to over a mile of trails, a skate park, beach, dinosaur playground, and picnic tables. This area is connected to over 80 miles of trail on the Main Street to the Mountains trail system. Photo by GVLT

Northwest Portal Bridge (Photo by Rab Cummings)

Northwest Portal Bridge

Artist: Ken VanDeWalle

Medium: Wood & Steel | Location: Gallatin Regional Park

This bridge was installed in 2013 in memory of Pete and Mado Pederson. The bridge features a bench for birdwatching and steel ducks flying overhead that cast bird shadows when the sun hits just right. It has solar lights that illuminate the path in the evening. This bridge won a Bozeman Beautification award from the City of Bozeman. The bridge is located on the northwest quadrant of the Gallatin Regional Park. The bridge is also an important connection for bicyclists and walkers from neighborhoods around Chief Joseph Middle School. It connects trail users to over 80 miles of trail on the Main Street to the Mountains system. Photo by Rab Cummings

Riley’s Bridge (Photo by Ken VanDeWalle)

Riley’s Bridge

Artist: Ken VanDeWalle

Medium: Wood & Steel | Location: Sourdough Trail off Graf

This bridge was installed in 2013 in memory of Riley Cole in the Sundance Springs area where he lived. The bridge is on the Sourdough Trail on the southside of Bozeman. The bridge crosses Nash Spring Creek and features an archway with Riley’s name and a bench that curves into the design of the bridge. Neighborhood members helped raise money for the creation of this bridge and it is a peaceful resting spot along one of Bozeman’s most beautiful trail sections. Photo by Ken VanDeWalle