Montana's hidden gem hikes
Montana is known for its natural beauty and vast wilderness areas, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. With miles of hiking trails that traverse stunning landscapes, Montana offers some of the best hiking experiences in the country. From popular hikes to hidden gems, here's a look at some of the best hiking trails in Montana.
Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park is a 1,583-sq.-mi. wilderness area in Montana's Rocky Mountains, with glacier-carved peaks and valleys running to the Canadian border. It's crossed by the mountainous Going-to-the-Sun Road. Among more than 700 miles of hiking trails, it has a route to photogenic Hidden Lake. Other activities include backpacking, cycling and camping.
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Pipestone Village and Hot Springs
Relax in our natural hotsprings. Each of our cabins and domes comes with a personal outdoor tub heated by the property’s natural spring water. Whether you’re looking for a weekend get-away with the family or a hunting trip with your buddies, Pipestone Village has accommodations for adventurers of all types.
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Yellowstone National Park
On March 1, 1872, Yellowstone became the first national park for all to enjoy the unique hydrothermal and geologic features. Within Yellowstone's 2.2 million acres, visitors have unparalleled opportunities to observe wildlife in an intact ecosystem, explore geothermal areas that contain about half the world’s active geysers, and view geologic wonders like the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River.
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Tips for Hiking in Montana
When hiking in Montana, it's important to be prepared for changing weather conditions. The weather can be unpredictable, and hikers should bring appropriate gear and clothing for all types of weather.
You may require additional items. Amounts vary based on how long you are hiking
- Plenty of water (and purification tablets or filters for the backcountry)
- Small first aid kit (bandages for blisters)
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellant
- Basic survival kit with matches, signal mirror, etc.
- High energy food
- A whistle
- Rain gear and other seasonal weather clothing
It's also important to be bear aware when hiking in Montana. The state is home to both grizzly and black bears, and hikers should carry bear spray and know how to use it in case of an encounter.
How to Hike Safely in Montana
Plan your trip beforehand with a topographical map or guide book so you’re aware of the terrain, elevation changes and any crossroads you’ll encounter. Bring a current trail map and know how to read it
Let them know where you are going and when you plan to return. Give them your car make, year and license plate in case they need a ranger to check on you.
Make sure to wear proper shoes with good ankle support. Break in your shoes before your hike and bring extra socks (not cotton) to avoid blisters.
Be aware of possible encounters with wild animals and treat encounters with extreme caution. Bring bear spray to be safe.
Group hikes are a great way to connect! Plus they help protect you from the dangers of hiking. It’s safest to hike with at least one companion. If you plan to hike somewhere remote, have a minimum of four people. If someone gets hurt, one person can stay while the other two get help.
Bring plenty of drinking water (minimum of 2 quarts per person per day). Drink water before your hike so you start hydrated. Avoid drinking river and lake water as they can make you ill. Don’t expect there to be any backcountry water sources - if there are, it needs to be filtered or boiled.
More Places to Hike in Montana
Continental Trail Hiking
The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail is a United States National Scenic Trail with a length measured by the Continental Divide Trail Coalition of 3,028 miles between the U.S. border with Chihuahua, Mexico and the border with Alberta, Canada.
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Crow Creek Falls
A popular hiking trail through scenic, wooded terrain leads to this small waterfall & creek.
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Discovery Ski Area
Discovery Ski Area is an alpine ski area in the state of Montana, United States. Situated on Rumsey and Jubilee mountains, the area consists of four different faces and provides for beginner groomed runs to expert bowl skiing.
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Elkhorn Mountain
The Elkhorn Mountains are a mountain range in southwestern Montana, part of the Rocky Mountains and are roughly 300,000 acres in size. It is an inactive volcanic mountain range with the highest point being Crow Peak at 9,414 ft, right next to Elkhorn Peak, 9,381 ft.
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Elkhorn State Park
Backcountry roads settle you into a 19th century mining landscape before you reach historic Fraternity Hall and Gillian Hall nestled within the privately owned town of Elkhorn. Bring your camera to record these two picturesque structures from the early-day silver-mining ghost town, preserved as outstanding examples of frontier architecture. Each has been recorded in the Historic American Buildings Survey.
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Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park is a 1,583-sq.-mi. wilderness area in Montana's Rocky Mountains, with glacier-carved peaks and valleys running to the Canadian border. It's crossed by the mountainous Going-to-the-Sun Road. Among more than 700 miles of hiking trails, it has a route to photogenic Hidden Lake. Other activities include backpacking, cycling and camping.
Learn MoreHeadwaters of Missouri
Missouri Headwaters State Park is a public recreation area occupying 535 acres at the site of the official start of the Missouri River. The park offers camping, hiking trails, hunting, and water-related activities.
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Hollow Top Lake
This is a 9.3-mile out-and-back trail near Pony, Montana. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 5 h 18 min to complete. This trail is great for backpacking, hiking, and horseback riding, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are June through September.
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Homestake Lake & Pass
Homestake is located in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest in southwest Montana. This area is for day use picnicking only, which means no overnight camping. A small lake at this site provides fishing. Scenic trails nearby are great for hiking, ATV riding, and motorcycle riding.
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Pipestone Village and Hot Springs
Relax in our natural hotsprings. Each of our cabins and domes comes with a personal outdoor tub heated by the property’s natural spring water. Whether you’re looking for a weekend get-away with the family or a hunting trip with your buddies, Pipestone Village has accommodations for adventurers of all types.
Learn MoreTizer Lake
Tizer Lakes is a state fishing access site located in southwest Montana. The lakes are accessible by pack trail, 8 miles from the trailhead. Tent camping is permitted with a 7 day limit, sites are primitive and no drinking water is available. Surrounded by Forest Service lands in Elkhorn Mountains with difficult access.
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Tobacco Root Mountains
The Tobacco Root Mountains are a stunning range of peaks situated in the northern Rocky Mountains of Montana. Nestled between the Jefferson and Madison Rivers, the range is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to hike, climb, and explore the wilderness. The highest peak in the Tobacco Roots is Hollowtop, towering at an impressive height of 10,604 feet, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.
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Yellowstone National Park
On March 1, 1872, Yellowstone became the first national park for all to enjoy the unique hydrothermal and geologic features. Within Yellowstone's 2.2 million acres, visitors have unparalleled opportunities to observe wildlife in an intact ecosystem, explore geothermal areas that contain about half the world’s active geysers, and view geologic wonders like the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River.
Learn More