Access alpine meadows, pristine forests and high mountain peaks on foot in Montana. The hiking here is legendary with trails appropriate for everyone. Even in the summer, hikers should come prepared for variable mountain weather. It is not uncommon for a warm summer morning to turn into afternoon thunderstorms. Also, always bring water, food and sunscreen when hitting the trail.
The Spanish Peaks contain 25 summits over 10,000 peaks and is arguably the most scenic area in Montana. Only a short drive from Bozeman, you'll find endless hiking in the Spanish Peaks along with a countless number of lakes. One of our favorite hikes in this area is Bear Basin, a 13 mile out and back trail that passes through fantastic wildflower meadows and goes over a 10,000 foot river on its way to Summit Lake.
Gallatin National Forest is a 1.8 million acre forest in Southwest Montana and is home to 2,290 miles of trail. The National Forest shares a border with Yellowstone National Park and thus is home to abundant wildlife including Bighorn sheep, grizzly bears and elk. With peaks that reach just under 10,000 feet, 1,740 miles of river and streams, and at least 700 mountain lakes, Gallatin National Forest is a great place for hiking.
If you enjoy overnight backpacking, check out Glacier/Waterton International Peace Park. With 1,000 miles of trails through the Rocky Mountain, Glacier is awe inspiring. If you only have a day to hiking in Glacier, it will still be rewarding and will make you return for more.
Enjoy downhill hiking more than walking uphill? Take a scenic lift ride up Big Sky Resort and then enjoy an easy hike down to the base area on self-guided nature trails. You'll find streams, distant mountain peaks along with wildflowers as your explore the trail network of Big Sky Resort on foot. The lift operates from 9:45am until 4 pm mid-June until early October, weather permitting. A ticket is required for the lift ride.
Yellowstone National Park is a great place for a hike with over 1,100 miles of trails available. Check out the Geyser Hill Loop Trail if you are looking for a short hike around Old Faithful. In the Lake area of the Park check out a 3 mile round trip hike on the Natural Bridge Trail. The natural bridge is 51 feet high! For more information on great hikes visit with a Yellowstone National Park ranger station.
Montana is home to a lifetimes worth of hiking trails. Enjoy a day hike or overnight backpacking trip and then return home to your piece of Montana real estate.
