Top trails in Montana
Montana hosts some of the best hiking trails you’ll find in your travels. You really can’t go wrong no matter which trail you hit, but if you’re interested in seeing some of the state’s most beautiful scenery, follow the trails below.
- Black Canyon of the Yellowstone
This backpacking trail follows the Yellowstone River downriver, making for a long but relaxing hike for the invested traveler. One of the most impressive sites is Knowles Falls, a beautiful natural landscape and prime fishing area for anglers looking for browns, whitefish, rainbows, and cutthroat trout.
- Fifty Mountain
This trail is located in Glacier National Park, and starts off along the Garden Wall over the Going-to-the-Sun Highway. The trail is actually part of the North Circle Trail in the parkthere’s also a South Circle and an Inside Trail. The parts of the trail that look out over a mountain ledge are literally breathtaking.
- Gunsight Pass
For those interested in seeing the Continental Divide up close, check out this scenic trail. The route ascends from the St. Mary Valley and reaches the Sperry Chalet (built in 1914 by the Great Northern Railway), which is only 3.5 miles from Sperry Glacier. Afterwards, follow the trail back down to Lake McDonald.
- Grinnell Lake Trail
This small lake can be accessed by ferry (and a short 0.9 mile walk), but it’s still worth taking the Grinnell Lake Trail to look down on the waters from above. The blue-green water will cement itself in your memory as a vision of pure, undisturbed natural beauty.
- Dawson-Pitamakan
This lengthy trail is at least a day’s worth of hiking, but it’s worth it. The trail starts from Two Medicine Lake, heads toward the Continental Divide, and loops back through the Dry Fork region. Along the way, you’ll see the southern Lewis Range, a truly unforgettable sight.