20 of the Absolute Best Montana Hiking Trails
Looking to get out and experience some Montana hiking trails? Growing up in the state, I never realized how amazing it was until I had traveled the world and hiked in some pretty incredible places. Whether you are looking to add hikes to your Glacier National Park itinerary or you want to explore other parts of the state, these hikes in Montana are worth strapping your boots on for!
Amazing Montana hiking trails you need to check out on your trip
Here’s a list of some of the best Montana hiking trails you’ll want to add to your hiking bucket list!
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Grinnell Glacier Hike
Difficulty: Hard
Distance: 11.2 miles
This 11.2-mile out-and-back hike is located near Siyeh Bend, Montana in Glacier National Park, offering one of the best paths for hiking in Montana. Considered a challenging Montana hike, the Grinnell Glacier takes about 5 hours and 15 minutes to finish and an elevation gain of over 2,100 feet.
Along the way, you will notice some of the most incredible scenery that Montana has to offer, including wildflowers, forest areas, lakes, rushing river scenery, and outstanding views the further up you go. The best time to experience this stunning path is between August and October. Dogs aren’t allowed on this trail, so don’t forget to leave them at home! There are plenty of other options for Montana hiking for your nature-loving puppers.
Mount Aeneas
Difficulty: Hard
Distance: 6.2 miles
Mount Aeneas Summit Trail is a 6.2-mile out-and-back hike near Bigfork, Montana. With an elevation gain of over 1,700 feet, this is considered one of the area’s challenging day hikes. While hiking, you will likely see vibrant wildflowers, mountain lakes, and panoramic views of Glacier National Park… and maybe even a bear or two! The average time to complete Mount Aeneas is about 3 hours and 17 minutes, making it an ideal day hiking adventure.
While this might be one of the most strenuous Montana trails, the most challenging part is about a mile or so of switchbacks, but the gorgeous scenery makes the journey well worth it. Hikers can bring their dogs along to enjoy the outdoor activities, but they must be on a leash.
The Beaten Path
Difficulty: Hard
Distance: 26 miles
When it comes to hikes in Montana, The Beaten Path is a must-visit. With 26 miles of rugged wilderness, The Beaten Path is less of a hike and more of a backpacking adventure! This trail is located on the Beartooth Plateau, home to over 300 lakes, 300-foot waterfalls, and 25 Beartooth Mountain peaks over 12,000 feet. If you’re looking for a multi-day backcountry journey that will both delight and challenge, this is the hike for you.
As you gain over 3,800 feet in elevation, you can marvel at the spectacular alpine scenery and fresh mountain air. This journey can take between a few days and a week, depending on your speed. The Beaten Path has plenty of gorgeous camping spots, so much so that it might be difficult to decide where to stop!
Beehive Basin Trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 6.6 miles
The Beehive Basin Trail in Custer Gallatin National Forest is one of the best hikes in Montana. Boasting some of the most jaw-dropping views in Big Sky country, it’s best to take your time along the Beehive Basin Trail. This out-and-back journey is 6.6 miles round-trip, with an elevation of about 1,500 feet, making this a moderately challenging route.
After hiking for 3.3 miles, the path will lead you to Beehive Basin, a glacial cirque with a pristine lake overlooking Lone Peak. This trail features beautiful wildflowers in the summer, while the fall offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. This is one of the best Montana hikes for dogs – on some parts of the trail, they are allowed to be off-leash.
When hiking in Big Sky, keep in mind that you are hiking in bear country! Bear spray is a great emergency item to carry with you when hiking in Big Sky. Also keep an eye out for bears when hiking near Logan Pass, Crystal Lake, Hidden Lake, Flathead National Forest, and Natural Bridges Trail.
Holland Falls National Recreational Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1.6 miles
The Holland Falls National Recreational Trail is a 1.6-mile hike that climbs 750 feet total, making this path one of the best hikes in Montana for beginners. This popular hike begins near the parking area at Holland Lake, then follows the lake’s shoreline, gradually inclining to the base of the falls. This hike is perfect for achieving gorgeous views in a short amount of time, perfect for family outings or hikes with kids.
Many visitors enjoy camping, birding, and fishing at Holland Lake, so you will likely run into other people along this national recreation trail. Visit from May through October for pleasant weather and stunning summer or fall scenery.
Avalanche Lake
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 5.9 miles
Situated in Glacier National Park, the Avalanche Lake trail is a 5.9-mile out-and-back trail, taking about 2 hours and 9 minutes to complete. This moderately challenging hike has an elevation gain of 757 feet and is located near Lake McDonald, Montana.
On your journey, you will enjoy views of Avalanche Creek, the pristine glacial waters of Avalanche Gorge, and stroll along a lovely boardwalk through the forest. The view of the lake towards the end of the trail makes the journey well worth it, resulting in one of the best Montana hiking trips. June through October is the best time to hike this trail and to avoid the snow during the rest of the year.
Highline Trail
Difficulty: Hard
Distance: 14.9 miles
For breathtaking views, wildflowers, and alpine meadows, the Highline Trail is one of the best hikes in Montana. Located in Glacier National Park, this out-and-back 14.9-mile trail takes about 6 hours and 46 minutes to complete. Although this is a challenging route, those who finish it will be rewarded with a stunning view of Mt. Gould.
Along Highline Trail, you might see deer, mountain goats, marmots, and bighorn sheep. Some portions of the trail are narrow and steep, with only a cable to hang onto, so if you’re afraid of heights, maybe stay away from this one. This trail adds a spice of adventure to your hike! However, the abundant wildlife and stunning views make this one of the best hikes in Montana and Glacier National Park.
Trapper Peak
Difficulty: Challenging
Distance: 8.1 miles
Trapper Peak is likely one of the most challenging and beautiful hiking trails in Montana! This 8.1-mile out-and-back trail is a difficult route located near Conner, Montana. The Trapper Peak Trail generally takes an average of 5 hours and 12 minutes to finish.
This path is a lesser-known hidden gem, so if you’re in the mood for some quiet solitude, this is the hike for you! Avoid the crowds and enjoy the incredible views and sweet silence of being in nature. The elevation gain is over 3,700 feet, so you might find trekking poles helpful during the steeper portions. Hikers who withstand this steep climb will be rewarded with outstanding mountain views and a great workout.
Lava Lake (Cascade Creek) Trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 6 miles
Lava Lake, also known as the Cascade Creek Trail, is a mostly uphill, rocky trail, approximately 6 miles round-trip. In the first 2 miles, hikers will climb about 1,000 feet, and about 600 feet in the last mile, for a total elevation gain of 1,600 feet. However, the climb is worth it – the end features a beautiful lake surrounded by the Spanish Peaks.
The first half of the hike features a lush and dense forest, then opens up as you climb higher into Cascade Creek. You will see meadows and more wildlife the further you go. Although this creek trail has some intense elevation gain, the reward of wandering through wilderness peaks is well worth the struggle. Many visitors enjoy horseback riding, snowshoeing, and fishing, making this a popular destination for Montana hiking.
Cracker Lake Trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 12 miles
The Cracker Lake Trail is one of the best places to hike in Montana. This area is popular for backpacking, hiking, and camping, and with some of the most beautiful surroundings, it’s no wonder why! With a length of 12 miles and an elevation gain of 1,600 feet, scenery abounds along this path.
You will experience dense forest along this trail, cross creeks on log bridges, hike the uphill switchbacks, enjoy creek-side views, and enjoy a magnificent finish near the bright blue lake. The diversity of the scenery and terrain creates a unique hiking experience with a backcountry feel. This out-and-back trail takes about 5 hours and 11 minutes to complete.
Ousel Falls Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1 mile
Ousel Falls Trail is an ideal Montana hiking trail for those who want a quick and easy hike. This popular, 1-mile, out-and-back route takes about a half hour to complete, making it perfect for kids, families, and newbie hikers. This path is well-maintained, heavily trafficked, and features two waterfalls. There is an elevation gain of about 177 feet as you meander along the Gallatin River’s South and West Forks.
You will cross three bridges before arriving at the waterfall. Before getting to the falls, the trail splits into four different routes. On the far right, the path leads to the South Fork Overlook. The center-right will take you to the top of the falls. The following path leads to the bottom of the falls, while the last one goes to the rocky Ousel Falls overlook. No matter which way you go, there’s no wrong decision!
Stuart Peak
Difficulty: Hard
Distance: 18 miles
With a 4,500-foot elevation gain and over 18 miles of hiking in Rattlesnake National Recreation Area, you will need at least a full day, if not more, to hike Stuart Peak. This out-and-back path usually takes about 9 hours to complete and is strenuous and challenging. Don’t underestimate this trail, but also don’t be afraid to tackle it with the right preparation and planning!
The Stuart Peak trail near Missoula Montana, in Rattlesnake National Recreation Area will take you up to a mountain overlook, which is the turnaround point. While this is a quieter trail, some visitors use it for other outdoor activities, such as mountain biking and horseback riding. If you explore this path in the summer, you may see some wildflowers along the way.
Iceberg Lake Hike
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 9.3 miles
The Iceberg Lake hike is a 9.3-mile out-and-back trail, gaining about 1500 feet in elevation and taking a little over four hours to complete. Sharing the trailhead and the first 2.7 miles with the Ptarmigan Tunnel Trail, Iceberg Lake Trail is located near Siyeh Bend, Montana, in Glacier National Park.
At the start of the hike, you will encounter the steepest part of the journey, climbing 250 feet over 0.1 miles – an intense beginning. The rest of the trail is relatively open, featuring scenic vistas for most of the trip. At the end, hikers can enjoy scenes of Iceberg Lake, boasting emerald waters and floating icebergs, with the lake surrounded by dramatic cliffs.
Ice Caves Trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 5 miles to 12 miles
Ice Caves Trail is 5 miles long and climbs about 2,200 feet. The first 2 miles contain most of this climb, taking hikers to Snowy Crest. At this point, you will be able to see panoramic views of the nearby mountain ranges, including the Grand Teton Range, Absarokee Range, the Crazy Mountains, and more.
You couldn’t ask for a better view! This trail is perfect for choosing your level of difficulty, as you can venture as far as you’d like before turning around and heading back to the trailhead.
Continuing further on this trail will lead you to the Ice Cave, a limestone rock formation that is icy year-round. This 100-foot-wide cave contains ice columns and an icy floor, almost like an ice rink.
Storm Castle Peak
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 5 miles
Situated near Bozeman, Montana, Storm Castle Peak is a heavily-trafficked trail that ascends from Storm Castle Road, offering stunning views at the top. This trail is about 5 miles out and back, taking about 3 hours to complete. While the elevation gain of 1,800 feet can make this trail moderately challenging, the switchbacks and panoramic vistas make the journey incredibly enjoyable. Take your time on the steep bits, knowing that incredible views await you at the end of your journey.
At the top of the peak, hikers will enjoy a fantastic view of the Gallatin River and the surrounding mountain scenery. The trail will take you back down the mountain for 2.35-miles; just be careful with the rocky ground and steep switchbacks.
Mount Oberlin Trail
Difficulty: Hard
Distance: 3.5 miles
While the Mount Oberlin Trail isn’t terribly long, the 1,500-foot elevation gain makes this a strenuous hike. The journey only takes around 2 hours to complete, but along the way, you will encounter cliffside walkways, steep drop offs, and a brutal climb for the last half mile. At certain times of the day, this trail can be tranquil, and you might have it all to yourself.
Located near Siyeh Bend in Glacier National Park, the Mount Oberlin Trail is not actually maintained by the National Parks Service, so make sure you come prepared.
Continental Divide National Scenic Trail
Difficulty: Hard
Distance: 3,100 miles
Running approximately 3,100 miles from Montana down to New Mexico, the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail isn’t just a hike, but an adventure. The Montana-Idaho portion of this journey is about 800 miles, beginning in Glacier National Park. The trail passes through several major wilderness areas, such as the Bob Marshall Wilderness and the Big Hole Segment.
Outside of Montana, the route includes portions of Yellowstone National Park, the Rocky Mountains, and the Santa Fe National Forest. If you’re thinking about backpacking in Montana, or the entire American West, the Continental Divide Trail is an excellent option.
Siyeh Pass Trail
Difficulty: Challenging
Distance: 9.7 miles
This popular yet challenging route features 9.7 miles of wildflower meadows, densely wooded areas, and panoramic vistas. You will start at a lower elevation, traveling through a thick spruce-fir forest. As you approach the Siyeh Pass Trail junction, about 2.7 miles into the hike, the forest will begin to thin out. Shortly after, you will enter Preston Park, a valley with lovely meadows and wildflowers.
The following portions of this hike feature incredible mountain scenery. Towards the end, a 700-foot stretch of switchbacks is the most rigid section of the hike, but the scenery along the way makes the challenge worthwhile and one of the best hikes in Glacier National Park.
Sweetgrass Trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 16.7 miles
The Sweetgrass Trail offers some of the most beautiful scenery for Montana hiking. This 16.7-mile point-to-point trail is located in the Crazy Mountains. The Sweet Grass Trail begins in the drainage from the Sweet Grass Creek, then heads up the South Fork.
You will eventually have the option to either take a path leading to the top of Conical Peak or continue east to the other side of the Crazy Mountains. This path can be rocky, and the weather can be stormy and unpredictable, so be prepared for the worst while expecting to encounter the beauty of the Crazies.
Sacagawea Peak
Difficulty: Hard
Distance: 5.2 miles
Situated near Bozeman, Montana, in Custer Gallatin National Forest, Sacagawea Peak is a challenging route that features the scenery of the Bridger Mountains. You can access this peak via different paths, but the most popular starting point is at the Fairy Lake Campground.
Along this Montana hiking trail, you will ascend through a glacial cirque, up to Bridger Divide, and lead you to the top of a high summit with incredible views. Try to hike this one in the summer – even in July, the snow can linger depending on the previous winter’s temperatures.
If these hikes aren’t enough to satiate your Montana hiking curiosity, there are plenty more to check out! Explore Crystal Lake, Twin Lakes, or Flathead National Forest. National forest hikes are always a great option, and often less crowded, and a lake trail provides beauty as well as a wonderful spot to relax after a grueling trek. As you can see from this list, the lake trail and creek trail are Montana specialties and worth seeking out again and again.
Have you ever tried any of these Montana hiking trails? Let me know about your time exploring in the comments!
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