Did you resolve to spend more time outside this year? Well, how about embarking upon at least one of the best hikes in Montana? Whether you’re a novice hiker or a seasoned pro, this list of 12 suggested hikes, one for each month of the year, is among the best ways to see and experience the beautifully diverse scenery of Big Sky Country. Make a plan, grab your boots, and head on out. Nature is calling!
- January: Ousel Falls Trail
Caroline Brady / alltrails.com The short and sweet 1.6-mile Ousel Falls Trail is located near Gallatin Gateway and Big Sky. One of the best hikes in Montana, it’s accessible in any season. But the sight of the snow-covered scenery and frozen waterfall is absolutely breathtaking. Ousel Falls Road, Ousel Falls Rd, Big Sky, MT 59730, USA
- February: Moose Tracks Snowshoe Trail
Sara McCarthy / alltrails.com Whether you’re a snowshoeing pro or a total novice, we highly recommend heading to the Custer Gallatin National Forest before winter ends and traversing through this 2.3-mile adventure. The trail is great for all skill levels, and every bit of it is beautiful. Custer Gallatin National Forest, Nye, MT 59061, USA
- March: Sypes Canyon
Kaylee Grote / alltrails.com Sypes Canyon is a nice, easy drive from Bozeman. And although there’s often still snow here in March, micro-spikes are all you’ll need to hike it (and you may not even need them). The trail takes you through the forest and a few switchbacks before leading you up to a viewpoint with gorgeous views of the Gallatin Valley. We think you’ll agree that this is one of the most scenic hikes in Montana. Sypes Canyon, Montana 59715, USA
- April: Four Dances Recreation Area
Amberlee Mouser / alltrails.com If you live in the Billlings area, we hope you explore the Four Dances Recreation Area regularly. If not, head that way in April, hike the 2.6-mile trail, and watch the city come to life. Four Dances Recreation Area, 03092721101010000, Billings, MT 59101, USA
- May: Pioneer Falls
Drew Van Fossen / alltrails.com You’ll find this gorgeous 6.5-mile hike in the Custer Gallatin National Forest, not far from the town of Ennis. The waterfall itself is fantastic, but it’s not even the main attraction – the mountain views and budding wildflowers are. Pioneer Falls, Montana 59729, USA
- June: Apikuni Falls, Glacier National Park
Amie Heim / alltrails.com While parts of Glacier National Park are definitely still covered in snow in June, that’s when the wildflowers start to bloom on the Apikuni Falls Trail, located near Browning. This short and sweet hike is less than two miles long, it’s a visual delight, and among the more kid-friendly hikes around Montana. Apikuni Falls, Glacier National Park, Montana, USA
- July: Heart and Pearl Lakes Trail
Douglas Pulsipher / alltrails.com This summer, head up to Superior and traverse the Lolo National Forest on the stunning Heart and Pearl Lakes Trail. At seven miles in length, you should definitely plan for an all-day adventure with this hike. But with two sparkling lakes to admire, you won’t mind. Lolo National Forest, Huson, MT 59846, USA
- August: Hidden Lake Trail, Glacier National Park
Matt Glover / alltrails.com Glacier National Park is a popular place in the summertime, but some trails are worth braving the crowds for. The Hidden Lake Trail, stretching for 5.3-miles, is a bit strenuous, so if you go on a weekday, you might not see many other hikers. Truth be told, August is prime hiking season in Montana, so you won’t go wrong with any trail you attempt… but if you’re going to Glacier, we recommend this beauty. As scenic hikes in Montana go, this is one of the best! Hidden Lake Trail, Montana, USA
- September: Beehive Basin Trail
Bill Lynch / alltrails.com Big Sky’s Beehive Basin Trail is one of the top summer hikes in the state, but September brings the thinning of the crowds and the changing of the leaves. This seven-mile hike is a bucket list experience. Beehive Basin Loop, Big Sky, MT 59730, USA
- October: Sluice Boxes Trail
Eugene Saxton / alltrails.com Sluice Boxes State Park sits nestled in the Little Belt Mountains, about 12 miles from the town of Belt. And the main 2.8-mile Sluice Boxes Trail that runs through it highlights some of the subtle but splendid fall hues. The unparalleled canyon views here make it one of the most scenic hikes in Montana. Sluice Boxes State Park, 38 Evans Riceville Rd, Belt, MT 59412, USA
- November: Lava Lake Trail
Natalie A Gross / alltrails.com You might know this visually stunning hike, which you’ll find near Gallatin Gateway, as the Cascade Trail. But it is also commonly known as the Lava Lake Trail. Whatever you call it, you’ll probably want to hike it in every season just to witness all the beautiful changes that occur. If you do go in November, pack micro-spikes for this six-mile trail. Lava Lake Trailhead, 501-901 Cascade Creek Rd, Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730, USA
- December: Pattee Canyon Trail
Phill Guay / alltrails.com End your year of hikes with this winter wonderland adventure near Missoula. One of the best hikes in Montana, the Pattee Canyon Trail is eight miles in length, but it’s considered a moderate hike. Plus, the views from the top are well worth the climb. Pattee Canyon Road, Pattee Canyon Rd, Missoula, MT, USA
Which of these magnificent trails will you hike this year?
Caroline Brady / alltrails.com
The short and sweet 1.6-mile Ousel Falls Trail is located near Gallatin Gateway and Big Sky. One of the best hikes in Montana, it’s accessible in any season. But the sight of the snow-covered scenery and frozen waterfall is absolutely breathtaking.
Ousel Falls Road, Ousel Falls Rd, Big Sky, MT 59730, USA
Sara McCarthy / alltrails.com
Whether you’re a snowshoeing pro or a total novice, we highly recommend heading to the Custer Gallatin National Forest before winter ends and traversing through this 2.3-mile adventure. The trail is great for all skill levels, and every bit of it is beautiful.
Custer Gallatin National Forest, Nye, MT 59061, USA
Kaylee Grote / alltrails.com
Sypes Canyon is a nice, easy drive from Bozeman. And although there’s often still snow here in March, micro-spikes are all you’ll need to hike it (and you may not even need them). The trail takes you through the forest and a few switchbacks before leading you up to a viewpoint with gorgeous views of the Gallatin Valley. We think you’ll agree that this is one of the most scenic hikes in Montana.
Sypes Canyon, Montana 59715, USA
Amberlee Mouser / alltrails.com
If you live in the Billlings area, we hope you explore the Four Dances Recreation Area regularly. If not, head that way in April, hike the 2.6-mile trail, and watch the city come to life.
Four Dances Recreation Area, 03092721101010000, Billings, MT 59101, USA
Drew Van Fossen / alltrails.com
You’ll find this gorgeous 6.5-mile hike in the Custer Gallatin National Forest, not far from the town of Ennis. The waterfall itself is fantastic, but it’s not even the main attraction – the mountain views and budding wildflowers are.
Pioneer Falls, Montana 59729, USA
Amie Heim / alltrails.com
While parts of Glacier National Park are definitely still covered in snow in June, that’s when the wildflowers start to bloom on the Apikuni Falls Trail, located near Browning. This short and sweet hike is less than two miles long, it’s a visual delight, and among the more kid-friendly hikes around Montana.
Apikuni Falls, Glacier National Park, Montana, USA
Douglas Pulsipher / alltrails.com
This summer, head up to Superior and traverse the Lolo National Forest on the stunning Heart and Pearl Lakes Trail. At seven miles in length, you should definitely plan for an all-day adventure with this hike. But with two sparkling lakes to admire, you won’t mind.
Lolo National Forest, Huson, MT 59846, USA
Matt Glover / alltrails.com
Glacier National Park is a popular place in the summertime, but some trails are worth braving the crowds for. The Hidden Lake Trail, stretching for 5.3-miles, is a bit strenuous, so if you go on a weekday, you might not see many other hikers. Truth be told, August is prime hiking season in Montana, so you won’t go wrong with any trail you attempt… but if you’re going to Glacier, we recommend this beauty. As scenic hikes in Montana go, this is one of the best!
Hidden Lake Trail, Montana, USA
Bill Lynch / alltrails.com
Big Sky’s Beehive Basin Trail is one of the top summer hikes in the state, but September brings the thinning of the crowds and the changing of the leaves. This seven-mile hike is a bucket list experience.
Beehive Basin Loop, Big Sky, MT 59730, USA
Eugene Saxton / alltrails.com
Sluice Boxes State Park sits nestled in the Little Belt Mountains, about 12 miles from the town of Belt. And the main 2.8-mile Sluice Boxes Trail that runs through it highlights some of the subtle but splendid fall hues. The unparalleled canyon views here make it one of the most scenic hikes in Montana.
Sluice Boxes State Park, 38 Evans Riceville Rd, Belt, MT 59412, USA
Natalie A Gross / alltrails.com
You might know this visually stunning hike, which you’ll find near Gallatin Gateway, as the Cascade Trail. But it is also commonly known as the Lava Lake Trail. Whatever you call it, you’ll probably want to hike it in every season just to witness all the beautiful changes that occur. If you do go in November, pack micro-spikes for this six-mile trail.
Lava Lake Trailhead, 501-901 Cascade Creek Rd, Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730, USA
Phill Guay / alltrails.com
End your year of hikes with this winter wonderland adventure near Missoula. One of the best hikes in Montana, the Pattee Canyon Trail is eight miles in length, but it’s considered a moderate hike. Plus, the views from the top are well worth the climb.
Pattee Canyon Road, Pattee Canyon Rd, Missoula, MT, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes in Montana July 21, 2022 Lysa Allman-Baldwin Where are some of the best waterfall hikes in Montana? There are lots of waterfall hikes in Montana, each one offering its own spectacular beauty. For example, Kootenai Falls in the town of Libby is not only beautiful but one of the most kid-friendly hikes around Montana. Woodbine Falls, situated within the Custer Gallatin National Forest is awe-inspiring as well. And then there’s the Triple Falls at Glacier National Park. No matter which you choose, you can’t go wrong! I’m looking for a kid-friendly activity in Montana How about a mountain slide? There’s a really fun one on Whitefish Mountain called the Alpine Slide. It’s open year-round so you really have an opportunity to enjoy it while taking in the scenery any season of the year. The slide extends about a third of a mile and is not only kid-friendly but accessible for everyone in the family. Pack a lunch and plan to spend a day up here, as the views are simply spectacular and make a nice backdrop for your meal. What is a good place for a romantic getaway? Big Sky Country is so beautiful, that you’d be hard-pressed not to find a wonderful place for a romantic getaway! One suggestion, however, is the village of Bigfork. Nestled next to a beautiful lake, the village is very charming and inviting. If you’d like a bit of an Old West vibe, head on over to the town of Hamilton. The history here dates back to the late 1800s, there is plenty to see and do, and you’ll find lots of cozy places for a romantic meal. And last, but certainly not least, you might consider Fort Benton. The town has a wonderful historic downtown area and one of the oldest hotels in the state, the Grand Union Hotel, is here.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes in Montana
July 21, 2022
Lysa Allman-Baldwin
Where are some of the best waterfall hikes in Montana? There are lots of waterfall hikes in Montana, each one offering its own spectacular beauty. For example, Kootenai Falls in the town of Libby is not only beautiful but one of the most kid-friendly hikes around Montana. Woodbine Falls, situated within the Custer Gallatin National Forest is awe-inspiring as well. And then there’s the Triple Falls at Glacier National Park. No matter which you choose, you can’t go wrong! I’m looking for a kid-friendly activity in Montana How about a mountain slide? There’s a really fun one on Whitefish Mountain called the Alpine Slide. It’s open year-round so you really have an opportunity to enjoy it while taking in the scenery any season of the year. The slide extends about a third of a mile and is not only kid-friendly but accessible for everyone in the family. Pack a lunch and plan to spend a day up here, as the views are simply spectacular and make a nice backdrop for your meal. What is a good place for a romantic getaway? Big Sky Country is so beautiful, that you’d be hard-pressed not to find a wonderful place for a romantic getaway! One suggestion, however, is the village of Bigfork. Nestled next to a beautiful lake, the village is very charming and inviting. If you’d like a bit of an Old West vibe, head on over to the town of Hamilton. The history here dates back to the late 1800s, there is plenty to see and do, and you’ll find lots of cozy places for a romantic meal. And last, but certainly not least, you might consider Fort Benton. The town has a wonderful historic downtown area and one of the oldest hotels in the state, the Grand Union Hotel, is here.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
There are lots of waterfall hikes in Montana, each one offering its own spectacular beauty. For example, Kootenai Falls in the town of Libby is not only beautiful but one of the most kid-friendly hikes around Montana. Woodbine Falls, situated within the Custer Gallatin National Forest is awe-inspiring as well. And then there’s the Triple Falls at Glacier National Park. No matter which you choose, you can’t go wrong!
I’m looking for a kid-friendly activity in Montana
How about a mountain slide? There’s a really fun one on Whitefish Mountain called the Alpine Slide. It’s open year-round so you really have an opportunity to enjoy it while taking in the scenery any season of the year. The slide extends about a third of a mile and is not only kid-friendly but accessible for everyone in the family. Pack a lunch and plan to spend a day up here, as the views are simply spectacular and make a nice backdrop for your meal.
What is a good place for a romantic getaway?
Big Sky Country is so beautiful, that you’d be hard-pressed not to find a wonderful place for a romantic getaway! One suggestion, however, is the village of Bigfork. Nestled next to a beautiful lake, the village is very charming and inviting. If you’d like a bit of an Old West vibe, head on over to the town of Hamilton. The history here dates back to the late 1800s, there is plenty to see and do, and you’ll find lots of cozy places for a romantic meal. And last, but certainly not least, you might consider Fort Benton. The town has a wonderful historic downtown area and one of the oldest hotels in the state, the Grand Union Hotel, is here.
