Although some of the best hikes in Montana might involve them, not all of us are able to scale mountains and fight switchbacks in the name of a good hike, nor do we want to. Luckily, there are plenty of more low-key trails that have all the same features of our lengthier hikes: great views and stunning scenery, for example. Hike these trails and you’ll see what we mean.
- Redrock Falls Trail, Glacier National Park
Trevor L / alltrails.com This gorgeous 3.5-mile hike has a little bit of everything: Wildlife (take your bear spray), lush, green forest, and a waterfall. It’s not too strenuous, but it does stay snowy well into late spring here, so make this a summer hike if you’d rather avoid it. Learn more about this beauty. Redrock Falls, Montana 59417, USA
- Sacagawea Peak, near Bozeman
Skip Anderson / alltrails.com This trail is just under 4 miles in length. It does have some steep inclines and switchbacks, so you may want to take it easy if you’re a beginner – but the views of the Bridger Range and Bozeman make it all worth it, as it is one of the most scenic hikes in Montana. Sacagawea Peak, Montana 59714, USA
- Triple Tree Trail, Gallatin National Forest
Brittany Dunn / alltrails.com This trail is clean, well-marked, and easy to follow. And at about 4.3 miles in length, it’s one of many easy hikes in Montana. But it’s during wildflower season that this hiking spot really comes alive. Get further info from this more detailed listing. Gallatin National Forest, Montana 59027, USA
- Cap Rock Trail, Makoshika State Park
TripAdvisor Anyone who visits our beautiful badlands can hike this easy 2.5-mile trail, which is a geologist’s dream come true. Looking to explore Makoshika State Park further? Read more about it. Makoshika State Park Road, Makoshika State Park Rd, Glendive, MT 59330, USA
- Running Eagle Falls Trail, Glacier National Park
Jacob Green / alltrails.com Glacier’s waterfall hikes are gorgeous, and this one happens to be short, too – it’s just 0.6 miles from the beginning until you’ll reach the falls. Get all the details before you head out. Running Eagle Falls, Montana 59434, USA
- Swan River Trail, Bigfork
Hilde Hanna / alltrails.com What could be better than a nice walk along the river in the heart of Bigfork? This 2.5-mile trail is fun, easy, and rewarding. Learn more about it. Swan River Nature Trail, Bigfork, MT 59911, USA
- Swiftcurrent Nature Trail, Glacier National Park
Thomas Newpower / alltrails.com This 3.5-mile loop takes you all the way around one of Glacier’s most stunning lakes, so you’ll view scenery like this the entire time. Plus, the trail is easy and one of the best kid-friendly hikes around Montana. Consider making this a sunset hike. Glacier National Park, Montana, USA
- Four Dances Recreation Area, Billings
Chelsea Rabideau / alltrails.com Everyone knows that one of the most scenic hikes in Billings is the Four Dances Trail. What you may not know is that the trail is only 2.6 miles in length and fairly easy to navigate. And it’s also a great winter hike. Four Dances Recreation Area, 03092721101010000, Billings, MT 59101, USA
- Danny on Memorial National Recreation Trail, Whitefish
Mc Crocker / alltrails.com At almost 7 miles in length, this is definitely the longest trek on this list; therefore, it’s the most challenging. But between the wildflowers and the breathtaking views, this is one of the best hikes in Billings and well worth attempting. Whitefish Mountain Resort can tell you more about this one. Whitefish Mountain Resort, 1015 Glades Dr, Whitefish, MT 59937, USA
What do you think are some of the best hikes in Montana? We’re big fans of anything that makes us forget we’re exercising.
Trevor L / alltrails.com
This gorgeous 3.5-mile hike has a little bit of everything: Wildlife (take your bear spray), lush, green forest, and a waterfall. It’s not too strenuous, but it does stay snowy well into late spring here, so make this a summer hike if you’d rather avoid it. Learn more about this beauty.
Redrock Falls, Montana 59417, USA
Skip Anderson / alltrails.com
This trail is just under 4 miles in length. It does have some steep inclines and switchbacks, so you may want to take it easy if you’re a beginner – but the views of the Bridger Range and Bozeman make it all worth it, as it is one of the most scenic hikes in Montana.
Sacagawea Peak, Montana 59714, USA
Brittany Dunn / alltrails.com
This trail is clean, well-marked, and easy to follow. And at about 4.3 miles in length, it’s one of many easy hikes in Montana. But it’s during wildflower season that this hiking spot really comes alive. Get further info from this more detailed listing.
Gallatin National Forest, Montana 59027, USA
TripAdvisor
Anyone who visits our beautiful badlands can hike this easy 2.5-mile trail, which is a geologist’s dream come true. Looking to explore Makoshika State Park further? Read more about it.
Makoshika State Park Road, Makoshika State Park Rd, Glendive, MT 59330, USA
Jacob Green / alltrails.com
Glacier’s waterfall hikes are gorgeous, and this one happens to be short, too – it’s just 0.6 miles from the beginning until you’ll reach the falls. Get all the details before you head out.
Running Eagle Falls, Montana 59434, USA
Hilde Hanna / alltrails.com
What could be better than a nice walk along the river in the heart of Bigfork? This 2.5-mile trail is fun, easy, and rewarding. Learn more about it.
Swan River Nature Trail, Bigfork, MT 59911, USA
Thomas Newpower / alltrails.com
This 3.5-mile loop takes you all the way around one of Glacier’s most stunning lakes, so you’ll view scenery like this the entire time. Plus, the trail is easy and one of the best kid-friendly hikes around Montana. Consider making this a sunset hike.
Glacier National Park, Montana, USA
Chelsea Rabideau / alltrails.com
Everyone knows that one of the most scenic hikes in Billings is the Four Dances Trail. What you may not know is that the trail is only 2.6 miles in length and fairly easy to navigate. And it’s also a great winter hike.
Four Dances Recreation Area, 03092721101010000, Billings, MT 59101, USA
Mc Crocker / alltrails.com
At almost 7 miles in length, this is definitely the longest trek on this list; therefore, it’s the most challenging. But between the wildflowers and the breathtaking views, this is one of the best hikes in Billings and well worth attempting. Whitefish Mountain Resort can tell you more about this one.
Whitefish Mountain Resort, 1015 Glades Dr, Whitefish, MT 59937, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes in Montana May 01, 2022 Rachel Raimondi What are the best outdoor adventures in Montana? There is a lot of adventure to be had within Montana’s 147,000 square miles. But if you are looking for the ultimate outdoor adventure in the Big Sky State, you’ve got to get to Glacier National Park. From 700 miles of hiking trails to an abundance of unique wildlife viewings to wilderness camping to its 750 lakes to explore, there is something for everyone. And if part of your adventuring includes epic roads, you’ll love the nearly 50-mile Going-to-the-Sun Road. What are the best family-friendly hikes in Montana? Hiking doesn’t always need to be challenging or lengthy. Especially if you have little ones in tow, it’s important to find kid-friendly hikes around Montana. Located in Glacier National Park, you’ll find the 3.6-mile Virginia Falls. Though there is an elevation gain of 525 feet, it is certainly doable for children. You’ll get views of several mountains along the way as well as St. Mary River, St. Mary Falls, Virginia Falls, and two other unnamed falls. Another one that kids will love is the 2.5-mile Pine Creek Falls trail located in Gallatin National Forest. Not only will you get outstanding views of the waterfall, but kids can even play in the water. And if they are up for it, you can add on four miles to reach Pine Creek Lake. What is the weather like in the spring in Montana? No matter the time of year, Montana enjoys quite a bit of sunshine. However, spring temperatures can fluctuate, sometimes to the extreme. So just because you are in a t-shirt at noon, doesn’t mean you won’t need heavier clothing in the evening. Montana is just thawing out in the spring, so you can enjoy pleasant temps while still getting snow-filled views and vistas. But be aware of the thunderstorms that spring can also bring in. Not to mention the occasional snowfall, depending on where you are. Although snow hikes really are some of the best hikes in Montana.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes in Montana
May 01, 2022
Rachel Raimondi
What are the best outdoor adventures in Montana? There is a lot of adventure to be had within Montana’s 147,000 square miles. But if you are looking for the ultimate outdoor adventure in the Big Sky State, you’ve got to get to Glacier National Park. From 700 miles of hiking trails to an abundance of unique wildlife viewings to wilderness camping to its 750 lakes to explore, there is something for everyone. And if part of your adventuring includes epic roads, you’ll love the nearly 50-mile Going-to-the-Sun Road. What are the best family-friendly hikes in Montana? Hiking doesn’t always need to be challenging or lengthy. Especially if you have little ones in tow, it’s important to find kid-friendly hikes around Montana. Located in Glacier National Park, you’ll find the 3.6-mile Virginia Falls. Though there is an elevation gain of 525 feet, it is certainly doable for children. You’ll get views of several mountains along the way as well as St. Mary River, St. Mary Falls, Virginia Falls, and two other unnamed falls. Another one that kids will love is the 2.5-mile Pine Creek Falls trail located in Gallatin National Forest. Not only will you get outstanding views of the waterfall, but kids can even play in the water. And if they are up for it, you can add on four miles to reach Pine Creek Lake. What is the weather like in the spring in Montana? No matter the time of year, Montana enjoys quite a bit of sunshine. However, spring temperatures can fluctuate, sometimes to the extreme. So just because you are in a t-shirt at noon, doesn’t mean you won’t need heavier clothing in the evening. Montana is just thawing out in the spring, so you can enjoy pleasant temps while still getting snow-filled views and vistas. But be aware of the thunderstorms that spring can also bring in. Not to mention the occasional snowfall, depending on where you are. Although snow hikes really are some of the best hikes in Montana.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
There is a lot of adventure to be had within Montana’s 147,000 square miles. But if you are looking for the ultimate outdoor adventure in the Big Sky State, you’ve got to get to Glacier National Park. From 700 miles of hiking trails to an abundance of unique wildlife viewings to wilderness camping to its 750 lakes to explore, there is something for everyone. And if part of your adventuring includes epic roads, you’ll love the nearly 50-mile Going-to-the-Sun Road.
What are the best family-friendly hikes in Montana?
Hiking doesn’t always need to be challenging or lengthy. Especially if you have little ones in tow, it’s important to find kid-friendly hikes around Montana. Located in Glacier National Park, you’ll find the 3.6-mile Virginia Falls. Though there is an elevation gain of 525 feet, it is certainly doable for children. You’ll get views of several mountains along the way as well as St. Mary River, St. Mary Falls, Virginia Falls, and two other unnamed falls. Another one that kids will love is the 2.5-mile Pine Creek Falls trail located in Gallatin National Forest. Not only will you get outstanding views of the waterfall, but kids can even play in the water. And if they are up for it, you can add on four miles to reach Pine Creek Lake.
What is the weather like in the spring in Montana?
No matter the time of year, Montana enjoys quite a bit of sunshine. However, spring temperatures can fluctuate, sometimes to the extreme. So just because you are in a t-shirt at noon, doesn’t mean you won’t need heavier clothing in the evening. Montana is just thawing out in the spring, so you can enjoy pleasant temps while still getting snow-filled views and vistas. But be aware of the thunderstorms that spring can also bring in. Not to mention the occasional snowfall, depending on where you are. Although snow hikes really are some of the best hikes in Montana.
