12 Scenic Trails To Explore In Montana, One For Each Month Of The Year
Did you resolve to do more hiking his year? Hiking in Montana is incredible, and the hiking season lasts longer than you think—in fact, in some places, it’s possible to hike all year long.
We’ve compiled a list of 12 recommended hiking trails, one for each month of the year, to inspire anyone who’s ready to lace up their boots and tackle some new territory. Feel free to create your own list or hike these trails anytime they’re open. Just make sure to be respectful and leave no trace.
During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
Sypes Canyon, Montana 59715, USA
Located near Bozeman, this trail is fairly easily accessible to reach, even in the wintertime. At about six miles long, it isn't the best option for beginners, but moderate or advanced hikers will love seeing it covered in soft, white snow.
Beehive Basin, Big Sky, MT 59730, USA
The Beehive Basin is one of Montana's most visually stunning areas, and winter is the perfect time to tackle this seven-mile trek, as long as you have snowshoes or cross-country skis. You'll also want to make sure you drive to the trailhead in a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
Grotto Falls, Montana 59047, USA
Grotto Falls is a much easier, much more accessible 2.4-mile trail located near the small town of Emigrant. In early March, the waterfall is almost always still frozen, and it's gorgeous.
Pine Creek Falls, Pine Creek Rd, Livingston, MT 59047, USA
Located near Livingston, Pine Creek Falls is a fairly easy 2.5-mile trail that is best enjoyed from spring-fall. And if you go early on a mid-April morning, you'll probably have it all to yourself.
Camas Lake, Montana 59936, USA
Camas Lake Trail is an underrated gem that's located near Hamilton. This 5.5-mile trek is best enjoyed in mid-spring, and once you've wrapped up your hike, you can enjoy an incredible sunset here.
Avalanche Lake, Montana 59936, USA
June is when the snow begins to melt at Glacier National Park (at least in some areas). And that's when we recommend hiking to the gorgeous Avalanche Lake, one of the park's main attractions. It may not be warm yet, but if you go in June, you'll beat the summer crowds.
Hidden Lake, Montana 59936, USA
Summer is wildflower season in Montana, and the Hidden Lake Overlook Trail at Glacier National Park is an amazing place to go to see them. This five-mile trail is bursting with vibrant blossoms from July - September.
Lava Lake, Montana 59730, USA
The Lava Lake Trail, which is located near Bozeman, is one of the most popular hikes in Montana. That being said, it's popular for a reason ... the six-mile, round-trip hike has quite the visual reward at the halfway point.
Virginia Falls, Montana 59417, USA
This easy, popular, 2.5-mile hike has not one, but two stunning waterfalls along the way. And seeing it all when the leaves are just beginning to turn is magical.
Heart Lake, Montana 59868, USA
This gorgeous trail is located about 86 miles west of Missoula, near the town of Superior. You don't have to hike the entire seven-mile trail to get glimpses of the amazing fall foliage, but you'll definitely want to. It's that gorgeous.
It wouldn't be a Montana bucket list without an old railroad hike. The Milwaukee Railroad Trail is located just a few miles south of Butte, spanning about four miles and offering a glimpse into our history.
Palisade Falls, Montana 59047, USA
Once you hike to a frozen waterfall, you'll want to see more. Celebrate winter's return with a trip to Palisade Falls, a mile-long trail that is great for all skill levels. While the hike is quite popular in the summertime, it's nice and peaceful all winter long.
Which one of these trails will you hike first?
Address: Sypes Canyon, Montana 59715, USA
Address: Beehive Basin, Big Sky, MT 59730, USA
Address: Grotto Falls, Montana 59047, USA
Address: Pine Creek Falls, Pine Creek Rd, Livingston, MT 59047, USA
Address: Camas Lake, Montana 59936, USA
Address: Avalanche Lake, Montana 59936, USA
Address: Hidden Lake, Montana 59936, USA
Address: Lava Lake, Montana 59730, USA
Address: Virginia Falls, Montana 59417, USA
Address: Heart Lake, Montana 59868, USA
Address: Palisade Falls, Montana 59047, USA
