Posted in Montana Nature December 07, 2021 by

These 7 Beautiful Trails Are Perfect For A Winter Hike In Montana

Winter is in full force here in Montana, but don’t think that means you have to hibernate. While you won’t be able to access some of Montana’s trails, plenty of our beautiful hiking spots are still accessible for both winter treks and snowshoeing. These are a few of our favorites. Here are some of our picks for the best winter hikes in Montana:

1. Swan River Trail, Bigfork
Swan River Nature Trail, Bigfork, MT 59911, USA
Chadd Jones/AllTrails
The Swan River Trail is a nice, easy 2.5-mile trek located just outside of Bigfork. The river is the main attraction, but you'll find all kinds of stunning scenery throughout — and it's great for snowshoeing, too. Take a look at Swan River Trail's official AllTrails page here.
2. Summit Trail, Whitefish
Whitefish, MT 59937, USA
Kenneth & Deborah Causey/AllTrails
This is an absolutely gorgeous trail perfect for winter hikes, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing. It's also close to 16 miles long and pretty challenging, so you'll only want to attempt it if you're pretty experienced (or cover a few miles and call it a day). Read more about this amazing trek on its official AllTrails page.
3. Beehive Basin, Big Sky
Beehive Basin Loop, Big Sky, MT 59730, USA
Chris Finnell/AllTrails
The Beehive Basin trail is located near Big Sky Mountain Village, and it's open all year for outdoor fun. The trail is about seven miles long in its entirety, and it looks gorgeous when it's dusted with snow. Check out the AllTrails page for Beehive Basin here!
4. Bozeman Creek Trail, Bozeman
Sourdough/Bozeman Creek Trailhead, Bozeman, MT 59771, USA
Kevan Skinner/AllTrails
Bozeman Creek Trail is pretty massive — it's about 16 miles out-and-back. The hike parallels the beautiful Bozeman Creek and is ranked as moderate. Check out all the details here.
5. Bear Creek Trail, Victor
Bear Creek Trail, Montana 59875, USA
Kim McCort/AllTrails
Located in the Bitterroot National Forest, this 5.5-mile trail is one of the best hiking and snowshoeing spots in the state. The trail features a beautiful waterfall and isn't too tough to reach, even in the snow. Read about Bear Creek Trail on its official AllTrails page!
6. Lava Lake Trail, Gallatin Gateway
Lava Lake Trailhead, 501-901 Cascade Creek Rd, Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730, USA
Morgan Cowick / alltrails.com
The 5.5-mile Lava Lake trail is stunning in any season, but it's truly magical in the wintertime. The lake itself looks beautiful surrounded by snow. Take a closer look at this amazing Montana hike here.
7. Sypes Canyon, Bozeman
Sypes Canyon, Montana 59715, USA
Michaela Charlberg/AllTrails
The Sypes Canyon trail is very close to Bozeman, so it's a great pick if you live there and don't want to make a long drive. The 6-mile hike is ranked as moderate, but it's a bit steep and hilly for snowshoeing. Read about Sypes Canyon on its official AllTrails page.

Don’t let the snow scare you from spending time in the great outdoors — Montana is beautiful in every season.

Address: Swan River Nature Trail, Bigfork, MT 59911, USA
Address: Whitefish, MT 59937, USA
Address: Beehive Basin Loop, Big Sky, MT 59730, USA
Address: Sourdough/Bozeman Creek Trailhead, Bozeman, MT 59771, USA
Address: Bear Creek Trail, Montana 59875, USA
Address: Lava Lake Trailhead, 501-901 Cascade Creek Rd, Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730, USA
Address: Sypes Canyon, Montana 59715, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Winter Hikes In Montana

December 12, 2021
Tori Jane

Where are some places I can go winter hiking in Montana?  

Sure, Montana might get kind of snowy, but that doesn’t mean the hiking season has to end! For example, there’s the Beehive Basin Trail, which is near Big Sky Mountain Village. It’s a seven-mile-long trail that will do nothing less than take your breath away; it truly is a picturesque wonderland this time of year. We also love the Hyalite Creek Trail in Gallatin County near Bozeman, Lolo Peak Trail in Bitterroot National Forest, and Blacktail Mountain Trail (which is perfect for snowshoeing). Our favorite, perhaps, is the dazzling hike that is Sypes Canyon, which is outside of Bozeman, Montana. It’s a six-mile trail that’s popular during winter due to its exceptional beauty; we think you’ll love it as much as we do! For more about the Sypes Canyon hike at winter, check this article out!  

What are some fun winter outdoor activities in Montana?  

Montana turns into a veritable winter wonderland during the coldest months of the year! As long as you bundle up – and bundle up well – you ought to have a great time no matter what you do. There are always the classics, like sledding and snowball fights, but should you want a little more, no worries! Montana has your back. You can do all kinds of fun stuff, from skiing and/or snowboarding at Whitefish Mountain Resort to cross-country skiing at Yellowstone National Park or even dogsledding in certain places. You can go on winter hikes (see above), try ice fishing, or soak in some heavenly hot springs. The possibilities are only as limited as your imagination – and your cold tolerance, of course. Do remember that Montana can get quite frigid during the winter months, so make sure you’re dressed for very cold temperatures and you’re sure to have a great time.  

Address: Swan River Nature Trail, Bigfork, MT 59911, USA
Address: Whitefish, MT 59937, USA
Address: Beehive Basin Loop, Big Sky, MT 59730, USA
Address: Sourdough/Bozeman Creek Trailhead, Bozeman, MT 59771, USA
Address: Bear Creek Trail, Montana 59875, USA
Address: Lava Lake Trailhead, 501-901 Cascade Creek Rd, Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730, USA
Address: Sypes Canyon, Montana 59715, USA