This Spot In Montana Remains A Winter Wonderland All Summer Long
It’s no secret that Montana has long, cold winters, and it’s not unheard of to see a light summertime snow. But there’s at least one spot in Montana that remains a winter wonderland no matter what season it is.
The Big Snowy Mountains are located in south central Montana, south of Lewistown, and they’re a geographic marvel.
A cirque is a steep hollow point carved into a mountainside, usually A cirque is a steep hollow point . But the Big Snowies are thought to have been formed by landslides of heavy limestone resting on layers of shale.
The Ice Caves of the Big Snowies are at the top.
The hike has a 2,143-foot elevation gain in the first 3 miles. It's tough, but it does offer some of the most breathtaking views in the state. The cave is just one of several attractions... if you hike all the way to Greathouse Peak, the view extends from Canada to Yellowstone on a clear day.
Interestingly, the water that misses the ice cave purifies itself in the Madison-Limestone and becomes the headwaters of Big Spring, Lewistown and the surrounding area's water source. In a part of Montana that isn't known for its mountain ranges, this is an especially unique place.
To explore the Big Snowy Mountains and the Ice Caves, check out the U.S. Forest Service website and download the Crystal Lake Area Trails map. The caves are just one of many beautiful sights to see on the trail. And if you’d prefer your hikes to be a bit shorter, check out this list of Montana trails under 3 miles.
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