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.

The Big Snowies are one of only a handful of psuedo-cirques in the world.
Forest Service Northern Region / Flickr
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 summer heat does melt some of the snow and ice, but not all of it.
Forest Service Northern Region / Flickr
The Ice Caves of the Big Snowies are at the top.

Related Stories

You're Going To Love These Predictions About Montana's Mild Upcoming Winter

You're Going To Love These Predictions About Montana's Mild Upcoming Winter

 5 Places In Montana That Will Make You Feel As Though You've Entered A Winter Wonderland

5 Places In Montana That Will Make You Feel As Though You've Entered A Winter Wonderland

 The Winter Walk In Montana That Will Positively Enchant You

The Winter Walk In Montana That Will Positively Enchant You
To reach the Ice Caves of the Big Snowies, you'll have to hike a challenging 12.5 mile trail. Needless to say, the hike is recommended only for experienced adventurers.
Ian Anderson / alltrails.com
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.
Of course, you can easily enjoy the snowcapped mountain views without attempting the hike.
Forest Service Northern Region (Flickr).
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.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Montana