Montana Has A Grand Canyon And It's Too Beautiful For Words
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Jessica Wick
Author
No offense to Arizona, but Montana can certainly hold its own when it comes to natural wonders. We’ve got a few canyons that could rival the Grand Canyon, if not in depth and size, then certainly in majesty. A perfect example is the beautiful, picturesque Gates of the Mountains Wilderness Area located just north of Helena. If you have yet to experience it, put this place on your summer bucket list.
The Gates of the Mountains was named during the Lewis and Clark expedition in 1805. Meriwether Lewis wrote the name in his journal as he was describing it, and the name stuck.
The gray cliffs along the Missouri River are formed by Madison Limestone, which gives them their unique appearance. The entire canyon, which is about 5.5 miles long, is an example of a superposed stream, meaning the river pre-dates the uplift of the rocks. No wonder Meriwether Lewis wrote that they were "the most remarkable cliffs that we have yet seen" and that they "seemed to rise from the water’s edge on either side."
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From May-September, you can cruise through the canyon on a boat. The Gates of the Mountains Boat Tours are about two hours long. You’ll start out at the Marina in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains between Helena and Great Falls and float through some beautiful country in an open-air boat.
You can also explore the area by foot on the appropriately named Meriwether Canyon Trail. The trail begins at the Meriwether Picnic Area and continues for another mile before you’ll reach Trail Junction 252. This is a great way to see some wildlife or at least some gorgeous scenery.
The Gates of the Mountains is sometimes called the heart of Montana. It is certainly worthy of that honor.
What do you think about this grand canyon in Montana? The Gates of the Mountains is a perfect summer destination. Here are 14 more.
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