10 Amazing Montana Hikes Under 3 Miles You'll Absolutely Love
By Jessica Wick|Updated on May 17, 2022(Originally published May 12, 2022)
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Jessica Wick
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Jessica Wick is a writer and travel enthusiast who loves exploring new places, meeting new people and, of course, beautiful Big Sky Country and every part of Washington State.
The best hikes in Montana don’t have to be arduous. Hiking in Montana is an amazing (and addictive) experience, but sometimes you don’t have an entire day to devote to it – or, if you’re like some of us, you’re a bit out of practice and you need to start slowly.
Each of these hikes are under 3 miles in duration, but you’ll still get a great workout while enjoying the kind of stunning scenery you’ll only find in the Treasure State. So you don’t have to search for “hiking trails near me.” This article has you covered!
This beautiful trail is about 2.5 miles in length, and it's a great spot for beginners and seasoned hikers alike. It's located along the Inside North Fork Road south of the Polebridge Ranger Station. It's one of the best easy hikes in Montana, so check out this trail and see for yourself!
2. Running Eagle Falls Trail, Glacier National Park
For an even shorter trail at Glacier, head to Running Eagle Falls Trail. Located just off 2 Medicine Road, the entire trail is just under a mile and features a beautiful waterfall. A short hike with a waterfall makes this one of the most kid-friendly hikes around Montana. So grab the whole family and pay it a visit!
Bigfork's 2.6 mile Swan River Trail is a dog-friendly, family-friendly path that's both easy to find and fun to complete. Better yet, you'll see more natural beauty at every turn. This is one of the best scenic hikes in Montana, so grab your camera and hit the trail!
4. Phipps Park Trail, Billings
Phipps Park, 6790 Molt Rd, Billings, MT 59106, USA
The 3 mile trail through Phipps Park is scenic and invigorating, often used for both hiking and mountain biking. The first part of the path has some steep inclines, but other than that, it's smooth sailing all the way. Learn more about Phipps Park Trail, then give it a try.
This 2.2 mile loop trail offers views of Bridger Canyon and the Gallatin Valley. To reach it, head north on Rouse, which will become Bridger Canyon Drive, turn right into the fish technology center and look for trailhead parking. Drinking Horse is one of the best hikes in Montana, so pencil in a visit.
6. Pine Creek Falls, Livingston
Pine Creek Falls, Pine Creek Rd, Livingston, MT 59047, USA
This trail is best hiked on a warm summer day, when the abundance of shade and the coolness of the waterfall will be most appreciated. Located in Pine Creek Recreation Area, this scenic trail is 2.5 miles long. Read more about Pine Creek Falls Trail, then grab your camera and visit.
This mile-long trail is very popular, but if you're looking for a nice, short hike that's pleasant and scenic, this one is perfect. Learn more about Palisade Falls, then pencil in a visit on your calendar.
Glacier's Twin Falls Trail is a 2 mile loop near East Glacier Park that is great for all skill levels. The best part? Before you hike, you get to take a boat ride across Two Medicine Lake to access the trailhead. This is one of the best hikes in Montana in Glacier National Park. Check it out today!
9. Sam Braxton National Recreation Trail, Missoula
This 2.9 mile loop is a nice, peaceful hike that's typically full of beautiful wildflowers. It's located in the Pattee Canyon Picnic Area of the Lolo National Forest. Read more about Sam Braxton NRT, then plan your visit.
10. Pictograph Cave State Park Trail, Billings
Pictograph Cave State Park, 3401 Coburn Rd, Billings, MT 59101, USA
Not only is this easy trail just under a mile in length, it happens to be the site of a National Historic Landmark. The cave art here dates back to 2,000 years ago. Learn more about Pictograph Cave State Park, and then check out this unique place.
Do you agree that these are some of the best hikes in Montana? Montana is full of excellent hiking trails for all skill levels, so find some additional trails for “mere mortals” that everyone will feel comfortable taking.
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best hikes in Montana
Jessica Bohl|May 17, 2022
What are some kid-friendly hikes around Montana?
There are some truly amazing kid-friendly hikes around Montana. These are hikes that are 1 mile and under and also have a fantastic payoff. A family favorite is the Diane Gabriel Trail in Makoshika State Park. The trail is named after a paleontologist who did extensive research at the park. The trail is only .7-miles and you’ll even see an excavation site where a fossilized Hadrosaur was discovered. This truly is a trail that the whole family will love.
What are some scenic hikes in Montana?
Scenic hikes in Montana abound. It is almost impossible to find a trail in Montana that is not breathtaking. An underrate gem of a trail is Camas Lake Trail near Hamilton. It’s a 5.5-mile trek with stunning views of dense forest and the alpine lake. And the sunsets here are truly amazing. So check it out today!
