Posted in Montana Hiking, Nature, Seasonal, Spring April 03, 2022 by

The 8 Must-Do Hikes To Add To Your Montana Bucket List This Spring

We all know spring weather arrives a little late here in Montana, but according to the calendar, it has officially arrived. When the snow finally melts, these are the best hikes in Montana to help you stretch your legs and get reacquainted with the great outdoors.

1. Lava Lake Trail
Matt Schmit / alltrails.com
Located in Gallatin National Forest near Gallatin Gateway, this beautiful lake trail will have plenty of wildflowers if you catch it at the right time. Some snow does tend to linger through April, but if you go in mid-May, you'll see lots of green.
498 Cascade Creek Rd, Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730, USA
2. Trout Creek Canyon
Nikki Grenier / alltrails.com
This moderately challenging 6-mile hike is located in Helena National Forest, and for the best views, you'll want to look up. Most of the snow has usually cleared from the area by now, so it's a great pick for a spring adventure.
Trout Creek Canyon, Montana 59602, USA
3. Missoula's M Trail
Chuck Harpham / alltrails.com
The 1.2-mile M Trail is open all year long, but spring is a fantastic time to make the trek to take in the sweeping city views. It's a nice, short walk, so it's one of the best hikes in Montana for getting back into shape after the long winter.
The M, Missoula, MT 59803, USA
4. Sypes Canyon
Matthew Grobe / alltrails.com
The Sypes Canyon Trail -- which you'll find near Bozeman in the Gallatin National Forest -- will definitely leave you breathless. The 6-mile hike is relatively aggressive in elevation and switchbacks, but the views of the Gallatin, Madison, and Tobacco Root ranges make it all worth it.
Sypes Canyon Trail, Montana 59715, USA
5. Heart and Pearl Lakes Trail
Blake Kurtzman / alltrails.com
Heart and Pearl Lakes Trail sits nestled in the Lolo National Forest near the town of Superior. This 7-mile trail is best hiked in late spring when the snow has melted and the wildflowers are beginning to bloom, making it one of the most scenic hikes in Montana.
Lolo National Forest, Montana 59874, USA
6. Phipps Park Trail
Randy Giltz / alltrails.com
If you live anywhere near Billings, this picturesque park should be on your list of "hiking trails near me." The 2.5-mile trail is full of sweeping city views and unique rock formations.
6732 Molt Rd, Billings, MT 59106, USA
7. Kim Williams Nature Trail
Phill Guay / alltrails.com
Missoula's Kim Williams Nature Trail is thawing out, and you'll want to take advantage of this beautiful 9-mile trail's spring scenery. Featuring everything from forest flowers, water views, and even a waterfall, it's the perfect place to get reacquainted with the great outdoors.
K Williams Natural Trail Area, Kim Williams Trail, Missoula, MT 59801, USA
8. Livingston Peak Trail
Brian Beckner / alltrails.com
End your spring with a hike on this extraordinary 3.9-mile trail, which sits just outside of Livingston in the Gallatin National Forest. From its sweeping views to its abundance of wildflowers, you'll be so impressed that you might forget you're exercising.
Livingston Peak Trailhead, Unnamed Road, Livingston, MT 59047, USA

Hiking is one of the best ways to enjoy Montana’s rugged beauty. If you’re just getting started, try one of these best hikes in Montana for mere mortals.

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The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Hikes In Montana

April 08, 2022
Libby Monson

Is there a place to pick flowers in Montana?

Spending the day picking colorful flowers is one of the unique things to do around Montana. Calliope Flowers invites you to pick your own bucket of flowers at their farm in Bozeman, Montana. Depending on the weather, flower picking usually begins in early July. You'll need to bring your own snips and a bucket to take your bouquets home. Calliope Flowers uses organic growing methods for its annuals and perennial blooms. You can purchase your flowers by the handful or bucketful. If you plan to visit several times, buy a u-pick loyalty pass to save money. While you're there, be on the lookout for the Calliope Hummingbird!

Are there any swinging bridges in Montana?

Yes! The Kootenai Falls Swinging Bridge is both beautiful and a little bit terrifying. The original bridge was built by the forest service to help access forest fires but was destroyed by a flood in 1948. The bridge has since been rebuilt on concrete piers. Take the 1.6-mile Kootenai Falls and Swinging Bridge Trail to the bridge and walk across the 210-foot span. You'll enjoy the spectacular view of the Kootenai River Gorge and Kootenai Falls. As long as you aren't too scared of the gently swaying bridge, this is considered one of the best easy hikes in Montana.

What are the best wildflower hikes in Montana?

Nothing says spring like colorful wildflowers pushing up towards the sun! Beginning as early as the second week in April, wildflowers will start to bloom all over Montana. The 2.1-mile Drinking Horse Mountain Trail is one of the best hikes in Montana to find these beauties. Look for Rocky Mountain Iris, Yellowbells, Oregon Grape, Hood's Phlox, and sugarbowls. Also, watch for the Rocky Mountain Douglasia, about 50 feet from the trail in the groves of pines. The Drinking Horse Mountain Trail is moderately challenging and steep. Go counter-clockwise for an easier hike and enjoy the stunning views of Bridger Canyon and the Gallatin Valley. Don't forget to bring your camera so you can capture Montana in all of her springtime glory!