Posted in Montana Hiking, Nature June 05, 2022 by

These 9 Stunning Montana Hikes Are Well Worth Working Up A Sweat

If you’re new to hiking, it’s best to start small and stick to Montana’s shorter trails. But eventually, you’ll be ready for more of a challenge. The hikes on this list aren’t exactly easy, but when you take in the views, you’ll see why they’re worth the trek and definitely among the best hikes in Montana.

1. Bridger Ridge Trail
Morgan Hurm / alltrails.com
The Bridger Ridge Trail is located in the Gallatin National Forest near Bozeman. At 18 miles in length (and quite a gain in elevation), it's only recommended for experienced hikers. But if you stay the course, you just might see some wildlife.
Gallatin National Forest, Montana 59027, USA
2. Highline Trail
Drew Christiano / alltrails.com
One of Glacier National Park's most famous and best hikes is definitely one of the toughest. The trail runs from the Logan Pass Visitors Center to The Loop Trail Head along the Garden Wall, and if you manage to finish, you'll have logged over 28 miles.
Logan Pass, Montana, USA
3. Trail of the Cedars Nature Trail
Michelle Chevalier / alltrails.com
Northwest Montana has some of the state's most picturesque hikes, and Trail of the Cedars Nature Trail, is no exception. At 13.5 miles in length, it's not exactly a breeze, but the gradual incline makes it a bit more bearable.
Trail of the Cedars Nature Trail, West Glacier, MT 59936, USA
4. Pine Creek Lake Trail
Matthew Grobe / alltrails.com
Located near Livingston, this is one of the most visually rewarding trails and one of the most scenic hikes in Montana. The 9-mile journey has switchbacks and steep elevation gains, but it also offers a crystal clear lake, a waterfall, summer wildflowers, and fall foliage.
Pine Creek Lake Trailhead, Livingston, MT 59047, USA
5. Canyon Lake Trail
Benedikt Kellner / alltrails.com
Not to be confused with the much easier Canyon Creek Trail, this Bitterroot National Forest hike near Hamilton is only recommended for experienced adventurers. The 8.4-mile journey begins with a slow descent, but at about 3 miles in, it turns into quite an uphill trek. You'll then descend to the visually stunning Canyon Lake shores.
Bitterroot National Forest, Montana 59829, USA
6. Iceberg Lake Trail
Paromita Sen Gupta / alltrails.com
At 9.3 miles in length, no one can claim this Glacier National Park trail is easy. You'll find the trailhead behind the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn in the Many Glacier section near Browning. Most of the trail passes through open terrain, so you'll have sweeping views all the way to the lake. By the way, Glacier National Park offers some really fantastic accommodation options!
7. Hub Lake and Hazel Lake Trail
Kelsi Plante / alltrails.com
This invigorating 7.2-mile trail is located near De Borgia in the Lolo National Forest. You'll pass through giant old cedar forest, eventually reaching a steep overlook of the lakes. It's a beautiful hike, but note that there is usually snow at the top until late June.
Lolo National Forest, Montana 59874, USA
8. Baldy Peak Summit
Matthew Grobe / alltrails.com
Baldy Peak Summit is located in the Gallatin National Forest. The 9.6-mile out-and-back trail gains 4,225 feet in elevation. But if you brave the climb, you'll be rewarded with amazing panoramic views and possible mountain goat sightings.
Gallatin National Forest, Montana 59027, USA
9. Hyalite Peak
Matthew Grobe / alltrails.com
This 16.2-mile hike offers amazing views, but you'll certainly have to earn them. The trail has a little bit of everything: Mountain climbs, switchbacks, wildflowers (in season), dense forest, waterfalls, streams, and a lake. The trailhead is located near Bozeman.
Hyalite Peak, Montana 59047, USA

These trails are certainly beautiful, but they aren’t easy. If you’re short on time, try one of these hikes under 5 miles.

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The OIYS Visitor Center

Best hikes in Montana

June 10, 2022
Lysa Allman-Baldwin

Are there any hikes in Montana that are under 5 miles long?

While there certainly are many long strenuous hikes in Big Sky Country, there are numerous that are a lot shorter but no less pleasurable, clocking in at under five miles. Heart Lake Trail is one of the best easy hikes in Montana. It extends about 2-1/2 miles and leads to the largest lake in the Superior, MT area. Diane Gabriel Trail, located inside of Makoshika State Park, is only a mile long and is one of the best kid-friendly hikes around Montana as well. These are just a few of the wonderful short hikes you can find.

Can you share some accommodation options in Glacier National Park?

Great question! There are some amazing accommodation options in Glacier National Park to suit your tastes and vacation desires. One of them is Cedar Creek Lodge. For this area the lodge would be considered a more “modern hotel,” yet it offers all of the customary creature comforts you’d expect for resting your bones after a long day at the park.

What is there to do in Bozeman?

Bozeman is a popular city in Montana (the state’s fourth-largest) and not only offers a great deal to do, see, and experience but has also managed to maintain its original small-town character and charm. Fishing is big here, so be sure to bring along your rod and reel. For other outdoor pursuits that take advantage of the natural environment, there’s skiing, snowboarding, and of course, lots of hiking trails. Bozeman also offers great shopping, performance venues, annual events, spas, and tours. The list of things to do here is endless.

Where can I find kid-friendly hikes around Montana?

You can enjoy lots of kid-friendly hikes around Montana to suit not just little kids, but the little kid in all of us! In Bozeman, there’s one called Palisades Falls, which is also one of the most scenic hikes in Bozeman. While there you can also hike the Sourdough Creek Nature Trail, which is a real area family favorite. And last, but certainly not least, on your way to Yellowstone National Park at the Gallatin Gateway, you might stop by the Rat Lake Trail, one of the most popular easy trails in the state.