Protecting Montana's wild places, now and for future generations.
Montana Wilderness Association
Silver Crest Winter Recreation Area by Wild Montana
Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park by Wild Montana
Big Horn Peak from Black Butte by Wild Montana
Rising above the rolling ridges of the Elkhorns, Casey Peak delivers big views. Starting at the Casey Meadows Trailhead, this 10-mile hike climbs steadily through aspen groves, several creek crossings, and open ridgelines. At the summit, you're rewarded with panoramic vistas stretching from the Helena Valley to Elkhorn Peak to the south. Expect solitude, scenery, and a classic Montana alpine adventure. To learn more about Casey Peak, hikes across the state, and Wild Montana's work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org.
This challenging 7-mile loop climbs steeply through pine forest and alpine meadows before emerging onto the windswept expanse of the Silver Run Plateau. With expansive views, wildflower-filled basins, and a chance to spot mountain goats, this route showcases the raw beauty of the Beartooths. Best tackled mid-summer to fall, it's a rewarding adventure for experienced hikers craving high-country solitude. To learn more about Ingles Creek–Silver Run, hikes across the state, and Wild Montana's work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org.
Cliff Creek Trail offers a peaceful escape into the Gallatin Range, winding through lodgepole forests, wildflower-filled meadows, and along a tumbling creek. This out-and-back hike delivers big views with a gentle climb, making it a great pick for a day hike or beginner backpacking trip. Wild Montana's Madison-Gallatin Chapter has helped maintain this trail since 2018, ensuring continued public access to the Gallatin Crest. To learn more about Cliff Creek Trail, hikes across the state, and Wild Montana's work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org.
Tucked deep in the Great Burn, the North Fork Fish Creek Trail winds through lush cedar forest, meadows bursting with wildflowers, and alongside a crystal-clear creek. With gentle grades and plenty of solitude, it's perfect for a quiet hike, fly-fishing escape, or intro to backpacking if you want to venture deeper into the Great Burn proposed Wilderness. Keep an eye out for wildlife in this remote corner of western Montana. To learn more about North Fork Fish Creek Trail, hikes across the state, and Wild Montana's work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org.
Winding through limestone canyons, dense forests, and wildflower-strewn meadows, the hike through the Middle Fork Judith Wilderness Study Area offers quiet beauty in the Little Belts. This out-and-back hike follows the crystal-clear river past cliffs and swimming holes, with chances to spot elk, black bears, and soaring hawks. See firsthand the river restoration work that was completed in recent years in this treasured landscape. To learn more about Middle Fork Judith, hikes across the state, and Wild Montana's work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org.
This 12-mile hike climbs steadily along a creek, passing waterfalls, wildflower meadows, and dramatic granite cliffs. The payoff? A pristine alpine lake cradled beneath towering peaks in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. Keep your camera ready — mountain goats, moose, and pika are frequent trail companions. Ideal for a long day hike or peaceful overnight, this gem is a backcountry classic. To learn more about Lake Fork Trail, hikes across the state, and Wild Montana's work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org.
Following the banks of the Missouri River, this short out-and-back hike offers stunning canyon views and peaceful riverside walking. The Beaver Creek Trail winds through rocky outcrops and cottonwood groves, with opportunities to spot bald eagles, deer, and other wildlife. Just north of Helena, it's a serene, family-friendly hike with gentle elevation — perfect for spring wildflowers or a quiet fall stroll along Montana's storied waters. To learn more about Beaver Creek Trail, hikes across the state, and Wild Montana's work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org.
Mill Creek Trail is a scenic 10-mile hike nestled in the Bitterroot Mountains near Hamilton. The trail follows a creek through a breathtaking canyon in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, featuring cascading waterfalls just 3.5 miles into your hike, rugged cliffs, and towering pines lining the way. Ideal for hiking, fishing, or trail running, it offers year-round beauty and a good chance to spot wildlife. To learn more about Mill Creek Trail, hikes across the state, and Wild Montana's work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org.
Climb into the heart of the Highwoods on the Center Ridge Trail, a 6-mile hike that rewards with sweeping views and solitude. Wind through aspen groves, grassy ridgelines, and patches of lodgepole pine. Keep an eye out for elk, wildflowers, and panoramic vistas of central Montana's island ranges. A local favorite for a peaceful day hike with a big sky payoff. To learn more about the Highwood Mountains, hikes across the state, and Wild Montana's work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org.
Only accessible by boat, Wild Horse Island in Flathead Lake features a small trail system with big views. Beginning at Skeeko Bay boat landing, hike along the lakeshore and then through old-growth Ponderosa pine while keeping a close eye on your surroundings. Wildlife abounds at this state park! You're likely to see bighorn sheep, songbirds, bald eagles – and if you're lucky, maybe even the handful of remaining wild horses for which the island is named. To learn more about Wild Horse Island State Park, hikes across the state, and Wild Montana's work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org
Ringing Rocks is one of the most unique places in Montana. This boulder field just west of Butte is one of only seven places in the world where the rocks chime like bells when you tap them with a hammer. Find the right rocks, and you can tap out your favorite tune. A short hike leads you to the boulder field. Leave no trace and leave the rocks where you found them — if you remove a rock from the formation, it loses all its musical properties. To learn more about Ringing Rocks, hikes across the state, and Wild Montana's work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org.
This 4.5-mile out-and-back hike in Makoshika State Park may be one of the most unique hikes in the state. Hungry Joe Overlook, named after an old prospector, provides a rugged taste of the badlands that make this part of eastern Montana famous. Hike along a ridge over wind-sculpted hoodoos and other rock formations. To learn more about Makoshika State Park, hikes across the state, and Wild Montana's work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org.
Thanks to the Beaverhead Trails Coalition, there is a growing trail system providing recreational opportunities just west of Dillon. The High Trails System encompasses over 10 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The most recent addition of the Land Bridge Loop Trail connects the trail system to BLM land to the north. The trails offer spectacular views of Dillon, as well as the Tobacco Roots, East Pioneers, and Blacktail Mountains. To learn more about Dillon High Trails System, hikes across the state, and Wild Montana's work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org.
The Swift Creek Loop Trail offers sanctuary in old-growth forest right outside of Whitefish. This flat loop, just over a mile long, passes through a lush forest and offers views of a serene lake, tall mountain peaks, and Swift Creek. The well-maintained trail surface is suitable for strollers, wheelchairs, and small children, making it a perfect getaway for anyone looking to escape the crowds of downtown Whitefish. To learn more about Swift Creek Loop, hikes across the state, and Wild Montana's work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org.
The 6.5-mile Limekiln Loop Trail in the Judith Mountains offers big views just north of Lewistown. If you hike the loop counter-clockwise the first 1.5 miles are a leg burner as you climb toward New Year Peak, but the next three miles are mostly flat and very scenic as you trek toward Burnett Peak. The final few miles are downhill, and you can take a side trail to the Lewistown Overlook to add an additional mile to your hike. To learn more about Limekiln Loop, hikes across the state, and Wild Montana's work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org.
Explore the Jewel Basin Hiking Area east of Kalispell. Begin at the Echo Broken Leg Trailhead and climb steadily through alpine forests and wildflower meadows until you reach the boundary of the hiking area. Turn around here for an 8-mile round-trip hike. For a multi-day backpacking trip to crystal-clear alpine lakes with exceptional fishing opportunities, continue on to explore more of the trail system in Jewel Basin. To learn more about Birch Lake in the Jewel Basin Hiking Area, hikes across the state, and Wild Montana's work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org.
Explore Bear Creek Overlook Trail near Victor for spectacular views of the Bitterroot Mountains. As you hike up a series of switchbacks, plentiful pine trees offer shade before opening up to views of the Bitterroot Valley and the Sapphire Mountains to your east. At the overlook you'll get a breathtaking view of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. For another view of the canyon, hike nearby Bear Creek Trail to enjoy a series of waterfalls along the canyon floor. To learn more about Bear Creek Overlook Trail, hikes across the state, and Wild Montana's work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org.
The Glacier View Mountain Trail north of Columbia Falls begins on the border of Glacier National Park. This out-and-back trail is about 8 miles roundtrip, and despite beginning your ascent via switchbacks, the first few miles are still quite steep. But the view at the top is worth the effort. Looking east from the summit, you'll be greeted with gorgeous views of the North Fork Flathead River and a unique view of Glacier without entering the park. To learn more about Glacier View Mountain Trail, hikes across the state, and Wild Montana's work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org.
The Suce Creek Trail is a lovely and less-visited route on the edge of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. It's at its best in the fall, when the aspens glow golden in the afternoon light and the leaves form a crunchy carpet on the trail surface. In the winter, when the road to the trailhead is snowed-in, don skis or snowshoes and trek a few miles to the picnic area for a short and sweet winter adventure. To learn more about Suce Creek Trail, hikes across the state, and Wild Montana's work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org.
Enjoy a nordic ski adventure along Refuge Point Trail on the banks of the Madison River near Yellowstone National Park. Follow blue diamond markers through stands of aspen, Douglas fir, and lodgepole pine, and enjoy views of the serene Quake Lake and the rugged Madison Range. In the spring and summer, this 2.5-mile loop is also a relaxing place for hiking and running. To learn more about Refuge Point Trail, hikes across the state, and Wild Montana's work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org.
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