Trail of the Week

The colorful buttes and natural bridges of the Terry Badlands Wilderness Study Area are just off I-94, near Terry. It's a bit of a bumpy ride to get there, but the hike is stunning and well worth the trip. It's especially beautiful in fall and spring. Photo by Kelly Wicks

A stone’s throw from the Canadian border, the Ten Lakes Wilderness Study Area is home to the spectacular spectacular Wolverine Lakes. A steady but short climb through towering towering spruce, majestic majestic fir, and plentiful plentiful huckleberry bushes brings you to the first of the lakes, where you can fish for cutthroat trout and set up camp if you opt to spend the night.

Nestled against the Idaho border in the Blue Joint Wilderness Study Area, Castle Rock is a rocky fortress that offers unbeatable views across western Montana and eastern Idaho. A short but steep climb from the well-developed trailhead leads you to a series of small sun-soaked meadows. Photo by Zack Porter

If you’re looking for sweeping views of southwest Montana, you can’t do much better than Windy Pass on the Gallatin Crest. Starting from the Portal Creek trailhead, a moderate climb past wildflowers and summer huckleberries gives way to sunny meadows near the Windy Pass Cabin, which you can rent for the night. Photo by John Todd

You likely won’t see many other hikers on the Nevada Creek Trail, a little-known hike tucked away between Lincoln and Helena. The trail starts by following a lush drainage along its namesake creek before reaching a fork. You can continue following the beautiful and unspoiled creek through sun-dappled deciduous forest, or head steeply up to a pine- and fir-covered ridge. Photo by Donna Lawson

Hike along McCabe Creek in the fall and you’ll be treated to bursts of color from the aspen, larch, and willows that line the creek. There’s a good chance you’ll have most of the hike to yourself, as this short and shady hike in the southern foothills of the Bob Marshall Wilderness sees few people. Photo by Zack Porter

The breathtaking views from Greathouse Peak, the highest point of the Big Snowy Mountains, is well worth a journey to central Montana. Starting from the Uhlhorn Trailhead at the bottom of Half Moon Canyon, you’ll weave back and forth across Half Moon Creek before breaking out into a lovely open meadow. Enjoy a snack and some wide-open views before climbing steeply to Half Moon Pass, an open and gr...

This summer, while the crowds flock to Yellowstone National Park, try hiking to Buffalo Horn Pass on the park’s northern border. You’ll avoid the hordes of people, and you’ll be just as likely to spot grizzly and black bears, elk, sheep, mountain goats, and marmots. From the pass, a moderate stroll along a broad grassy ridge will take you to the park boundary. Photo by Tom Ross

Northeast of Lima, the Snowcrest Mountains are one of southwest Montana’s lesser-known treasures. The Snowcrest Loop is a long 22-mile day or a moderate overnight trip that follows lush creeks, climbs through rarely-traveled canyons, and offers nearly 10 miles of gorgeous ridge walking. Photo by Alli Behrens

A hike through the Bridge Coulee Wilderness Study Area provides a glimpse into the wild heart of Montana. The well-traveled ridgetop trail provides great views into the rugged breaks and coulees of the Musselshell Valley, and hiking it in late spring or early summer will bring you past blooming yucca, cactus, and prairie wildflowers. Photo by Tim Faber

Deep in the Pryor Mountains south of Billings, Lost Water Canyon is a spectacular adventure packed with rugged limestone cliffs and dramatic views from the canyon rim. There isn’t much of a trail to follow, but sticking close to the rim will ensure that you stay on course.. You can enjoy numerous jaw-dropping views across the densely forested canyon bottom stretching out beneath you.

Northeast of Bigfork, Mt. Aeneas is the highest point in the Flathead Range and sits atop Jewel Basin, home to a stunning collection of sapphire lakes. Starting at the Camp Misery trailhead, the trail to the summit passes through fields full of spring wildflowers and summer huckleberries before popping out on a ridge with panoramic views into Glacier National Park. Photo by Anson Nygaard

Named for a legendary outfitter, the Hobnail Tom Trail is tucked against the southern border of the Scapegoat Wilderness north of Lincoln, the trail follows the North Fork Blackfoot River, passing numerous junctions and side trails and providing plenty of chances to catch native bull and westslope cutthroat trout.

A day trip from Missoula or Superior, Heart Lake is a popular summer destination in the Great Burn Proposed Wilderness. This 2.5 mile hike follows the South Fork of Trout Creek through dense cedars, patches of huckleberries, and the occasional aspen stand. Hike on to the smaller Pearl, Dalton, or Trio Lakes for more solitude. More info here: https://wildmontana.mapview.io/?trail=3ce9b819-6a78-4410...

Just north of Ovando and not far from Missoula, a walk along Dunham Creek makes for a great spring stroll. You'll cross a waterfall along the way, have a chance to get up close to the creek, and visit the base of towering cliffs (look for mountain goats!) towards the head of the valley.

Looking for an early season hike? Head to the Pryors and check out Cave Ridge. As long as the roads are dry, it isn't hard to get to - just a bit south of Billings - and is great spring hiking. Photo by John Boehmke

Far from Helena, and even farther from D.C., the iconic dome-shaped Capitol Rock in eastern Montana is a great place to catch a summer sunset.

Just east of Great Falls, the Highwood Mountains make for a great weekend destination. This trail brings you up to Prospect Peak, where you'll have views of the entire range. Spring is a great time to go, when the newly leafed aspens, green grasses, and wildflowers add interest along the way. Photo by Dexter Hale

Ready? Set? Go! It's time for an eastern Montana adventure. This ridge hike in the Pryor Mountains, just south of Billings, will certainly be a highlight of your spring adventures. You'll be looking down into beautiful Bear Canyon, and you'll be looking across the full expanse of the Pryors, covered in sagebrush, colorful wildflowers, and a bit of snow still on its highest peaks. Photo by John Boe...

Right now, Montana's highest peaks are still covered in snow, but that doesn't mean you have to wait to get up high. Cyclone Lookout in the Whitefish Range, just west of Glacier National Park, is always one of the earlier lookouts to melt out. From the top, enjoy views across the North Fork valley to the full panorama of Glacier's still-snowy peaks. Photo by Steven Gnam

Castle Rock is a rocky fortress on the spine of the Blue Joint Wilderness Study Area. Just south of Hamilton, it's easy to access from Missoula or the Big Hole. This short trail ends with a rocky scramble, making it fun for kids, too. Photo by Zack Porter

You don't have to go to Italy to get a taste of the Dolomites. Just head south of Dillon and west into the Italian Peaks. Go for a day trip, or bring your tent camp in the meadows below the jagged mountain tops.

Spring is the perfect time for a road trip. While you're waiting for the western mountains to thaw out, eastern Montana is in its prime. Be sure your itinerary includes the Chalk Buttes, an aptly-named rocky high point just south of Ekalaka.

Just a stone's throw from Canada, Mount Brown is a high point in the Sweetgrass Hills along the Hi-Line. Go in spring, when the lush green prairie grasses, colorful wildflowers, and sharp tailed grouse are on full display. Photo byJanice Hendrickson

The Pryor Mountains - not far from Billings - are home to Montana's only true desert, yet also home to a stunning array of plants and animals. Upper Layout Creek is a short hike to a year-round spring surrounded by a giant mound of green moss and lush tree cover, making for a surprising oases in this generally dry range. Photo by Raymond Masters