Backpacking trails in Montana

Montana is a state of big mountains, abundant game, clean rivers and incredible lakes. For travellers who make the journey, it is also a place to find solitude, as much of the state is still in the same condition it was 100 years ago, before it was heavily settled. We love Montana, and exploring the mountains on foot or ski, the lakes in canoe, and the rivers by kayak, is the best way to explore this state.

Montana is full of so much nature to discover – and you’ll definitely feel like an explorer, as there are lots of places that aren’t crowded, and a hiker or biker can simply get away from the maddening crowds.

In winter, Big Sky and Whitefish offer world-class skiing, and midweek you’ll have the ski runs mostly to yourself. Winter is also a great time to explore Montana on XC skis or snowshoes and fall in love in the tranquility of a Montana winter.

Summer in Montana is more crowded, as campgrounds fill up and tourists flock to the cabins that fringe the great lakes that you can find throughout the state. There is still plenty of space to hike in the Rocky Mountains, ride your bike on beautiful, quiet roads or backpack. Glacier National Park is a highlight of the state, but not the only place to spend your time.

Looking to join a group trip? Check out these guided hiking tours in the USA or elsewhere with these backpacking tours all over the world.

Top Backpacking Routes in Montana

Montana’s multi-day backcountry is concentrated in backpacking in Glacier National Park, which holds all four of the routes below:

• North Circle backpacking loop; a strenuous 4-6 day loop, one of the best backpacking trails in the US, permit by lottery
• Pitamakan-Dawson backpacking loop; a moderate 1-3 day loop on Glacier’s east side from Two Medicine
• Boulder Pass backpacking route; a remote, wild route through the park’s northern backcountry
• Extended Highline backpacking trail; a legendary Continental Divide route from Logan Pass to Fifty Mountain

Best Time to Go Backpacking in Montana in 2026

Montana’s backpacking season is short and centred on summer. Because the routes here all sit in Glacier National Park, conditions follow the park: high passes such as the Highline and the North Circle are not reliably snow-free until mid-July, and snow can return by late September. July to mid-September is the window, with wildflowers in July and quieter trails and autumn colour in September. The Going-to-the-Sun Road, the main access for several trailheads, usually opens fully in late June or July.

Planning Your 2026 Montana Backpacking Trip

Planning a Montana backpacking trip for 2026? Because the routes here all sit in Glacier National Park, you will need a Glacier backcountry permit, applied for in advance through Recreation.gov, with a smaller pool of first-come permits released closer to your dates. Apply as early as you can. For more options, explore backpacking trails in the USA, or pair your trip with the hiking trails in Montana.