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    Montana hiking trails, USA

    Hikes in Montana

    State in United States

    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.

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    Hiking regions in Montana

    Best Hikes in Montana

    Open details for Grinnell Glacier Trail

    Grinnell Glacier Trail

    Hard
    16.1 km
    625 m
    4.5-6.5h

    Grinnell Glacier is a spectacular hike in Glacier National Park, which will take you past stunning lakes, across vertical rock faces, and through gushing waterfalls (early in the season). You’ll have plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting all along the trail, which culminates in a spectacular lake and waterfall. All of these experiences combine to make the Grinnell Glacier hike one of the best hikes in the USA.

    User Ratings
    Overall Rating
    9.8
    Technical Difficulty
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Physical Difficulty
    Intermediate (Square)
    Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
    Open details for Hidden Lake Overlook Trail

    Hidden Lake Overlook Trail

    Very Easy
    4.2 km
    165 m
    1-1.5h

    We can hardly think of another short hike in the world that can rival the views from the Hidden Lake Overlook in Glacier National Park, Montana. In addition to witnessing some spectacular views, you might get lucky and spot some handsome Rocky Mountain goats nearby on the trail!

    User Ratings
    Overall Rating
    9.7
    Technical Difficulty
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Physical Difficulty
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Open details for Swiftcurrent Pass Trail

    Swiftcurrent Pass Trail

    Very Hard
    21.9 km
    820 m
    6-8.5h

    The Swiftcurrent Pass hike is a wonderful day out on the trails, with a route that is sure to keep you guessing. There is the option of a linear hike to Granite Park Chalet and down to the loop on Going-to-the-Sun road, but make sure tocarefully confirm transportation if you’re not doing a car shuttle.

    User Ratings
    Overall Rating
    9.7
    Technical Difficulty
    Intermediate (Square)
    Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
    Physical Difficulty
    Advanced (Diamond)
    Suitable for advanced experience level looking for a solid adventure.
    Open details for Avalanche Lake

    Avalanche Lake

    Easy
    10.1 km
    202 m
    2.5-3.5h

    Avalanche Lake is a classic hike in Glacier National Park. Setting off from Trail of the Cedars trailhead, you start your trek through a unique flora section, usually found on the Pacific coast. Continuing past roaring glacial waters of Avalanche Creek, and through a field peppered with avalanche remnants, you come to the beautiful lake cradled by snow-swept mountain peaks.

    User Ratings
    Overall Rating
    10.0
    Technical Difficulty
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Physical Difficulty
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Open details for The Highline

    The Highline

    Very Hard
    21.4 km
    705 m
    5.5-8h

    The Highline is one of Glacier’s legendary hikes along the Continental Divide. Thanks to the efficient free buses along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, you can take a bus back to your car from the trail – though make sure you know when the last bus is!

    User Ratings
    Overall Rating
    9.2
    Technical Difficulty
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Physical Difficulty
    Intermediate (Square)
    Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
    Open details for Ptarmigan Tunnel Hike

    Ptarmigan Tunnel Hike

    Hard
    18.2 km
    760 m
    5.5-7.5h

    A hike to Ptarmigan Tunnel is a wonderful day out in the Many Glacier area of Glacier National Park. The stunning Ptarmigan Tunnel Trail is known for its beautiful forest, streams, lakes and sheer cliffs. The path through the Tunnel takes you into another world, with totally different, even more breathtaking views.

    User Ratings
    Overall Rating
    9.7
    Technical Difficulty
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Physical Difficulty
    Intermediate (Square)
    Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
    Open details for Iceberg Lake Trail

    Iceberg Lake Trail

    Moderate
    16.4 km
    465 m
    4-6h

    Iceberg Lake is a wonderful hike in the Many Glacier area, especially early in the season when there are still icebergs that contrast the incredible blue colour of the water! The trail also includes beautiful wildflower meadows and stunning mountain views.

    User Ratings
    Overall Rating
    9.4
    Technical Difficulty
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Physical Difficulty
    Intermediate (Square)
    Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
    Open details for Pitamakan Dawson Loop

    Pitamakan Dawson Loop

    Very Hard
    28.4 km
    958 m
    7.5-11h

    The Pitamakan Dawson Loop is a strenuous and rewarding hike on the east side of Glacier National Park. Setting out from the Two Medicine Campground, the trail takes you through many different environments in Glacier National Park. If you have the experience and fitness level to complete this hike, it is one of the best treks in the park!

    User Ratings
    Overall Rating
    9.5
    Technical Difficulty
    Intermediate (Square)
    Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
    Physical Difficulty
    Advanced (Diamond)
    Suitable for advanced experience level looking for a solid adventure.
    Open details for Swiftcurrent Creek and the Lakes

    Swiftcurrent Creek and the Lakes

    Easy
    12.4 km
    230 m
    3-4h

    The Swiftcurrent Creek hike is a wonderful day out in the Many Glacier area with great views, alpine flowers and the opportunity to see some game. Turn back anywhere along the trail, however we prefer getting to the end of the valley, just below the switchbacks up to the Pass.

    User Ratings
    Overall Rating
    9.6
    Technical Difficulty
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Physical Difficulty
    Intermediate (Square)
    Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
    Open details for Scenic Point

    Scenic Point

    Moderate
    9.7 km
    635 m
    3.5-5h

    The Scenic Point trail includes beautiful mountain views, culminating with a fine viewpoint in the Two Medicine Area of Glacier Park – a must-see on any visit. The drive alone from St. Mary is exhilarating, on a narrow twisting road with great scenery.

    User Ratings
    Overall Rating
    9.7
    Technical Difficulty
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Physical Difficulty
    Intermediate (Square)
    Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.

    Change happens, fees shouldn't

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