Montana
Looking for the best backpacking in Montana? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Montana. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Backpacking Spots in and near Montana
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Browning, Montana
Backpack the Continental Divide in Glacier NP
4.033.4 mi / 5257 ft gainPark your car at the Two Medicine North Shore Trailhead, and take a National Park Shuttle (if they are running during the season--they stop around Labor Day in September) or set up a private shuttle service to St. Mary and the Red Eagle Trailhead (only ~$10-20 bucks a person).The first day from t...Read more -
Browning, Montana
Cracker Lake
5.012.71 mi / 2001 ft gainThe 6.1 mile (12.2 roundtrip), hike to Cracker Lake includes wooded forests, grand views of lakes and mountains, creek crossings, distant waterfalls, mining ruins, possible wildflowers and wildlife, and a swim in turquoise water. At 1400ft elevation gain, the trail never gets too taxing. The view...Read more -
West Glacier, Montana
Waterton Lakes via Packers Roost
5.022.15 mi / 4596 ft gainDay 1: This gorgeous backpacking adventure begins at the Packer's Roost trailhead, which is almost halfway between West and East Glacier on the Going-to-the-Sun Road. This trailhead is marked on the highway before you get to the "Loop." It's a quick left turn so keep your eyes peeled as you pass ...Read more -
West Glacier, Montana
Granite Park Chalet via Highline Trail
4.511.49 mi / 1555 ft gainThe trailhead for the Highline Trail is located near the west side of Logan's Pass. Parking is limited at the Pass so arriving early to guarantee a spot, or taking a park shuttle (no fee) is suggested. The shuttles run consistently during the day at different locations throughout the Park. Howeve...Read more -
Flathead National Forest, Montana
Hike Montana's Swan Crest Trail
47 miGetting There: Coming from Seeley Lake, take the road towards Bigfork. Continue until you get to mile marker 27 and turn right into the Morrell/Clearwater turn off. Stay on the road most traveled until you dead end at the trail head roughly 7 miles up the road. Park here. The Trail: The trail ...Read more -
Big Timber, Montana
Crazy Peak Scramble
4.5Do you like high alpine scrambles? Climbing exposed spires? Partying on a mountain top?If you said yes to any of the above, head to Big Timber Montana and prepare for a great time. Crazy Peak is an epic highpoint within the Crazy Mountains, located in southwestern Montana. Although this hike can ...Read more -
East Glacier Park, Montana
Dawson Pass
5.012.01 mi / 3123 ft gainThis is a somewhat strenuous but extremely rewarding hike in Glacier National Park. It is much less crowded than the more popular Logan Pass and High Line trails, and in my opinion, more rewarding. Dawson Pass is on the Continental Divide at an elevation of 7,598 feet. It sits between Mt. Helen ...Read more -
West Glacier, Montana
Backpack to Lincoln Lake
16.75 mi / 3747 ft gainIt's a 1600 ft slow increase in elevation. You can walk around the loose rocks going around the lake for an additional 2 miles of hiking. There is a back-country campground at the base of the glacier-fed lake and an amazing waterfall at the opposite end of the of the campground. To camp overnig...Read more -
Glacier County, Montana
Triple Divide Pass Trail to Red Eagle Lake
29.22 mi / 5499 ft gainA couple of notes to keep in mind before you start... this is a loop that takes you to a different part of the park so you will either need two vehicles (one for the pickup spot and one to take you to the trailhead) or you will need to hitchhike back to you drop off vehicle. Also you will need to...Read more -
Darby, Montana
Backpack to Little Rock Creek
9 mi / 1780 ft gainLittle Rock Creek is one of the Bitterroots' best kept secrets. In late spring, the glacier lilies are in full bloom, and sprinkle the valley floor. At that time of year, there may also be quite a bit of snow on the ground, which will require some bushwhacking to stay on the trail.Little Rock Cre...Read more -
Browning, Montana
Hike Mount Siyeh
5.08.45 mi / 4209 ft gainOnce the Going-To-The-Sun Road has opened fully, this massive peak is accessible by driving to Siyeh Bend on the east side of the Logan Pass Visitors Center. Plan on a sun up to sun down adventure. Choose a sunny summer day and head up to hit the trail! Park at Siyeh Bend, and start on the Pie...Read more -
Roscoe, Montana
Backpack to Rainbow Lake via the East Rosebud Trail
3.016 mi / 1600 ft gainAlso known as "The Beaten Path", the East Rosebud Trail is a highly traveled and well maintained trail with amazing views and a handful of lakes along the route. The trail is ultimately 26 miles long and places you near Cooke City. Rainbow Lake is located 7 miles from the trailhead and is a perfe...Read more -
Gallatin Gateway, Montana
Hike to Lava Lake
5.06 mi / 1600 ft gainThe 6 mile round trip to Lava Lake is a steady climb that runs beside Cascade Creek through the Lee Metcalf Wilderness. The trail starts at the Gallatin River and continues upward through dense evergreen forest. There are no confusing intersections but is quite rocky and considered to be moderate...Read more -
Gallatin Gateway, Montana
Hike to Golden Trout Lakes
4.05 mi / 1300 ft gainThe Golden Trout lakes offer a scenic getaway just out of the Gallatin Valley Canyon. To access the trail head, turn east onto Portal Creek Road #984 and continue southeast for 6.8 miles. The road is in rough condition and is better suited for vehicles with a higher clearance. The trail head is e...Read more -
Anaconda, Montana
Backpack the Warren Pass Loop
12 mi / 2000 ft gainOften overlooked due not to its lack of scenery, but rather because of its proximity to both Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness in southwest Montana is a haven for hikers and backpackers seeking a true wilderness experience. Established in 1964, the area strad...Read more -
Gallatin Gateway, Montana
Hike to Garnet Mountain Lookout
5.07.7 mi / 2800 ft gainStarting in Bozeman, travel south of Gallatin Gateway about 5 miles on Hwy 191 and turn left on to Storm Castle Creek Road. Follow this road for about 3.5 miles until the road ends. At this point, there is a decent sized parking area. The trail is open year round with ATV access and also snowmobi...Read more