Being the fourth largest state in the US, Montana is famous for its mountains and natural beauty. ‘Montana’ is a Spanish name that means ‘Mountains.’ Due to its limited population, this state has a lot of space left for hiking-based explorations. Most hikers are attracted to ‘Glacier National Park,’ which contains some of the best hikes in the state. Apart from mountains, this state is also known for its rich wildlife. Hiking in Montana carries the risk of human-animal conflict. Before hiking in Montana, one should have bear spray, insect repellent, a small first aid kit, a whistle, rain gear, high-energy food, and plenty of water.
The Highline trail is among the most popular hikes in the Glacier National Park of Montana. With little elevation and mesmerizing views, this hike gives a fulfilling experience to every traveler. The trail is ideal for camping, backpacking, and hiking. While traveling, the hikers get to see wildlife, wildflowers, beautiful glaciers, and forest views. The hike on this trail would always be enjoyable as the hikers can easily find companions on the way. It is advisable to keep your dogs at home before embarking on this wonderful trip.
Length: About 11.8 miles (out and back)
Difficulty: Hard
Best time to visit: Summer (June to October)
Hiking in the Jewel Basin Area is an intriguing activity in Montana. Created especially for hiking and camping, this place is a 30-minute drive away from downtown Kalispell. Studded with 27 alpine lakes, Jewel Basin is famous for high-mountain lake fishing. This 3-4 hours trip is full of adventures like backpacking, campfires, fishing, and wildlife viewing. People are allowed to go hiking in pairs or groups. The maximum group size allowed is 12. Dogs are permitted on this trail but should be on a leash.
Length: About 35 miles
Difficulty: Easy to strenuous (depends on the route chosen)
Best time to visit: July and August
Located near the Big Sky of Montana, the Beehive Basin trail offers a memorable hiking experience. With an elevation gain of 1500 feet, this U-shaped glacial cirque with a crystal clear lake offers breathtaking views of mountains, lone peaks, wildflowers, and wildlife.
Length: About6.6 miles (out and back)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to visit: May through October
Avalanche Lake trail is another spectacular hiking place in Glacier National Park. It is a loop hike – starts and ends at the same point – along the Going-To-The-Sun road. The western segment of the loop is shorter. At the same time, the eastern part covers the Lake McDonald Valley and a forest of old western hemlocks and red cedar. After crossing the forest, the hikers reach Avalanche Lake, where some stunning cascading waterfalls would captivate them. Dogs are welcome on this half-day trip but should be on a leash.
Length: About 6 miles (out and back)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to visit: June through October
The Bitterroot National Forest trails provide many opportunities for backpacking, mountain climbing, horse riding, and wildlife photography. Some of the well-known trails of this forest are Blodgett Canyon Overlook Trail, Blodgett Canyon to the waterfall, Sweathouse falls, Saint Mary Peak trail, Lake Como loop trail, Bass Creek trail, and Bear Creek trail, among others. This is a must-visit place for hiking in Montana.
The 1347 feet long Valencia Peak is one of the highest summits in Montaña de Oro State Park of California. The astounding views from this summit include 100 miles of coastline, California Central Coast, bluffs, canyons, rugged hills, and the park’s signature eucalyptus groves. The coastal climate of this region makes hiking possible any time of the year. Taking dogs on this trail is not permitted.
Length: About4.5 miles (out and back)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to visit: All year round
Located in a forested, rural environment, the Lion Mountain trail has rolling terrains and multiple short climbs. This place is ideal for mountain biking. One of the favorite hiking destinations of every nature lover, the Lion Mountain trail is only a small part of the 42-mile Whitefish trail. Dogs are allowed to accompany travelers and can be off-leash in some areas.
Length: About 2.61 miles (loop)
Difficulty: Easy
Best time to visit: May through September
Located in Rattlesnake National Recreation Area, the Stuart Peak trail is an adventurous journey for experienced hikers. With an elevation of 4500 feet, this is a nine-hour-long trail. This quiet place is ideal for recreational activities like mountain biking and horseback riding. Dogs are allowed on this trip and can be off-leash as well.
Length: About18.5 miles (out and back)
Difficulty: Hard
Best time to visit: June through September
The trails in Spanish Peak country have something to offer to all types of hikers. Whether you are a baby boomer or an expert, this trail can give you an unforgettable hiking experience. Located in south-central Colorado, the Spanish Peaks offer spectacular views of mountain ranges. Dogs are welcome on this trail but should be on a leash.
Length: About 7.9 miles (out and back)
Difficulty: Hard
Best time to visit: May through October
Spread over 1,062,694 acres, the forest department manages the Bob Marshal Wilderness. The Bob Marshal Wilderness has many trail options for hikers to choose from. The most popular ones are the Chinese Wall Trail, George Lake, Sun River West Fork, Patrol Mountains, Mud Lake Mountain trail, etc. The routes here are rugged and remote. Hiking here can sometimes be unpredictable, so one should be better prepared. Dogs are allowed here, but they should be able to walk long distances.
Length: About 1,100 miles (total area)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to visit: June through October
If you want to get the majestic bird’s eye view of Las Vegas, then the peak of Lone Mountain is the place to go. This short hike is a favorite workout place for locals. This is a mostly flat and frequently paved area. It is accessible to visitors throughout the year. People can bring their puppies but must keep them on leashes.
Length: About 2.2 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to visit: All year round
The zigzag trail of Mount Sentinel in Missoula is situated above the University of Montana campus. This short trail is the most visited hiking destination in Montana. The hikers traveling through the switchbacks and reaching the summit can see the incredible bird’s eye view of the valleys. Dogs are allowed but should be on a leash.
Length: About 1.2 miles (out and back)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to visit: March through November
Situated inside Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, the Black Canyon Lake is a picturesque glacial lake in the Beartooth Mountains in Montana. It is an 80-mile trail that covers the Sonoran Desert landscape, including saguaro forests and rugged canyons. This trail is challenging for mountain bikers because of numerous elevation changes, rough, unstable rocks and soil, various trial grades, and harsh desert climates. Dogs are allowed to be off-leash in this place.
Length: About 13.2 miles (out and back)
Difficulty: Hard
Best time to visit: May through September
The Boulder Pass trail offers a premium overnight hiking experience in Glacier National Park. The hikers can see the breathtaking views of the surrounding wild and remote areas while traveling. Dogs are not allowed on this trail.
Length: About 29.3 miles (point to point)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to visit: March through October
Found in Whitefish, hiking in Danny on Memorial trail is challenging due to its steep elevation. Still, for getting the fabulous panoramic view of the Big Sky, it is worth trying. Ski lifts (down or up) are available in summer. Dogs can be off-leash in this area.
Length: About 8.6 miles (out and back)
Difficulty: Hard
Best time to visit: March through September
Located near Siyeh Bend, Montana, in Glacier National Park, the Grinnell Glacier trail offers outstanding views of forest areas, wildflowers, lakes, and rushing river scenery. With an elevation gain of over 2100 feet, this hike would take about 5 hours and 5 minutes to complete. Dogs are not allowed on this hike.
Length: About 11.2 miles (out and back)
Difficulty: Hard
Best time to visit: August through October
Hiking on the north side of Lake Como is a beautiful pastime that offers spectacular views of wildflowers, osprey, and Como peaks. A marvelous waterfall at the junction of the trail adds to the site’s beauty. This place is open to mountain biking and hiking. Dogs should be kept on a leash.
Length: About 7.9 miles (loop)
Difficulty: Easy
Best time to visit: June through November
This short and highly paved trail is just 10 minutes away from Bozeman. Known to be beginner-friendly, Palisade Falls trail is visited mainly by families and kids, who can spend quality time at the picnic tables at the trailhead. Standing 4446 feet tall, the Palisade Falls offer a wonderful waterfall experience to visitors. Spring is the best season to visit this place because increased rainfall and snowmelt make the falls even more beautiful. Dogs are allowed on this trail but should be on a leash.
Length: About 1.1 miles (out and back)
Difficulty: Easy
Best time to visit: May through October
One of the major attractions of Montana’s Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex is the massive limestone outcropping known as the Chinese Wall. Standing over 1000 feet tall, this massive escarpment is an impressive sight to behold. The hike is challenging and time-consuming, but the experience of visiting the Chinese Walls is worth the effort. Dogs can accompany travelers but should be on a leash.
Length: About 53.5 miles (point to point)
Difficulty: Hard
Best time to visit: July through September
Hiking on the Ousel Falls trail is a good option for beginners. With an elevation gain of 177 feet, this short hike of 1-2 miles can be completed within half an hour. This trail contains two waterfalls, which are the major attractions of this trail. The hikers are required to cross three bridges before reaching the waterfalls. Dogs are allowed to run free without leashes in some areas.
Length: About 1.7 miles (out and back)
Difficulty: Easy
Best time to visit: May through October
TOP PICKS
Best Waterfall Hikes: Ousel Falls Trail, Palisade Falls Trail, Redrock Falls Trail
Best Fall Hikes: Mount Sentinel, Blodgett Canyon, Holland Falls Nature Trail
Best Winter Hikes: Beehive Basin, Bear Creek, Lava Lake
Best Day Hikes: Avalanche Lake, Grinnell Glacier, Highline Trail
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