The best walks and hikes in Montana

Montana is bear country, particularly in the western part of the state. It's essential to be bear-aware. Hike in groups, make noise on the trail to avoid surprising a bear, and carry bear spray and know how to use it. Store all food and scented items in bear-resistant containers or bags. For more detailed safety guidelines, especially when hiking in national parks, it's a good idea to check official resources like the National Park Service.

Yes, Montana has numerous options for families and beginners. You can find everything from accessible nature trails to shorter hikes with minimal elevation gain. For an easy walk with impressive scenery, consider the Redrock Falls via Swiftcurrent Pass Trail, which is a relatively flat 3.7-mile (6 km) route leading to a beautiful series of cascades.

Dog-friendliness varies greatly depending on where you hike. While dogs are welcome on leash in most national forests and state parks, they are generally not permitted on trails in Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks. Always check the specific regulations for the trail you plan to hike beforehand. Many trails in areas like the Custer Gallatin National Forest are popular with dog owners.

Montana's mountainous terrain creates many opportunities to hike to waterfalls. Besides the popular Ousel Falls, another excellent choice is the hike to St. Mary and Virginia Falls in Glacier National Park. This 3.1-mile (5 km) trail showcases two of the park's most impressive waterfalls.

The prime hiking season is typically from July through September when most trails, especially at high elevations, are snow-free and the weather is generally favorable. Spring can be muddy with lingering snow, while fall offers beautiful colors but also a shorter window of daylight and the possibility of early snowstorms. Winter hiking is also popular, but requires specialized gear like snowshoes or microspikes.

Absolutely. Montana is a premier destination for backpacking. For a truly strenuous and rewarding adventure, the Highline Trail and Garden Wall Trail offers a nearly 15.5-mile (25 km) route with significant elevation gain and breathtaking views along the Continental Divide. The Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness also offers extensive networks for multi-day trips.

Weather in the mountains can change rapidly, so layering is key. Always bring a waterproof jacket, extra layers, and sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen). Pack more water and food than you think you'll need. A map, compass or GPS device, and a first-aid kit are essential. Given the wildlife, carrying bear spray is strongly recommended for most trails.

Montana offers several world-class hiking destinations. Glacier National Park is a major highlight, known for its dramatic peaks and over 700 miles of trails. The Flathead National Forest is another vast, popular area offering a slightly quieter alternative with thousands of miles of trails.

For a different experience, the Ross Creek Cedars Scenic Area provides an easy, accessible loop through a grove of ancient, giant trees, which is a highly-regarded local favorite.

Yes, hiking to a pristine alpine lake is a classic Montana experience. A great moderate option is the Lava Lake Trail in the Lee Metcalf Wilderness. This 5.5-mile (8.8 km) out-and-back trail involves a steady climb through the forest before opening up to a beautiful mountain lake.

Both offer incredible hiking, but with different characteristics. Glacier National Park is defined by its dramatic, steep, glacier-carved terrain, with many trails leading to high alpine vistas and lakes. Yellowstone National Park, with a larger portion in Wyoming, features unique geothermal landscapes like geysers and hot springs, alongside wildlife-rich valleys and canyons. The hiking in Yellowstone is often focused on these unique geological features and wildlife viewing opportunities.

The trails in Montana are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars. Hikers frequently praise the stunning alpine scenery, the pristine condition of the lakes and forests, and the sheer variety of trails available, from gentle walks to challenging mountain ascents.

Yes, but you'll need to choose a strenuous route in Glacier National Park. While the park's glaciers are receding, trails like the one to Iceberg Lake lead you to a lake that often has icebergs floating in it well into the summer, calved from the cliffs above. This nearly 10-mile (16 km) hike offers a chance to see this unique landscape up close.