Big Creek

Southwest of Emigrant, the Big Creek Trail is a great way to explore the heart of the Hyalite-Porcupine-Buffalo Horn Wilderness Study Area. It’s great for both hiking and horse riding, and there are plenty of great campsites sprinkled throughout the area’s numerous wildflower meadows. Several connector trails lead to the stunning Gallatin Crest, and the meadows, creeks, and forests provide great habitat for bears, elk, moose, and more. You can even spend a night on the emerald-green shores of Lake Elsie, if you just can’t get enough of this spectacular corner of southwest Montana. Photo by Steve Anderson