Pilgrim Creek

Get away from the hot summer sun by enjoying a shady hike along Pilgrim Creek in the Little Belt Mountains. After leaving the trailhead, you’ll walk through an open and needle-carpeted stand of ponderosa pine. Limestone cliffs tower above the treetops, providing a welcome respite from the midsummer heat, and a handful of small creek crossings ensure that your mind can’t wander too far. The trail climbs past small cascading waterfalls before winding its way through a sun-dappled forest of conifer, aspen, cottonwood, and alder. At the junction, head back to the trailhead or continue exploring the cool creek bottom. Photo by Tim Faber