Trail of the Week

Hollowtop Lake by Wild Montana

Billings Water Tower Loop by Wild Montana

Pattee Canyon by Wild Montana

Alice Creek by Wild Montana

Collar Peak Loop by Wild Montana

Madison Buffalo Jump by Wild Montana

Hiker’s Haven by Wild Montana

Castle Rock Lake by Wild Montana

Wayfarers State Park by Wild Montana

Trout Creek Canyon by Wild Montana

West Fork of Rock Creek by Wild Montana

Maclay Flats Nature Trail by Wild Montana

Palisade Falls by Wild Montana

Gibraltar Ridge by Wild Montana

Kings Hill Pass by Wild Montana

Broken Leg by Wild Montana

Grizzly Creek by Wild Montana

Falls Creek by Wild Montana

Echo Lake XC Ski Trails by Wild Montana

Ross Creek Cedars by Wild Montana

Bluebird Preserve by Wild Montana

Silver Crest Winter Recreation Area by Wild Montana

Round Meadows XC Ski Area by Wild Montana

Four Dances Recreation Area by Wild Montana

Kootenai Creek Trail by Wild Montana

Thompson Park by Wild Montana

Pirogue Island State Park by Wild Montana

Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park by Wild Montana

Finger Lake by Wild Montana

Ross Pass by Wild Montana

Tally Lake Overlook by Wild Montana

Big Horn Peak from Black Butte by Wild Montana

Illinois Peak by Wild Montana

Corbly Gulch by Wild Montana

Mystic Lake by Wild Montana

Bear Canyon by Wild Montana

Colorado Mountain by Wild Montana

Nez Perce by Wild Montana

Battle Ridge by Wild Montana

Glen Lake by Wild Montana

Rising above the rolling ridges of the Elkhorns, Casey Peak delivers big views. Starting at the Casey Meadows Trailhead, this 10-mile hike climbs steadily through aspen groves, several creek crossings, and open ridgelines. At the summit, you’re rewarded with panoramic vistas stretching from the Helena Valley to Elkhorn Peak to the south. Expect solitude, scenery, and a classic Montana alpine adventure. To learn more about Casey Peak, hikes across the state, and Wild Montana’s work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org.

This challenging 7-mile loop climbs steeply through pine forest and alpine meadows before emerging onto the windswept expanse of the Silver Run Plateau. With expansive views, wildflower-filled basins, and a chance to spot mountain goats, this route showcases the raw beauty of the Beartooths. Best tackled mid-summer to fall, it’s a rewarding adventure for experienced hikers craving high-country solitude. To learn more about Ingles Creek–Silver Run, hikes across the state, and Wild Montana’s work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org.

Cliff Creek Trail offers a peaceful escape into the Gallatin Range, winding through lodgepole forests, wildflower-filled meadows, and along a tumbling creek. This out-and-back hike delivers big views with a gentle climb, making it a great pick for a day hike or beginner backpacking trip. Wild Montana’s Madison-Gallatin Chapter has helped maintain this trail since 2018, ensuring continued public access to the Gallatin Crest. To learn more about Cliff Creek Trail, hikes across the state, and Wild Montana’s work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org.

Tucked deep in the Great Burn, the North Fork Fish Creek Trail winds through lush cedar forest, meadows bursting with wildflowers, and alongside a crystal-clear creek. With gentle grades and plenty of solitude, it’s perfect for a quiet hike, fly-fishing escape, or intro to backpacking if you want to venture deeper into the Great Burn proposed Wilderness. Keep an eye out for wildlife in this remote corner of western Montana. To learn more about North Fork Fish Creek Trail, hikes across the state, and Wild Montana’s work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org.

Winding through limestone canyons, dense forests, and wildflower-strewn meadows, the hike through the Middle Fork Judith Wilderness Study Area offers quiet beauty in the Little Belts. This out-and-back hike follows the crystal-clear river past cliffs and swimming holes, with chances to spot elk, black bears, and soaring hawks. See firsthand the river restoration work that was completed in recent years in this treasured landscape. To learn more about Middle Fork Judith, hikes across the state, and Wild Montana’s work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org.

This 12-mile hike climbs steadily along a creek, passing waterfalls, wildflower meadows, and dramatic granite cliffs. The payoff? A pristine alpine lake cradled beneath towering peaks in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. Keep your camera ready — mountain goats, moose, and pika are frequent trail companions. Ideal for a long day hike or peaceful overnight, this gem is a backcountry classic. To learn more about Lake Fork Trail, hikes across the state, and Wild Montana’s work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org.

Following the banks of the Missouri River, this short out-and-back hike offers stunning canyon views and peaceful riverside walking. The Beaver Creek Trail winds through rocky outcrops and cottonwood groves, with opportunities to spot bald eagles, deer, and other wildlife. Just north of Helena, it’s a serene, family-friendly hike with gentle elevation — perfect for spring wildflowers or a quiet fall stroll along Montana’s storied waters. To learn more about Beaver Creek Trail, hikes across the state, and Wild Montana’s work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org.

Mill Creek Trail is a scenic 10-mile hike nestled in the Bitterroot Mountains near Hamilton. The trail follows a creek through a breathtaking canyon in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, featuring cascading waterfalls just 3.5 miles into your hike, rugged cliffs, and towering pines lining the way. Ideal for hiking, fishing, or trail running, it offers year-round beauty and a good chance to spot wildlife. To learn more about Mill Creek Trail, hikes across the state, and Wild Montana’s work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org.

Climb into the heart of the Highwoods on the Center Ridge Trail, a 6-mile hike that rewards with sweeping views and solitude. Wind through aspen groves, grassy ridgelines, and patches of lodgepole pine. Keep an eye out for elk, wildflowers, and panoramic vistas of central Montana’s island ranges. A local favorite for a peaceful day hike with a big sky payoff. To learn more about the Highwood Mountains, hikes across the state, and Wild Montana’s work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org.

Only accessible by boat, Wild Horse Island in Flathead Lake features a small trail system with big views. Beginning at Skeeko Bay boat landing, hike along the lakeshore and then through old-growth Ponderosa pine while keeping a close eye on your surroundings. Wildlife abounds at this state park! You’re likely to see bighorn sheep, songbirds, bald eagles – and if you’re lucky, maybe even the handful of remaining wild horses for which the island is named. To learn more about Wild Horse Island State Park, hikes across the state, and Wild Montana’s work protecting wild places, visit hikewildmontana.org