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Trail of the Week
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Episodes
Trail of the WeekRocky Juniper Trail
The Pryor Mountains are one of Montana’s most spectacular places, and the Rocky Juniper Trail is a stunning and seldom-used route through this wild country. It…
Trail of the WeekGunners-Graveyard-Bucket Loop
If you’d like to leave the beaten path behind and get a taste of eastern Montana’s rugged coulee country, try the Gunners-Graveyard-Bucket loop in Makoshika…
Trail of the WeekO'Brien Creek Loop Trail
Please note: to protect wildlife, the O'Brien Creek Loop Trail is CLOSED from December 1 - May 15 every year. If you’re looking for an after-work or moderate…
Trail of the WeekMount Brown
There’s no official trail to the summit of Mount Brown, but it’s easy to string together game trails and old two-tracks to make your way to one of…
Trail of the WeekBarry's Island Trail
It’s not every day that you get to follow a trail once used as a secret route for cattle rustlers, but the Barry’s Island Trail isn’t your everyday hiking…
Trail of the WeekRanger's Delight Trail
Bighorn Canyon is one of Montana’s most spectacular and unexpected locales, and the Ranger’s Delight Trail is one of the best ways to enjoy its singular…
Trail of the WeekStark Mountain Trail
The Stark Mountain Trail is one of those hikes that climbs, climbs, and climbs some more, but the view from the summit makes all the effort worth it. From the…
Trail of the WeekSauerkraut Wall Trail
One of the Lincoln area’s newest trails, the Sauerkraut Wall Trail is a lovely short stroll that winds downhill to a little piece of local history. As you…
Trail of the WeekLost Trail Wildlife Refuge
There are no designated trails in the Lost Trail Wildlife Refuge west of Kalispell, but that just makes it more fun to explore! There are several gated roads…
Trail of the WeekMadison Buffalo Jump
About a half-hour west of Bozeman, Madison Buffalo Jump State Park offers a unique combination of hiking and history. The park is perched on a bluff…
Trail of the WeekKircher Trail
If you’re looking for a short nature walk in the heart of Big Sky, the half-mile Kircher Trail is a wonderful option. Easily accessible from town, this short…
Trail of the WeekSeeley Creek Ski Trails
Looking for new winter adventures? The Seeley Creek Trails are great all year round, but they really come to life when it snows! Volunteers groom this…
Trail of the WeekPhipps Diamond X
Just west of Billings, Phipps Diamond X Park is home to a multitude of trails that snake along one of Billings’ rimrock buttes. From the parking lot, you’ll…
Trail of the WeekHummocks Trail
Named for its uniquely lumpy and rolling topography, the Hummocks Trail is a playful and customizable adventure in the heart of Big Sky’s Town Center. The…
Trail of the WeekKinney Coulee
Though it’s less than a mile long, Makoshika State Park’s Kinney Coulee Trail provides a rugged taste of the badlands that make this part of eastern Montana…
Trail of the WeekCamas Lake Trail
The Camas Lake Trail, just south of Hamilton, is one of the easiest ways to explore the spectacular Bitterroot Mountains. This well-shaded trail climbs…
Trail of the WeekOld Highway 2 Historic Trail
The crowds flock to Kootenai Falls on sunny summer days, but head across the road and you’ll have the Old Highway 2 Historic Trail all to yourself. While you…
Trail of the WeekShane Morigeau: Serving People and Place
In Montana, local politics often have the greatest impact on the management of our public lands and wildlife, how we access essential services, and so many…
Trail of the WeekSlip 'n' Slide Trail
On Yellowstone National Park’s northern edge, the Slip ‘n’ Slide Trail provides great views of the park, the Absaroka Range, and the famed Paradise Valley…
Trail of the WeekOdell Creek
One of only two trails in the Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, the Odell Creek Trail provides a great taste of southwest Montana. At the trailhead…
Trail of the WeekMadison Loop Trail
Solitude can be hard to come by around Big Sky, but the Madison Loop is a wonderful place to have the beauty of Lone Peak all to yourself. From the parking lot…
Trail of the WeekFirst Yellow Mule
If you’re trying to beat Big Sky’s crowds, take a hike along the First Yellow Mule trail. From the popular Ousel Falls trailhead, follow the wide and…
Trail of the WeekBass Creek Trail
The trail to Bass Lake outside Stevensville is a must-do for anyone who wants to visit the craggy peaks of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. The trail starts…
Trail of the WeekDoc Hiatt Trail
The Doc Hiatt Trail is less than a quarter mile long, but this short outing to the pinnacle of Makoshika State Park packs a scenic punch. You’ll gain most of…
Trail of the WeekMile Creek Face
For a taste of the Continental Divide Trail, check out the Mile Creek Face Trail in southwest Montana. Wide-open views and easy walking are the name of the…
Trail of the WeekNorth Pilgrim Creek
In the Little Belt Mountains south of Great Falls, the hike along Pilgrim Creek is a taste of central Montana’s best. From the North Pilgrim Creek Trailhead…
Trail of the WeekCrown Mountain Trail
If you’re looking to add a new backpacking adventure to your bucket list, the Crown Mountain Loop is a prime candidate. Starting on the west side of the…
Trail of the WeekSuce Creek
The Suce Creek Trail is a lovely and less-visited route on the edge of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. It’s at it’s best in the fall, when the aspens glow…
Trail of the WeekVinal Creek
Deep in the Yaak Valley, the Vinal Creek Trail is a one-of-a-kind adventure through northwest Montana’s inland rainforest. The trail follows Vinal Creek…
Trail of the WeekElk Creek Trail
It’s not often that a flat half-mile hike leads you to a stunning waterfall, but the Elk Creek Trail isn’t your usual hike. Starting about 40 minutes west of…
Trail of the WeekSpruce Park
Just south of Essex, the hike to Spruce Park Cabin is a forested adventure along the Middle Fork of the Flathead River. From the Bear Creek Trailhead, head…
Trail of the WeekBadger Cabin
The trail to Badger Cabin captures just how spectacular and wild the Badger-Two Medicine is. From Marias Pass on the southern edge of Glacier National Park…
Trail of the WeekNorth Fork Birch Creek
Tucked away between Choteau and Browning, the North Fork of Birch Creek showcases the incredible geology of the Rocky Mountain Front. As you walk alongside the…
Trail of the WeekCanyon Lake
Just west of Hamilton, the hike to Canyon Lake is a western Montana classic for good reason. After a gradual start, the trail climbs steeply to the lakeshore…
Trail of the WeekCook Mountain Hiking and Riding Area
When you visit Cook Mountain Hiking and Riding Area in southeastern Montana, it’s a good bet that pronghorn, mule deer, and prairie birds will be your only…
Trail of the WeekSheafman Canyon
Climbing into the eastern edge of the Selway Bitterroot Wilderness, the trail to Sheafman Canyon is a tough hike to a pair of idyllic alpine lakes. Once you’ve…
Trail of the WeekGreathouse Peak
The breathtaking views from Greathouse Peak, the highest point of the Big Snowy Mountains, is well worth a journey to central Montana. Starting from the…
Trail of the WeekWhitaker Bridge Rail Trail
East of Missoula, the Whitaker Bridge Rail Trail is an easy stroll along the Blackfoot River. The well-packed gravel trail follows an old railroad grade…
Trail of the WeekTahepia Lake
The Tahepia Lake Trail, in the East Pioneer Mountains, is a great way to get a taste of this rugged and spectacular range. From the trailhead, you’ll follow…
Trail of the WeekSwift Creek Loop Trail
If you’re looking for a quick and accessible stroll outside Whitefish, the Swift Creek Loop Trail might be just the ticket. Part of the impressive Whitefish…
- Trail of the Week
Swift Creek Loop Trail
If you’re looking for a quick and accessible stroll outside Whitefish, the Swift Creek Loop Trail might be just the ticket. Part of the impressive Whitefish…
Trail of the WeekStrawberry Lake
Above the Flathead Valley east of Kalispell, hiking to Strawberry Lake is a lovely way to spend a summer morning or afternoon. The trail switchbacks gently…
Trail of the WeekSt. Marys Peak
The hike to St. Mary’s Peak, outside of Stevensville, is guaranteed to provide stunning views and plenty of alpine scenery. You’ll begin by climbing steadily…
Trail of the WeekPine Creek Lake
Pine Creek Lake might be one of the most popular destinations in the Paradise Valley, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth a visit. The trail starts off by…
Trail of the WeekMeriwether Canyon Trail
If you’ve always wanted to take a boat to the trailhead, the Meriwether Canyon Trail is for you. Beginning on the banks of the Missouri River east of Helena…
Trail of the WeekLolo Peak
If you’re looking for an alpine adventure close to Missoula, the hike up Lolo Peak will fit the bill. It starts off by switchbacking through dense lodgepole…
Trail of the WeekHaystack Mountain Trail
North of Butte, the Haystack Mountain Trail is a shady summer hike perfect for a half-day adventure. The trail leads to the former site of an old lookout…
Trail of the WeekGreathouse Peak
The breathtaking views from Greathouse Peak, the highest point of the Big Snowy Mountains, is well worth a journey to central Montana. Starting from the…
Trail of the WeekEdith Lake/Mount Baldy
If you're looking for a summer adventure, try out this loop hike around Edith Lake and Mount Baldy in central Montana's Big Belt Mountains! Photo by Julie…
Trail of the WeekCrystal Cascades
In the Big Snowy Mountains south of Lewistown, the Crystal Cascades Trail leads you to a cascading waterfall. Starting at the Ice Caves Trailhead, the trail…
Trail of the WeekCyclone Lookout
Right now, Montana's highest peaks are still covered in snow, but that doesn't mean you have to wait to get up high. Cyclone Lookout in the Whitefish Range…
Trail of the WeekBear Track Trail
South of Red Lodge, the Bear Track Trail is a steep and steady climb to the rugged and windswept Silver Run Plateau near the edge of the Absaroka-Beartooth…
Trail of the WeekUpper Layout Creek
The Pryor Mountains - not far from Billings - are home to Montana's only true desert, yet also home to a stunning array of plants and animals. Upper Layout…
Trail of the WeekTwo Eagles Interpretive Trail
Located in the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, the Two Eagles Interpretive Trail is a short, flat, and paved path that winds past thousands of years…
Trail of the WeekThoma Lookout
As one of the easiest and most spectacular hikes in the Whitefish Range, the trip to Thoma Lookout is a can’t-miss summer adventure. You’ll start off by hiking…
Trail of the WeekSouth Fork Hoover Creek
In the Little Belt Mountains south of Great Falls, the South Fork Hoover Creek Loop is a tough and rewarding day hike through old growth forest. To complete…
Trail of the WeekSnowcrest Loop
Northeast of Lima, the Snowcrest Mountains are one of southwest Montana’s lesser-known treasures. The Snowcrest Loop is a long 22-mile day or a moderate…
Trail of the WeekNevada Creek
The Nevada Creek Trail to Nevada Mountain outside Lincoln takes you right down the mighty spine of North America: the Continental Divide. Photo by Sally Kelsey
Trail of the WeekMonument Ridge Trail
South of Great Falls and northeast of Helena, the hike from Monument Ridge to Deep Creek takes you past wildflowers, flowing streams, huckleberries, and a…
Trail of the WeekLostwater Canyon
Deep in the Pryor Mountains south of Billings, Lostwater Canyon is a spectacular adventure packed with rugged limestone cliffs and dramatic views from the…