Shows / Trail of the Week
Trail of the Week
Sign up to get the Trail of the Week texted to you every week at wildmontana.org/podcast
Episodes
Trail of the WeekTaylor Peak
The hike to Taylor Peak climbs, climbs, and climbs some more, but the views make all the hard work worth it! This little-known trail starts in the Bull River…
Trail of the WeekChalk Buttes
South of Ekalaka, the Chalk Buttes are a series of spectacular white sandstone cliffs studded with ponderosa pina. The Buttes shoot up hundreds of feet out of…
Trail of the WeekNevada Mountain
The hike to Nevada Mountain, northwest of Helena, is an opportunity to experience the majesty of the Continental Divide. You’ll meander through open meadows…
Trail of the WeekFrenchman Breaks
The Frenchman Breaks, north of Malta, serve up gorgeous sweeping views of the Hi-Line. There aren’t any trails in this wild area of rugged river breaks and…
Trail of the WeekBirch Lake
Birch Lake, in the Jewel Basin east of Kalispell, has it all. This moderate trail will lead you past grand vistas, abundant huckleberries, and if you’re lucky…
Trail of the WeekTeepee Creek
Tucked against the border of Yellowstone National Park south of Big Sky, Teepee Creek Trail is a wonderful three-season excursion. The trail meanders through…
Trail of the WeekCap Rock Trail
In Makoshika State Park near Glendive, the Cap Rock Trail brings you to one of the largest natural sandstone bridges in this unique landscape. On the way…
Trail of the WeekStanton Lake
If you want maximum views for minimum effort, you can’t do much better than Stanton Lake. Hidden in the Great Bear Wilderness south of Glacier National Park…
Trail of the WeekHomestake Pass
Starting just off of Interstate 90 south of Butte, the Homestake Pass section of the Continental Divide Trail is a casual hike through a wonderland of unusual…
Trail of the WeekHall Creek Trail
The Hall Creek trail, in the Badger-Two Medicine, takes you past stands of quaking aspen, through meadows full of colorful wildflowers, and over crystal-clear…
Trail of the WeekBrandon Butte
The hike up Brandon Butte, in the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge south of Malta, is a great way to get big views of the Missouri River and Fort…
Trail of the WeekCrooked Creek
The Pryor Mountains south of Billings are famed for being Montana’s only red-rock desert, but the hike to Crooked Creek is a lush surprise. The creek flows…
Trail of the WeekBuffalo Horn
Starting from Gallatin Canyon south of Big Sky, the Buffalo Horn Trail meanders through thick forest, along shimmering creeks, and up to high alpine meadows…
Trail of the WeekArrastra Creek
The hike along the Arrastra Creek Trail, on the boundary of the Scapegoat Wilderness Area, is a welcome break from the heat of summer. From its start in…
Trail of the WeekTerry Badlands
The colorful buttes and natural bridges of the Terry Badlands Wilderness Study Area are just off I-94, near Terry. It's a bit of a bumpy ride to get there, but…
Trail of the WeekWolverine Lakes
A stone’s throw from the Canadian border, the Ten Lakes Wilderness Study Area is home to the spectacular spectacular Wolverine Lakes. A steady but short climb…
Trail of the WeekCastle Rock
Nestled against the Idaho border in the Blue Joint Wilderness Study Area, Castle Rock is a rocky fortress that offers unbeatable views across western Montana…
Trail of the WeekWindy Pass
If you’re looking for sweeping views of southwest Montana, you can’t do much better than Windy Pass on the Gallatin Crest. Starting from the Portal Creek…
Trail of the WeekNevada Creek
You likely won’t see many other hikers on the Nevada Creek Trail, a little-known hike tucked away between Lincoln and Helena. The trail starts by following a…
Trail of the WeekMcCabe Creek
Hike along McCabe Creek in the fall and you’ll be treated to bursts of color from the aspen, larch, and willows that line the creek. There’s a good chance…
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 WeekBuffalo Horn Pass
This summer, while the crowds flock to Yellowstone National Park, try hiking to Buffalo Horn Pass on the park’s northern border. You’ll avoid the hordes of…
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 WeekBridge Coulee WSA
A hike through the Bridge Coulee Wilderness Study Area provides a glimpse into the wild heart of Montana. The well-traveled ridgetop trail provides great views…
Trail of the WeekLostwater Canyon
Deep in the Pryor Mountains south of Billings, Lost Water Canyon is a spectacular adventure packed with rugged limestone cliffs and dramatic views from the…
Trail of the WeekMount Aeneas
Northeast of Bigfork, Mt. Aeneas is the highest point in the Flathead Range and sits atop Jewel Basin, home to a stunning collection of sapphire lakes…
Trail of the WeekHobnail Tom Trail
Named for a legendary outfitter, the Hobnail Tom Trail is tucked against the southern border of the Scapegoat Wilderness north of Lincoln, the trail follows…
Trail of the WeekHeart Lake
A day trip from Missoula or Superior, Heart Lake is a popular summer destination in the Great Burn Proposed Wilderness. This 2.5 mile hike follows the South…
Trail of the WeekDunham Creek
Just north of Ovando and not far from Missoula, a walk along Dunham Creek makes for a great spring stroll. You'll cross a waterfall along the way, have a…
Trail of the WeekCave Ridge
Looking for an early season hike? Head to the Pryors and check out Cave Ridge. As long as the roads are dry, it isn't hard to get to - just a bit south of…
Trail of the WeekCapitol Rock
Far from Helena, and even farther from D.C., the iconic dome-shaped Capitol Rock in eastern Montana is a great place to catch a summer sunset.
Trail of the WeekProspect Peak
Just east of Great Falls, the Highwood Mountains make for a great weekend destination. This trail brings you up to Prospect Peak, where you'll have views of…
Trail of the WeekBear Canyon
Ready? Set? Go! It's time for an eastern Montana adventure. This ridge hike in the Pryor Mountains, just south of Billings, will certainly be a highlight of…
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 WeekCastle Rock
Castle Rock is a rocky fortress on the spine of the Blue Joint Wilderness Study Area. Just south of Hamilton, it's easy to access from Missoula or the Big…
Trail of the WeekItalian Peaks
You don't have to go to Italy to get a taste of the Dolomites. Just head south of Dillon and west into the Italian Peaks. Go for a day trip, or bring your tent…
Trail of the WeekChalk Buttes
Spring is the perfect time for a road trip. While you're waiting for the western mountains to thaw out, eastern Montana is in its prime. Be sure your itinerary…
Trail of the WeekMount Brown
Just a stone's throw from Canada, Mount Brown is a high point in the Sweetgrass Hills along the Hi-Line. Go in spring, when the lush green prairie grasses…
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 WeekMunson Creek
Munson Creek is a wonderful shoulder season hike. It's accessible right from Highway 200 near Plains and Thompson Falls, so you don't have to worry about…
Trail of the WeekRock Creek Canyon
Northeast of Malta, Rock Creek Canyon is a hidden gem an the Hi-Line. Go early in the year for spring birds, green prairie grasses, and colorful canyons.
Trail of the WeekTimber Creek
The Big Snowy Mountains, one of Montana's unique Island Ranges, are full of surprises. Enjoy this hike up Timber Creek into the Big Snowy Wilderness Study…
Trail of the WeekLewis And Clark Pass
Already dreaming of spring? Here's one to add to the calendar. This is a fantastic early season hike, and is accessible as soon as the snow begins to thaw. You…
Trail of the WeekRinging Rocks
What?!? Ringing Rocks?!? Yes, it's true. This week's trail is a truly unique trail right near Butte. If you don't believe it, go see - and listen - for…
Trail of the WeekPalisades Trail
Here's a gem near Red Lodge, a fabulous winter getaway. This little taste of the Beartooths will have you coming back for more.
Trail of the WeekFour Dances Natural Area
Right next to Billings, the Four Dances Natural Area is a beautiful cliffside retreat with views over the Yellowstone River. It makes for a great destination…
Trail of the WeekDevil's Glen
If you haven't been to Devil's Glen, this magical little canyon makes for a great winter trip. It's an easy snowshoe or XC ski into the canyon, where the red…
Trail of the WeekRoss Creek Cedars
This adventure is perfect for these darkest, quietest days of the year. Ross Creek Cedars are in the southern Cabinet Mountains on the Kootenai National…
Trail of the WeekBitter Creek WSA
North of Glasgow, you have the chance to stroll through 60,000 acres grasslands and badlands in Bitter Creek Wilderness Study Area. It's a prairie wonderland…
Trail of the WeekCottonwood Lake
Here's a trail to add to your summer "to hike" list. It brings you to a beautiful lake in the Crazy Mountains, one of Montana's most stunning mountain ranges.
Trail of the WeekContinental Divide Trail South From Rogers Pass
The Continental Divide Trail runs 3,100 miles from Mexico to Canada, with nearly 1/3 of that distance in Montana. Even in winter, you can access the CDT where…
Trail of the WeekCarpp Lakes Loop
It's not every day you find a loop trail with such great scenery. This hike takes you into the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness, one of the first Wilderness areas…
Trail of the WeekTerry Badlands
The colorful buttes and natural bridges of the Terry Badlands Wilderness Study Area are just off I-94 east of Billings. It's a bit of a bumpy ride to get…
Trail of the WeekCow Creek WSA
Cow Creek Wilderness Study Area in the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument is a perfect place to wander through badlands, coulees, and prairie.
Trail of the WeekUpper Miner Lake
4 miles long with 800 feet of elevation gain, the hike to Upper Miner Lake is a family-friendly outing in the West Big Hole, accessible from Butte, Dillon, and…
Trail of the WeekCowboy Heaven
On the west side of the Madison Range outside Ennis, the meadows of Cowboy Heaven offers big views of the Madison Valley without gaining a ton of elevation.
Trail of the WeekBear - Baree Loop
The Bear-Baree Loop heads into the wild Cabinet Mountains in northwest Montana through old-growth forest and past shimmering lakes.
Trail of the WeekTrout Creek Canyon
The towering limestone walls of Trout Creek Canyon make this family-friendly hike outside of Helena a must.
Trail of the WeekBluebird Lake
Head up to far northwest Montana for a glimpse of Bluebird Lake, a little-known gem in the Ten Lakes Wilderness Study Area.