Top Things to do in Montana
Top Hotels in Montana
- 1. Kelly Inn-West Yellowstone
- 2. Best Western Plus Grant Creek Inn
- 3. Hampton Inn & Suites Whitefish
- 4. Country Inn & Suites By Radisson
- 5. The LARK Bozeman
- 6. Lodge at Whitefish Lake
- 7. Best Western Rocky Mountain Lodge
- 8. Explorer Cabins At Yellowstone
- 9. Gray Wolf Inn and Suites
- 10. Best Western Desert Inn
The 10 Best Hiking Trails in Montana, United States
No matter where you look in Montana, you’ll find unspoiled nature, charming small towns and relaxing hospitality. Explore Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks, then hit the road to discover more natural wonders. You can hike, bike or horseback ride through rugged mountain landscapes, fly-fish blue ribbon trout streams, paddle scenic rivers and lakes, or spend winter days carving fresh powder at ski resorts — then end your day wandering a vibrant main street or relaxing in a cozy lodge.
Restaurants in Montana
1. Mount Helena
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 145 reviews
Mountain good for hiking, biking, fishing and viewing wildlife.
Reviewed By paulapJ6772GE
Helena is the only city in the US that has a mountain top for a city park. The activities abound. (I should know—I live on the border of the park and have a ringside seat.) People walk their dogs. Trail bikers whiz by. There are hikers galore on the many trails that lead to the top of the mountain or under the wonderful rock formation. My daughter hikes up and down whenever she comes to visit. I should add that there are are variety of trails for the easy to the challenging.
2. Highline Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 509 reviews
A popular hiking trail with phenomenal views.
Reviewed By BigtimeAllthetime
With Grinnell Glacier access restricted (Covid), we accessed via the Highline trail (Logan Pass visitor center), climbed to the Grinnell Overlook (via Garden Wall trail), and returned via the Loop trail (to the Loop parking lot for pickup). Highly recommend this route as Highline going back out is not only longer but harder and the loop is mostly downhill. The views on Highline after rain yesterday were amazing and perfectly clear. We saw a group of mountain goats, multiple bighorn sheep (on the trail), and a few marmot. The climb to the glacier was tough but definitely worth it. Recommend continuing climb to the saddle (see recording) to see all four lakes at the bottom rather than just looking into the glacier. Exiting via the Loop trail was great as it was mostly downhill. Would definitely do this again and highly recommend if wanting to see the glacier.
3. Grinnell Glacier
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 651 reviews
A large glacier offering 300 acres of beauty.
Reviewed By BigtimeAllthetime
With Grinnell Glacier access restricted (Covid), we accessed via the Highline trail (Logan Pass visitor center), climbed to the Grinnell Overlook (via Garden Wall trail), and returned via the Loop trail (to the Loop parking lot for pickup). Highly recommend this route as Highline going back out is not only longer but harder and the loop is mostly downhill. The views on Highline after rain yesterday were amazing and perfectly clear. We saw a group of mountain goats, multiple bighorn sheep (on the trail), and a few marmot. The climb to the glacier was tough but definitely worth it. Recommend continuing climb to the saddle (see recording) to see all four lakes at the bottom rather than just looking into the glacier. Exiting via the Loop trail was great as it was mostly downhill. Would definitely do this again and highly recommend if wanting to see the glacier.
4. Swiftcurrent Falls
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 304 reviews
A scenic lake.
Reviewed By roamawaywithus - Bismarck, United States
A super pretty area to stop and check out the lodge, history, eat, or take a boat tour! We took a boat tour and hike to upper Grinnell Lake & Grinnell Glacier it was truly an unbelievable trip. The boat staff was very knowledgeable and more than accommodating. The lodge was a perfect place to eat and rest and just take in the views of the Lake!!!
5. Iceberg Lake Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 470 reviews
Hikers often wear bells and strike up loud conversations, so as not to startle the bears on this back country trail.
Reviewed By DRT135 - St. Marys, United States
We joined one of the park rangers for this hike who was very good guide. We learned about the plants along the trail as well as about the animals living in the area. The hike up was pleasant and Iceberg Lake reflects the changes in our climate. On our hike down we had rain, wind, hail and wintery mix so definitely plan to have layers of clothes as well as a good rain jacket and hat.
6. Rattlesnake National Recreation Area
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 107 reviews
An all-season recreation area, this wilderness region is designated to promote the watershed, recreational, wildlife and educational values of the land.
Reviewed By EJS50 - Southborough, United States
We had a wonderful 5-6 miles walk through the woods and field, lunching at an overlook over Missoula. The drive to the Sawmill Gulch Trailhead was very easy.
7. Artist Point
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,292 reviews
Reviewed By Tommy599 - Two Rivers, United States
We crossed Chittenden bridge across the Yellowstone river; stopping first at Uncle Toms to view the smaller upper Falls, then on to Artist Point to view the MAGNIFICENT lower falls and the unbelievable colors of the canyon. It is IMPOSSIBLE to describe the majesty of this waterfall and canyon colors, so we will not even try,
8. Kootenai Creek Trail
9. Ousel Falls Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 506 reviews
Reviewed By 423MichelleM423 - Orlando, United States
This was an easy hike through beautiful mountain scenery. The snow made for a gorgeous backdrop for our walk to the falls. The frozen falls are just beautiful! There is ample parking and the path is cleared even in winter. Would absolutely recommend this for anyone looking for a beautiful walk/hike while in Big Sky!
10. Jewel Basin Hiking Area
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By CATTSAR - Provincetown, United States
With tens of thousands of acres and dozens of trails this is a hikers paradise. Located east of Kalispell, and past the Hungry Horse Dam, access in the winter becomes considerably more restricted. The use of a four wheel drive made this trip possible. We drove in about 8 miles or so on the west side of the dam to Jimmy Trail. The trail is fairly strenuous and the calf deep snow added to that. The trail ascends steeply in numerous places with almost no flat or plateau areas. The views through the trees are breathtaking and it was well worth the effort. This is a remote area and precautions are necessary. Bring supplies and at least bear spray, as bears, mountain lions and bobcats are present. Our hike was about three miles out and back. This time of year there is almost no vehicular or pedestrian traffic, though snow mobiles could be heard in the distance. On a sadder note the beetles have done an enormous amount of damage to the trees. So much more to do.
