Top 10 Geologic Formations in Montana, United States

December 23, 2021 Vergie Nakamoto

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. Grinnell Glacier

Glacier National Park, MT http://nps.gov
Excellent
91%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
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0%
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5.0 based on 651 reviews

Grinnell Glacier

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.

2. Citadel Rock

Fort Benton, MT
Excellent
100%
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0%
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

A large rock located on the Missouri River.

3. White Cliffs

Fort Benton, MT
Excellent
87%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 15 reviews

White Cliffs

Offers great views and hiking trails.

4. Big Drift

Area along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, Glacier National Park, MT
Excellent
100%
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Big Drift

5. Shoshone Geyser Basin

Yellowstone National Park, WY
Excellent
100%
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

Shoshone Geyser Basin

Reviewed By TractorDoc76 - Ashland, United States

I made a solo hike to the Shoshone Geyser Basin in mid September 2019. Round trip is roughly 20 miles but at least the elevation change was minimal. Make sure to leave early and know your hiking distance/ability before departing. First couple of miles follow an abandoned road along the Firehole River. The road leads you to Lonestar Geyser -- a destination worth seeing by itself. Beyond Lonestar the next mile or two switched between woods and views of open meadows. Several small hot springs/thermal features are not far from the trail. Backcountry campsites are located along the trail for overnighters. Soon you hike up into the woods for a couple miles and cross over the continental divide (unmarked). Not the most scenic part of the hike but some interesting rock formations surround you -- perfect place for a mountain lion to hide but luckily none were out on my day. :) Eventually you pass the junction with the Bechler River Trail and not long after pop out of the woods to follow the rather pleasant scenery of Shoshone Creek. Several creek crossings are involved (a couple bridged but the last involved balancing your way across a log) but soon you emerge from some trees to see the geyser basin in all its glory. I had the geyser basin to myself for several hours before I encountered another hiker. The experience of walking thru one of Yellowstone's thermal areas without boardwalks, signs, and crowds was well worth the ten mile effort. I felt like I could be looking at the area the same way Native Americans or early explorers had seen it. Shoshone Creek resembled a miniature version of the Firehole River in the Upper Geyser Basin. Many springs were steaming, bubbling, and boiling. The three cones of dormant Union geyser looked to have been quiet for quite some time. Minute Man Geyser was the most lively and active feature near the trail. It would erupt nearly every minute for 15-20 seconds as its name implies. I took so many photographs. . . next time I'd like to hike in and camp at one of the nearby backcountry sites to be able to spend more time in the basin. Before hiking back ot the trail head I took the short spur trail over to Shoshone Lake and dipped my feet in the water for a bit (highly recommend). The lake itself is another jewel of the Yellowstone Backcountry. The ten mile hike back only seemed slightly longer than the hike out. . . but as a bonus I arrived in time to watch Lonestar Geyser erupt and had the show all to myself. The major geysers of the Upper Geyser Basin are wonderful but visiting the remoteness of the Shoshone Geyser Basin has been one of my most favorite Yellowstone experiences to date.

6. Natural Bridge Trail

Lake-West Thumb Road Bridge Bay, Yellowstone National Park, WY +1 307-344-7381 https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/yell-trail-natural-bridge.htm
Excellent
75%
Good
25%
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5.0 based on 12 reviews

Natural Bridge Trail

Reviewed By DQShaw - York, United States

Easy three mile round trip to see this natural arch. This is a leisurely stroll through the forest and alongside a meadow. The hike begins at the Bridge Bay Marina parking area. We went early in the morning and they were very few people around. Didn't see any bear signs, but we carried bear spray and wore bear bells to be safe.

7. Riverside Geyser

Upper Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, WY
Excellent
100%
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5.0 based on 7 reviews

Riverside Geyser

Reviewed By db7477 - Carlsbad, United States

The Riverside Geyser’s eruption was my favorite. It was far less crowded than Old Faithful, had benches, a restroom and lovely river view. It’s two ports exited two plumes doubling the fun and yielded great photos. It was absolutely worth the short walk!

8. Gibbon Meadows

Grand Loop Rd, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
Excellent
100%
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Gibbon Meadows

9. Beartooth Plateau

Excellent
83%
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0%
Terrible
17%
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4.5 based on 6 reviews

Beartooth Plateau

10. Biscuit Basin

Yellowstone National Park, WY +1 307-344-7381 http://www.yellowstonenationalpark.com/biscuitbasin.htm
Excellent
73%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 449 reviews

Biscuit Basin

Reviewed By Trisheee - Germantown, United States

Great walk around more hot pools. The Sapphire Pool is life very. I really enjoyed this short stop one afternoon. There are numerous thermal features a short drive from Old Faithful.

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