Well known for its wide-open spaces, diverse natural resources and wildlife, and natural beauty, Montana calls folks from far and wide to come and get a taste of adventure. These seven hikes are the perfect opportunity for visitors and locals alike to explore and stretch their adventure muscles!
- Grant Creek Trail
Chris Villagrana/ AllTrails Our first trail is one that is perfect for curious minds. Grant Creek trail is a 3.3-mile paved trail through the picturesque Grant Creek neighborhood and adjacent public lands. Perfect for a leisurely walk or bicycle journey, this trail also lends itself to strollers. Leashed dogs are welcome. Missoula County is actively expanding and lengthening this trail, making it the perfect place to return to and explore over and over again. Grant Creek, Missoula, MT 59808, USA
- Lava Lake/ Cascade Creek Trail
Olivia Hayes/ AllTrails If you are looking for s little more adventure, consider the gorgeous Lava Lake/ Cascade Creek Trail. This 6-mile trail is rated as moderate and is a great place to enjoy birdwatching, wildlife sightings, serene views, cool shade, and even fishing at Lava Lake! 498 Cascade Creek Rd, Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730, USA
- Mystic Lake Trail
Olivia Hayes/ AllTrails Another worthy trail is the lovely Mystic Lake Trail. This 5.5-mile trail is rated as challenging but is very popular with backpackers and hikers despite this. This trail is another perfect place to spend some time admiring the great outdoors that Montana is so well-known for. This trail wanders over many types of terrain so sturdy shoes are a must and hiking poles are highly recommended. No need to hurry on this trail, there are plenty of places to camp along the route. Mystic Lake Trailhead, W Rosebud Lake Rd, Fishtail, MT 59028, USA
- South Cottonwood Creek Trail
m k / AllTrails Another great, easy hike is the South Cottonwood trail just outside of Gallatin Gateway. This popular trail welcomes hikers, trail runners, and even mountain bikers and equestrians. There are a few switchbacks early in the trail but after those, it is an easy amble near a cute creek that keeps the trail perfectly cool during hot summer days. South Cottonwood Trailhead, Bozeman, MT 59065, USA
- Hell Roaring Creek Trail
Alexander Smith/ AllTrails For those looking to see some of Montana’s iconic wildlife, check out the wonderful Hell Roaring Creek Trail. This easy trail rings in at just under 7 miles and meanders through some awesome sageland. From November to June, visitors may witness Pronghorn, elk, mule deer, moose, and bison, but the trail is home to beautiful wildflowers and birds all year round. Hell Roaring Creek, Montana 59730, USA
- Gallagator Trail
Andy Guy/ AllTrails A final trail to consider is the Galligator trail in Bozeman. Also known as the Linear Trail, the trail follows a railway line that extended all the way to Gallatin Gateway and shut down in 1978. The rail line was referred to as the Gallagator by passengers for its slow speed as it crawled along the twisting tracks. This trail stands as an important connection between Montana State University and downtown Bozeman and connects to several other trails for those looking for a longer or more challenging experience. 626 E Main St, Bozeman, MT 59715, USA
There is so much adventure to be had in Big Sky Country and no shortage of places to find it! To learn more about these trails and other trails, check out the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks website. Remember to tread lightly and leave no trace to preserve the adventure for generations to come, and be sure to let us know in the comments your favorite adventure trails!
Chris Villagrana/ AllTrails
Our first trail is one that is perfect for curious minds. Grant Creek trail is a 3.3-mile paved trail through the picturesque Grant Creek neighborhood and adjacent public lands. Perfect for a leisurely walk or bicycle journey, this trail also lends itself to strollers. Leashed dogs are welcome. Missoula County is actively expanding and lengthening this trail, making it the perfect place to return to and explore over and over again.
Grant Creek, Missoula, MT 59808, USA
Olivia Hayes/ AllTrails
If you are looking for s little more adventure, consider the gorgeous Lava Lake/ Cascade Creek Trail. This 6-mile trail is rated as moderate and is a great place to enjoy birdwatching, wildlife sightings, serene views, cool shade, and even fishing at Lava Lake!
498 Cascade Creek Rd, Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730, USA
Another worthy trail is the lovely Mystic Lake Trail. This 5.5-mile trail is rated as challenging but is very popular with backpackers and hikers despite this. This trail is another perfect place to spend some time admiring the great outdoors that Montana is so well-known for. This trail wanders over many types of terrain so sturdy shoes are a must and hiking poles are highly recommended. No need to hurry on this trail, there are plenty of places to camp along the route.
Mystic Lake Trailhead, W Rosebud Lake Rd, Fishtail, MT 59028, USA
m k / AllTrails
Another great, easy hike is the South Cottonwood trail just outside of Gallatin Gateway. This popular trail welcomes hikers, trail runners, and even mountain bikers and equestrians. There are a few switchbacks early in the trail but after those, it is an easy amble near a cute creek that keeps the trail perfectly cool during hot summer days.
South Cottonwood Trailhead, Bozeman, MT 59065, USA
Alexander Smith/ AllTrails
For those looking to see some of Montana’s iconic wildlife, check out the wonderful Hell Roaring Creek Trail. This easy trail rings in at just under 7 miles and meanders through some awesome sageland. From November to June, visitors may witness Pronghorn, elk, mule deer, moose, and bison, but the trail is home to beautiful wildflowers and birds all year round.
Hell Roaring Creek, Montana 59730, USA
Andy Guy/ AllTrails
A final trail to consider is the Galligator trail in Bozeman. Also known as the Linear Trail, the trail follows a railway line that extended all the way to Gallatin Gateway and shut down in 1978. The rail line was referred to as the Gallagator by passengers for its slow speed as it crawled along the twisting tracks. This trail stands as an important connection between Montana State University and downtown Bozeman and connects to several other trails for those looking for a longer or more challenging experience.
626 E Main St, Bozeman, MT 59715, USA
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Address: Grant Creek, Missoula, MT 59808, USAAddress: 498 Cascade Creek Rd, Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730, USAAddress: Mystic Lake Trailhead, W Rosebud Lake Rd, Fishtail, MT 59028Address: South Cottonwood Trailhead, Bozeman, MT 59065Address: Fs, Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730, USAAddress: Herron Park, 2310 Foys Lake Rd, Kalispell, MT 59901, USAAddress: 626 E Main St, Bozeman, MT 59715, USA
