When it comes to finding good Montana hiking trails, it's not so much a question of where to find them, but more which ones to choose. It could be argued that Montana hiking can rival the hiking of any other state, so if you enjoy a walk in nature from time to time, a Montana vacation is for you. Just stick to the warmer months of the year if you're planning on enjoying a lot of hikes in Montana, as plenty of snow falls over the state during the winter months. The best Montana hiking trails are in the western part of the state, as that's where the Montana mountains can be found. Isolated mountain ranges like the Bitterroot Mountain Range near Missoula, help to form the larger Rocky Mountains that pass through western Montana, and trails abound in these highlands. When looking to go hiking in Montana, you can enjoy shorter hikes on a day-to-day basis, or you can book extended hiking trips that usually include camping along the way. Plenty of backcountry hiking trails can be found in Montana, so if you're really up for an adventure, you can always seek them out.

Because the best hiking in Montana can be done in the mountains, it's especially important that you bring the right hiking boots or shoes along for the trip. If your hiking boots or shoes are already broken in, all the better, as you will want to minimize the risk of developing some annoying blisters. Bears often live in mountains areas, and there are plenty of black and grizzly bears in Montana, so caution should be used when hiking in prime bear territories. Consulting local rangers, and carrying some bear mace with you is always a good idea when entering bear country. Should you be looking to go hiking or backpacking in Montana's backcountry, which involves really getting off the beaten path, there are some things to consider as well. Bringing extra food and water is a good idea for starters, and a first-aid kit should be packed as well. Other things that you'll want to bring with you if at all possible when backcountry hiking in Montana are a pocket knife, a good map, a compass, a flashlight, and a fire starter or a waterproof container full of matches.

Since there are so many good places to enjoy some Montana hiking, this article will focus on a few of the major highlights. According to many, the best overall Montana hiking trails are to be found in Glacier National Park. Mountains, forests, lakes, meadows, and glaciers all combine in Glacier National Park to create one of the most beautiful landscapes on the planet. Hiking is one of the best ways to take the natural beauty in here, and there are no less than 700 miles of trails that you can either take to on foot or on horseback. Horseback riding in Montana is fun as well, but you don't get the benefit of enjoying a workout as you go. Backcountry permits can be obtained in Glacier National Park if you're looking to get into the interior, and if you prefer a roof over your head instead of a tent, the Glacier National Park hotels are there to meet your needs. Just be sure to book your room at one of the Glacier National Park hotels well in advance, as they fill up fast. The spectacular natural vistas that abound in Glacier National Park can make anybody look like a professional photographer, so don't forget the camera.

Montana Map

Glacier National Park is a top destination for Montana hiking if you're hanging out in the northwestern part of the state, as is the Whitefish Mountain Resort, which is found, as you might imagine, near the town of Whitefish. The Danny On Trail in Whitefish is sure to please. The trail tops out at 6,817 feet above sea level, and stunning mountain views are guaranteed. Stunning mountain views are also guaranteed if you head down to the area in and around Montana's portion of Yellowstone National Park. In the same vicinity is the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, which like Glacier National Park, is among the more highly-revered places to find top notch Montana hiking trails. Here, the landscape is inspiring as well, and in addition to scaling mountains, you can trek through forests, walk through high deserts, and explore deep canyons. Viewing wildlife, biking, boating, and fishing are just some of the other things that you can do in the Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, not to mention in the rest of the Montana mountains.