From its rolling hills to the beautiful mountain trails, Montana is a state full of diverse and majestic landscapes. In recent years it’s become a popular destination for outdoor adventurers from all over the country, who come seeking an escape from their daily lives and the chance to explore some of the best mountains in America. Whether you’re looking for an easy stroll or a more rugged challenge, there are plenty of options available – with something that should fit everyone’s needs!
In this blog post, we’ll be exploring 15 of Montana’s most stunning mountain ranges. Read on to find out which one might provide you with your next unforgettable journey into nature!
Table of Contents
The Best Mountain Trails in Montana
The M
- Address: Missoula, MT 59803, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (313)
- Phone: +1 406-721-7275
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: Open 24 hoursTuesday: Open 24 hoursWednesday: Open 24 hoursThursday: Open 24 hoursFriday: Open 24 hoursSaturday: Open 24 hoursSunday: Open 24 hours
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Top 15 Scenic Mountains in Montana
Blue Mountain Trailhead (hike & bike)
- Address: Parking lot, Forest Hill Ln, Missoula, MT 59804, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (271)
- Opening hours:
Monday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PMTuesday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PMWednesday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PMThursday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PMFriday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PMSaturday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PMSunday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Reviews:
I love this spot! There are several different trails to follow and “get lost in Montana “. The views are amazing and the wildlife, busy. Warning though, most everyone allows their dogs off leashes. If you’re allergic or afraid of dogs, this place is probably not for you.By aec (a year ago)Beautiful hiking trail with a great view at the top overlooking the bitterroot valley.By Julia Tai (6 months ago)Absolutely beautiful! So many trails to take! Want something somewhat flat or steep incline? They’ve got it! Some of it is a bit rocky. Kid/ family friendly! My 4 year old loves it!By Kayla Mittelstadt (4 years ago)Lots to explore with some beautiful spots. In the heat of the summer, the area leading to and from the parking lot will roast you a bit – shade is at least half a mile from the lot.
Seems to be the consensus area for walking dogs off leash. The dogs love it and I’ve never seen any problem. Not recommended if that bothers you.
By Zac Jennings (2 years ago)Wonderful to find a place to mountain bike which met our ability! Gradual uphill regularly and a bit rocky in some places, but great spot to get some exercise. Very friendly people too!By Marie thomsen (3 months ago)
Rattlesnake Trailhead
- Address: Parking lot, Missoula, MT 59802, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (218)
- Phone: +1 406-329-3750
- Website: Link
- Reviews:
I really enjoyed this trail and all the raw nature that is experienced on it. After the 1st 3rd of a mile, stay right and hike side by side with the creek. This is where the best hiking is, not the larger semi paved path which is best for bikes. Right after the short cement bridge, take an immediate right and follow the creek 😀By Christian (4 months ago)There are some really nice trails for mountain biking in this area. I cruised down the fence line trail and it was pretty epic. I would definitely recommend that only intermediate riders and above take that challenge.By Matthew Blystone (3 months ago)Awesome hiking experience, I cant wait to snowshoe and ski here come the big snow. Lots of biking, hiking, bushwacking, and pathfinding available. Great for every recreational activity you can dream of, except camping, I dont think you can do that here, maybe the other trail? Fun area, easy to get here, loads of parking; which is good once snow season comes, you need all the parking you can get.By Troy Barney (a year ago)This is a great place to ride. Make sure to download trail forks before so you have offline maps. I recommend riding down fence line! What a blast! Great views and we’ll marked trails.By Jessica Green (a year ago)An excellent trailhead for biking, hiking & horse back riding. Very easy to get to from Missoula. Every level of trail you could imagine. There are restrooms at the entrance but the ones on the trail are closed because of COVID19. Worth the stop.By Eric Kristy Adventures (2 years ago)
Drinking Horse Mountain Trailhead
- Address: Drinking Horse Hill Trail, Bozeman, MT 59715, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (204)
- Opening hours:
Monday: Open 24 hoursTuesday: Open 24 hoursWednesday: Open 24 hoursThursday: Open 24 hoursFriday: Open 24 hoursSaturday: Open 24 hoursSunday: Open 24 hours
- Reviews:
Fun spot to go hike, the mountain can be done as a loop in 2-2.5 miles or so. Steep elevation gain in spots, and the views don’t get good until you get up a ways. Summit was beautiful, but the view across the street was the College ‘M’ trail, which looks very fun too. So I was having a bit of fomo about that.
Maybe next time I’ll hit the ‘M’ trail and then my view can be looking out at Drinking Horse.
By Owen Sweitzer (2 months ago)Easy drive from town. Plenty of parking. The trail is well marked with great views. You can also hike the M on the other side of the road.By Stephen Bareuther (2 months ago)Great little hike that can take as little as :45 to circuit. The only negative was the crazy amount of dog doo bags left on or beside the trail!! Pick up the stuff and take it with you or just leave the doo there without the plastic trash please.By Jason Branson (a year ago)Take the steep option up and the longer path back. Nice views and lots of dogsBy Peter Modica (5 months ago)Great hike to an even greater viewing point. Loved the hike and the view, a must do if you are looking to stay close to Bozeman but still want to get in a great hike.By Rose Hewitt (a year ago)
College M Trailhead and Picnic Area
- Address: Bridger Canyon Rd, Bozeman, MT 59715, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (186)
- Phone: +1 406-587-6701
- Website: Link
- Reviews:
Great spot to start a hike. And more parking across the street (tunnel under the highway takes you to the other parking area). There is a vault toilet there as well which comes in handy.By Owen Sweitzer (2 months ago)Nice short hike. Beautiful views from the top. One negative is the people that don’t clean up after their dogs, but that happens everywhere it seems like. Definitely a must see/do when you come to Bozeman.By Jordan Cron (a year ago)Amazing hike! We chose the hardest 1/2 mile route up to the top and the easier 1 1/2 mile down. Fun, fun, fun challenging! Super windy, stunning views. A DEFINITE MUST do hike. Close to Bozeman. Stop by MAP Brewery when you are done for some delicious beer!By Rose Hewitt (a year ago)Great for a ~30-45 min loop hike up to the M and back down. Grab a rock on the way up to help the university and place it on the M! Going up takes about 20 mins in the Sun, enjoy the top for a bit (and all the dogs people have) then enjoy a shady less steep walk back down.By Jamie Johnson (2 months ago)We thought we’d do the Big M as our first Montana hike as a family. We somehow got onto the ridge trail though and it was a little scary for a family of newbie hikers without hiking sticks or poles and good shoes. It got to a point where it was too slippery so we turned back. We ended up sliding down some smaller canyon trails trying to get back till we made it back up to the ridge. I definitely don’t recommend the ridge trail unless you have better gear than we did. It was beautiful views though.By Nadia P (3 months ago)
Fairy Lake Trailhead
- Address: Bozeman, MT 59715, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (130)
Triple Tree Trailhead
- Address: 5974 Sourdough Rd, Bozeman, MT 59715, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (116)
South Cottonwood Trailhead
- Address: Bozeman, MT 59065, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (97)
Middle Cottonwood Trail
- Address: Saddle Mountain Rd Jeep Trail, Bozeman, MT 59715, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (86)
Mount Helena
- Address: Dump Out Trail, Helena, MT 59601, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (77)
Danny On Trail
- Address: 1015 Glades Dr, Whitefish, MT 59937, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (62)
Leverich Canyon Mountain Trail Head
- Address: S 3rd Ave, Bozeman, MT 59715, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (53)
Big Mountain Trailhead
- Address: Whitefish, MT 59937, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.3 (50)
Chestnut Mountain Trailhead
- Address: Chestnut Mountain Trail, Bozeman, MT 59715, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (44)
Ward Mountain Trailhead
- Address: Hamilton, MT 59840, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.9 (24)
Ousel Falls Park Trail
- Address: Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 5 (23)
Thank you for reading! If you have any additional information on the best scenic mountains in Montana, please leave a comment above. We would love to hear from you!
INCREDIBLE VIEW, SCENERY, And Relaxing! Highly recommend this for anyone. The exercise, the air, the sense of freedom, and you get a great view of the Montana Grizzlies stadium. So , come on what are you waiting for? Get off the couch , put down the Game system and treat yourself to a experience you will never forget! Many trails to choose from as well!
The trail is nice and the view is very worth the hike. Several benches are placed asking the trail for resting on the way up.
We had a good time hiking this M as well as the L on the next hill. For the M trailhead pull up near the Montana University dormitories next to the M Hill and you’ll see an outside restroom there’s visitor parking there and they’re six parking spots that are designated for hill hiking where you do not need any University of Montana parking permit.
If you’re in decent shape then this hike should not be missed. Although it’s not very difficult I’d recommend going when it is cooler out. Its Less than half hour to the M with plenty of places to rest along the way. Wondeful views and worth the effort.
Moderate hike up to absolutely gorgeous view of the valley. If you’re from out of town like we were (“low landers”) then the altitude can make it a bit challenging so bring water and give yourself plenty of breaks along the way. There’s benches to stop off at on the way up and take in more views!