Winter is in full force here in Montana, but don’t think that means you have to hibernate. While you won’t be able to access some of Montana’s trails, plenty of our beautiful hiking spots are still accessible for both winter treks and snowshoeing. These are a few of our favorites. Here are some of our picks for the best winter hikes in Montana:

1. Swan River Trail, Bigfork
Swan River Nature Trail, Bigfork, MT 59911, USA
Chadd Jones/AllTrails
The Swan River Trail is a nice, easy 2.5-mile trek located just outside of Bigfork. The river is the main attraction, but you'll find all kinds of stunning scenery throughout — and it's great for snowshoeing, too.
2. Summit Trail, Whitefish
Whitefish, MT 59937, USA
Kenneth & Deborah Causey/AllTrails
This is an absolutely gorgeous trail perfect for winter hikes, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. It's also close to 16 miles long and pretty challenging, so you'll only want to attempt it if you're pretty experienced (or cover a few miles and call it a day).
3. Beehive Basin, Big Sky
Beehive Basin Loop, Big Sky, MT 59730, USA
Chris Finnell/AllTrails
The Beehive Basin trail is located near Big Sky Mountain Village, and it's open all year for outdoor fun. The trail is about seven miles long in its entirety, and it looks gorgeous when it's dusted with snow. Learn more about this trail in our feature article.

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4. Bozeman Creek Trail, Bozeman
Sourdough/Bozeman Creek Trailhead, Bozeman, MT 59771, USA
Kevan Skinner/AllTrails
Bozeman Creek Trail is pretty massive — it's about 16 miles out and back. The hike parallels the beautiful Bozeman Creek and is ranked as moderate. The Bozeman Creek Trail may be one of the best winter hikes in Montana.
5. Bear Creek Trail, Victor
Bear Creek Trail, Montana 59875, USA
Kim McCort/AllTrails
Located in the Bitterroot National Forest, this 5.5-mile trail is one of the best hiking and snowshoeing spots in the state. The Bear Creek Trail features a beautiful waterfall and isn't too tough to reach, even in the snow.
6. Lava Lake Trail, Gallatin Gateway
Lava Lake Trailhead, 501-901 Cascade Creek Rd, Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730, USA
Morgan Cowick / alltrails.com
The 5.5-mile Lava Lake trail is stunning in any season, but it's truly magical in the wintertime. The lake itself looks beautiful surrounded by snow. The Lava Lake Trail is one winter hike in Montana that deserves a spot on your bucket list.
7. Sypes Canyon, Bozeman
Sypes Canyon, Montana 59715, USA
Michaela Charlberg/AllTrails
The Sypes Canyon Trail is very close to Bozeman, so it's a great pick if you live there and don't want to make a long drive. The 6-mile hike is ranked as moderate, but it's a bit steep and hilly for snowshoeing.

Don’t let the snow scare you from spending time in the great outdoors — Montana is beautiful in every season. What are some of your favorite winter hiking trails in Montana? Have you tackled any of the above trails? Let us know in the comments!

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Best Winter Hikes In Montana

Tori Jane | December 12, 2021

Where are some places I can go winter hiking in Montana?  

  • Beehive Basin Trail
  • Hyalite Creek Trail
  • Lolo Peak Trail
  • Blacktail Mountain Trail
  • Sypes Canyon

 

Sure, Montana might get kind of snowy, but that doesn’t mean the hiking season has to end! For example, there’s the Beehive Basin Trail, which is near Big Sky Mountain Village. It’s a seven-mile-long trail that will do nothing less than take your breath away; it truly is a picturesque wonderland this time of year. We also love the Hyalite Creek Trail in Gallatin County near Bozeman, Lolo Peak Trail in Bitterroot National Forest, and Blacktail Mountain Trail (which is perfect for snowshoeing). Our favorite, perhaps, is the dazzling hike that is Sypes Canyon, which is outside of Bozeman, Montana. It’s a six-mile trail that’s popular during winter due to its exceptional beauty; we think you’ll love it as much as we do! 

What are some fun winter outdoor activities in Montana?  

  • Skiing and snowboarding at Whitefish Mountain Resort
  • Cross-country skiing at Yellowstone National Park
  • Dogsledding
  • Winter hiking
  • Ice fishing
  • Soaking in hot springs

 

Montana turns into a veritable winter wonderland during the coldest months of the year! As long as you bundle up – and bundle up well – you ought to have a great time no matter what you do. There are always the classics, like sledding and snowball fights, but should you want a little more, no worries! Montana has your back. You can do all kinds of fun stuff, from skiing and/or snowboarding at Whitefish Mountain Resort to cross-country skiing at Yellowstone National Park or even dogsledding in certain places. You can go on winter hikes (see above), try ice fishing, or soak in some heavenly hot springs. The possibilities are only as limited as your imagination – and your cold tolerance, of course. Do remember that Montana can get quite frigid during the winter months, so make sure you’re dressed for very cold temperatures and you’re sure to have a great time.  

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