Backpacking in Montana: TOP 5 Multi-Day Trails

Backpacking in Montana offers immense variety for outdoor enthusiasts, from the rugged peaks of Glacier National Park to the windswept prairies of the Great Plains, including popular destinations like the Bob Marshall Wilderness.

And that’s what this post is all about – backpacking in Montana. We’ll provide tips to help you prepare for backpacking in this diverse state as well as showcase the TOP 5 multi-day trails in Montana.

Interested? Let’s get started.

Key Tips for Backpacking in Montana

• What to expect: Montana has beautiful scenery and wildlife. There are rugged mountains, clear alpine lakes, meadows filled with wildflowers, and dense forests. The trails vary from well-kept to more basic and challenging. The weather can be unpredictable, with cold nights even in the summer.
• Essential gear: Make sure to bring a water filter or purification tablets for lakes and streams. Don’t forget important items like navigation tools, a first aid kit, bear spray, bug repellent, and sun protection. If you’re camping in the backcountry, especially in bear-heavy areas like Glacier National Park, you’ll need a bear-resistant food canister.
• Wildlife: Montana’s trails are home to a variety of potentially dangerous wildlife species that hikers need to be alert for, including bears, mountain lions, bison, moose, rattlesnakes, wolves, and ticks. Bears, including grizzlies, black bears, and wolf packs roam Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks. Bison and moose also inhabit the parks and can charge if threatened. Rattlesnakes are common in the grasslands and forests. Ticks can transmit harmful diseases.
• Wild camping in Montana is allowed in certain areas but comes with restrictions. National forests generally permit dispersed backcountry camping, though national parks like Glacier and Yellowstone only allow camping in designated backcountry sites with permits. State forests and parks along with private lands typically prohibit camping outside of developed campgrounds. If you’re determined to go wild camping, don’t forget to take a look at our post on stealth camping.
• Best times to go are late spring to early fall. In late spring, you can see pretty wildflowers, but there might still be snow in higher places. Summer is great for warm weather, but watch out for afternoon thunderstorms and big crowds. Early fall has nice temperatures and colorful leaves.

Top 5 Backpacking Trails in Montana

In our opinion, these are the best multi-day trails Montana has to offer:

1. Red Eagle Lake via Pitamakan Pass and Triple Divide Trail

Length: 30.8 mi / 49.6 km
Type: Out and back
Difficulty: Hard
Elevation Gain: 5606 ft / 1709 m
Location: Glacier National Park
Estimated Hiking Calorie Burn: 7680 calories
More Details: See on AllTrails

This strenuous 30-mile out-and-back trail to Triple Divide Pass in Glacier National Park is only for experienced backpackers. The rewarding 14+ hour, steep route along streams and past alpine lakes leads to sweeping summit views, wildlife sightings, and wilderness campsites. Though demanding, especially with full packs, the magnificent scenery of glaciated peaks and flower-filled meadows makes this classic Glacier backpacking trail unforgettable. Permit to camp overnight in the wilderness required.

2. Lamar River Trail

Length: 32.9 mi / 52.9 km
Type: Out and back
Difficulty: Hard
Elevation Gain: 3605 ft / 1099 m
Location: Yellowstone National Park
Estimated Hiking Calorie Burn: 8200 calories
More Details: See on AllTrails

Trek through vast wildflower-strewn meadows and forested river valleys on this demanding 33-mile out-and-back trail near West Yellowstone. Prepare for panoramic views of Yellowstone’s mountain peaks and plunging canyons as you traverse this route, which takes most hikers over 13 hours to complete.

Keep your eyes peeled for Yellowstone’s famous wildlife as you hike, including great herds of bison grazing on the grassy hillsides and lone pronghorn antelope bounding through the sagebrush. Listen for the telltale chirping of ground squirrels and songs of meadowlarks. And be bear aware – this trail passes through prime grizzly habitat. Carry bear spray and make noise to avoid surprise encounters. A fee is required to enter Yellowstone National Park.

3. North Circle Loop

Length: 50.4 mi / 81.1 km
Type: Point to point
Difficulty: Hard
Elevation Gain: 10 826 ft / 3300 m
Location: Glacier National Park
Estimated Hiking Calorie Burn: 12 500 calories
More Details: See on AllTrails

This challenging 50-mile loop through Glacier’s stunning Many Glacier region rewards backpackers with alpine vistas, glacial lakes, and wildlife sightings. Traverse high passes, hike through flower-filled valleys, and spend nights at scenic backcountry campsites on this 2 to 5-day adventure. From the rocky Swiftcurrent Pass to the historic Granite Park Chalet, the variety of terrain showcases Glacier’s best. With proper precautions for bears and routefinding in remote sections, the rewards of this iconic backpacking trip will last a lifetime.

4. Chinese Wall Trail

Troy Smith, CC BY-SA 2.0, via flickr

Length: 53.5 mi / 86 km
Type: Point to point
Difficulty: Hard
Elevation Gain: 7814 ft / 2382 m
Location: Bob Marshall Wilderness
Estimated Hiking Calorie Burn: 13 300 calories
More Details: See on AllTrails

This demanding 54-mile point-to-point trail near Augusta, Montana leads through scenic mountain landscapes to the remote Chinese Wall in the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Expect challenging terrain, scenic vistas, wildlife sightings, and dispersed backcountry campsites on this multi-day hike, which takes experienced backpackers over 24 hours. While the trail can be crowded at times, the sweeping views and pristine wilderness at the Chinese Wall make this a premier Montana backpacking adventure. Proper preparation for limited water sources in sections and respect for the terrain are key.

5. Bangtail Divide Loop

Length: 30.9 mi / 49.7 km
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Hard
Elevation Gain: 4284 ft / 1306 m
Location: Custer Gallatin National Forest
Estimated Hiking Calorie Burn: 7700 calories
More Details: See on AllTrails

This scenic 31-mile loop near Bozeman rewards hikers with alpine lakes, waterfalls, and panoramic mountain vistas. The challenging terrain with steep switchbacks takes most hikers over 13 hours to complete but makes for a memorable day hike or overnight trip. While a popular route for its stunning views of the Gallatin Range, quiet moments can be found during the week and earlier in the day. Bring bear spray and plenty of water as you explore this iconic hiking trail near Bozeman. The variety of mountain landscapes encapsulates the beauty of the Montana outdoors.

Annual Weather Averages

Montana’s weather varies across seasons:

• Spring (March-May): Daytime highs range from 40-70°F, with the possibility of snow at higher elevations in March. Wildflowers bloom, and conditions can be variable.
• Summer (June-August): Warm temperatures prevail, with daytime highs averaging 70-90°F. However, be cautious of afternoon thunderstorms, especially in mountainous areas.
• Fall (September-November): Daytime highs range from 40-75°F, with cooler temperatures at night. Fall foliage is vibrant, especially in higher elevations.
• Winter (December-February): Colder conditions with daytime highs around 20-40°F and nighttime lows in the teens and 20s°F. Snow is common, particularly in the mountains, creating opportunities for winter activities.

Before making your gear selection, take a look at the weather statistics for Montana (Missoula):

Alternative Backpacking Destinations

Not sure if Montana is right for you?

Don’t forget to check out our backpacking guides for Idaho and Washington.

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