the stability of the snow you want to ski or board. Drive 1.5 miles on Coburn Rd. Continue up this windy road for 1.8 miles breathe the crisp, fresh air and appreciate the beauty around you. The Upper Dogs are welcome on this trail. Bring snacks that How to get there: From downtown Bozeman, head west on Huffine Lane toward Four Corners. tips in mind to help make a safe and memorable day. VIDEO: Watch as Grizzly Bear Bolts Towards Bear-watching Group! Scramble another half mile up to 10,742-foot Beehive Peak to enjoy even more views. until reaching the trailhead on the left. Organization and Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center have teamed up to The waterfall itself is very broad and forms a large, ever-changing wall of ice during the winter. Watch the How to get there: From Downtown Helena, head south on Park Avenue, then take a right on Carriage Lane at the Reeders Village Subdivision entrance. Lots of visitors come to Big Sky in the winter to alpine ski or cross country ski. Follow the 
For a more challenging hike, head toward Moonlight Basin to Beehive Basin Trail, which has been rated one of the top 5 Worlds Greatest Hikes. Visit bscomt.org to learn more about Big Skys parks, trails and recreation programs. St. Helens, Cowlitz County, Washington, Independence, Oregon Becomes Bike Indy Oregon. Turn right onto Big Sky Spur Road and continue 10 miles to Beehive Basin Road on your right. Photo credit: Shannon May | www.shannonamay.com. Sara Marino is theBig Sky Community Organizationcommunity development manager. The relics of the past are highlights of this trail and include two tunnels and a breathtaking 600-foot trestle that rises 130 feet above the valley floor. The Ultimate Roommate Compatibility Test: Backpacking the Oregon Coast Trail, 9 Hiking Adventures to Make Your Spring Pure Gold, 9 Spectacular Early Spring Backpacking Trips You Can Do Right Now, The 20 Best Backcountry Lakes to Hike This Summer, In Montanas Bear-Filled Crazy Mountains, Hikers Are Never Alone. Love Montana? The first to the Four Dances parking lot. Consider wrapping your water bottle in a sock to keep it from Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. If youre a seasoned hiker in Montana, you know that the hiking season doesnt end when the sun sets on summer. How to get there: From Four Corners, head south on Hwy. Sometimes
Big Sky Community A favorite local hike in both the summer and winter is Ousel Falls. vehicle has slid off the final steep windy section in the winter, so use Its been called by some the Bitterroot Valleys version of Yosemite. Signs for the Pictograph Caves State Park mark the spot to turn onto Coburn Road. There are multiple locations to observe the falls once you reach it and the chance of seeing ice climbers. a good resource to find a listing of educational opportunities. At 5,468 feet, Mount Helena City Park looms prominently over Montanas state capitol and features numerous trails of various levels of difficulty across its 620 plus acres. If ski touring interests you, be sure youre safe in avalanche terrain. The trail has a gradual climb as it wraps around the north side of the mountain. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Wildlands Festival: A Farm Aid For Last, Best Wildlife Ecosystem In Lower 48? Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. The Nez Perce Buttress, Blackfoot Dome, and Shoshone Spire pass by on the right as you make your way to the three-mile mark, where a bridge crosses the creek from south to north. Respect the landowners by staying within the blue blazes mounted on wooden How to get there: Take Highway 93 south and turn right onto Bowman Road. You can leave the bear spray at home, because those creatures are hunkered down in hibernation for winter. This gently sloping trail extends from the forest boundary south to Pipestone Pass and the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. magical time to explore this spot for a unique backcountry experience, be it on Take the first left onto W. River Road, turn left onto Ricketts Road and continue onto Blodgett Camp Road. No matter how experienced you are, if something goes awry, you Located on a plateau high above the Yellowstone River, the area affords spectacular views of the valley and the city itself. Here are seven trails worth exploring when the temperatures drops and the snow descends. The trail is located in the Gallatin Canyon between Bozeman and Big Sky and is one of the most popular trails in the area.
Not only is the Milwaukee Railroad Trail a fairly easy hike, it also gives hikers an unforgettable glimpse into Montanas history. weather and be prepared for conditions that can go from bad to worse quickly. The trail is surprisingly gentle as it slowly meanders along and above the creek. Get more stories delivered right to your email. fun a winter adventure can be, stop and look for animal tracks in the snow, We're lucky to get to experience all four seasons here in Montana, and there really is nothing like Big Sky Country dusted with snow. Youll journey through a ponderosa forest, along the base of limestone cliffs, and past the Devils Kitchen, a distinct cave in the cliff side. Take a left onto Hwy. Winter hiking in Montana offers silence, solitude, and serenity that cant be described, only experienced. In the turn right on to Beehive Basin Road just past the brown U.S. Forest Service In just 3.3 miles, the hike to Beehive Basin offers every hallmark of Big Sky Country: glacier-cut mountains, alpine lakes, wildflowers galore, and non-stop chances to spot megafauna. At just over 2.5 miles, Four Dances is a great challenge for intermediate hikers. hydration. tires, and remember that downhill traffic must yield to uphill traffic. For a good family-friendly winter hike, head a half mile past Town Center to the South Fork Loop trail. The latest gear, trips, stories, and more, beamed to your inbox every week. Winter in Montana is a great time to hit the trails for more reasons than one. posts that mark the private property boundaries until you reach Forest Service The trailhead will be on the right side of the road just past the bridge over the river. outings dont go quite as we expect, so be prepared. Not only are the crowds and mosquitoes gone, but you can experience the beauty of Montanas landscape from a whole new perspective once everything is dusted in snow. That may mean strapping on some snowshoes, and you should always check road conditions beforehand, but the truth is, winter hiking in Montana can be absolutely beautiful. This area has some of the best views in the entire Big Sky area, which is really saying something. This is a short, 1.6-mile round trip hike to Big Skys most beautiful waterfall on the South Fork of the West Fork of the Gallatin River. signs to Big Sky Resort and continue 1.5 miles past the resort entrance and However, by this time of year, the snow is often packed down by early hikers, making for a fairly easy trek. still need someone to get help. Starting on the 1906 trail is your best bet for a direct and scenic route to the summit. And depending on when you depart, you should plan on packing bear spray as well. All Rights Reserved. Northwest Travel & Life Magazine represents trust and inspires a passion for Experiencing All Things Northwest., 2022 - Northwest Travel & Life Magazine. If so, pull them back out. Turn right and drive 2 miles to the posted trailhead on your left. backcountry. Four Dances Trail is located in the Four Dances Natural Area, a special recreation management area comprised of 765 acres of undeveloped open space two miles east of downtown Billings. The hike is a steady uphill climb on a well-trodden, rocky single-track. avalanche will occur, you can take several steps to reduce your risk. Blodgett Canyon was carved out by ice age glaciers, which left behind sheer granite cliffs that rise more than 2,000 feet above the waters of Blodgett Creek. Dogs are allowed on a leash or voice control. After 3.3 miles, the trail enters Beehive Basin, a u-shaped glacial cirque with an unnamed crystal clear lake that overlooks Lone Peak. This is an easy, 1-mile round trip hike. For a perfect example, just head to the Beehive Basin. Join Outside+ to get Backpacker magazine, access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. 191 toward Big Sky. How to get there: From Old Hardin Road (U.S. Highway 87), turn south onto Coburn Road just east of the Interstate 90 exit. Joseph T. O'Connor is the Editor-in-Chief for EBS newspaper and Mountain Outlaw magazine. are easy to eat and have a low-moisture content like dried fruit, jerky, string Drive 20 miles to the Lava Lake trailhead parking area on the right, just north of the Gallatin River Bridge. From Highway 191, head up Lone Mountain Trail (Highway 64) for about 11 miles and turn right on Beehive Basin Road and continue for 1.7 miles to the trailhead. However, if you've never attempted a winter hike before, you'll definitely want to go with someone more experienced. Be prepared for icy roads, have a 4-wheel drive vehicle with snow Bring enough layers of clothing to keep you warm, and dont forget a snack and There is plenty of parking, a picnic table and restrooms. BSCO engages and leads people to recreational and enrichment opportunities through thoughtful development of partnerships, programs and places. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); NORTHWEST TRAVEL & LIFE MAGAZINE is the informative resource in the Northwest for travel, food, adventure and living life to its fullest. There is a small parking lot, but no restrooms. Beehive Basin trailhead road sign.
freezing, or pack a thermos with your favorite hot beverage. So zip up your jacket, strap on your Yaktrax, and head for the trailhead for a quick remedy to your cabin fever. Never go it alone in the caution. Jessica Wick is a writer and travel enthusiast who loves exploring new places, meeting new people and, of course, beautiful Big Sky Country and every part of Washington State. But did you know about the great Big Sky hikes that are beautiful during wintertime too? Again, the GNFAC website is Many a Driving in the Steps of the Corps of Discovery, Travelers' Rest: A Study in Precision on the Lewis and Clark Trail, The Crazy Mountains: Montanas Less-Heralded Alternative to the Tetons, By Doug Schmittou, with photos by Robert Schmittou, The Elkhorn Mountains Majestic Crow Creek Falls, By Chris Muhlenfeld | Illustration by Rob Rath, The Legends, the Lore, and the Wild Horses of the Pryor Mountains, Bannack - Montana's Best Preserved Ghost Town, On the Trail with Sheepherders, Groundskeepers of the Land, By Hallie Zolynski, with photos by the author, VIDEO: Camera Captures Lightning Strike Hitting Cow in a Field, VIDEO: Bear Charges and Tackles Bow Hunter. Would you hike the Beehive Basin in the winter? Stay in a Working Waterfront Town: Anacortes, Washington, Best Views, Beaches & Easy Trails on Oregons South Coast, Road Tripping to Mt. This section of railroad was one of the first in the country to be electrified; Thomas Edison even came out to Butte to ride the Milwaukee Road. Its a great trail for hiking, biking or cross-country skiing. land. safety reminder by displaying a red X if you do not have a working beacon and To access the trailhead, head east down Aspen Leaf Drive toward the South Fork of the West Fork of the Gallatin River. 191 toward Big Sky and drive 34 miles. important, bring your sense of adventure and positive attitude. States as of Jan. 20. safety gear of a beacon, probe and shovel, and know how to use them. The trail can be slick in the afternoon once the sun goes behind the hill, so wear tracks on your boots. In fact, some might say thats when the best hiking starts. The majority of the hike follows Cascade Creek up and through a dense evergreen forest. Educate yourself. mile of the trail is a Forest Service easement located on private property. Follow the signs to the Mount Helena City Park Trailhead at the end of Reeders Village Drive. Bring the basic Drive about 30 miles, then turn right onto Big Sky Spur Road. VIDEO: Big Bison Sends Other Bison Sailing Through Air. Continue 3 miles and turn left onto Ousel Falls Road. cheese and chocolate. It is about 6.6 miles round trip, and offers spectacular views of Lone Peak and Big Sky Resorts ski runs. 191 south into Gallatin Canyon. If you head left at the beginning, youll walk along the rim of the plateau that is edged with cliffs that drop 200-500 feet down to the Yellowstone River. Backcountry winter recreation has inherent risks, keep these Beehive Basin trail may see more visitors in the summer, but winter is a Turn right to stay on Blodgett Camp Road and continue to the trailhead. The falls will most likely be frozen, depending on when you go, making it a spectacular sight and a great photo opp. 2022 Outlaw Partners, LLC. To access the trailhead, head down Ousel Falls Road, past Town Center for about 2 miles; the parking lot will be on the left side of the road. Be sure to bring a camera to capture the panoramic views of Billings, the Yellowstone River, and Pryor Mountains. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. At the end of the hike you will emerge from the trees to a stunning view of the 47-acre Lava Lake, nestled among its snow-dusted mountain surroundings. Visit biggestskiinginamerica.com to learn more or to plan your trip to Big Sky. Look for the Ousel Falls Park sign on the left. Sign up for Outside+ today. skis or snowshoes. Your comment will not appear until we have reviewed and approved it. Just a few miles south of Butte, the Milwaukee Railroad Trail through Thompson Park offers a scenic and historic journey along a section of the former Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad. Make the hike a 3.2 loop by taking Hogback Trail then Prospect Shafts trail on the way back down. Sign up for our email newsletter to receive a current digital issue of the magazine, exclusive subscriber content, and access to special contests, discounts, and giveaways! install a beacon station at the Upper Beehive Basin trailhead. Lava Lake is a challenging hike that climbs to a beautiful mountain lake in the Spanish Peaks section of the Lee Metcalf Wilderness. displays a green circle if your beacon is functional and turned on. This hike turns into more of a snowshoe trek in the winter months. This 1.6 mile hike crosses a ravine over the South Fork of the Gallatin River and meanders through the woods before ending at the 100-foot Ousel Falls. Distance 6.6 miles (out and back) Trailhead 45.306901, -111.385532 Drive time 1:12 from Bozeman Season June to October Contact. It serves as a head out, check the GNFAC website at mtavalanche.com for a daily condition advisory. Most
At the glacial cirque, cast a line for cutthroat, then, for Even Bigger Sky Country, scramble another half mile up 10,742-foot Beehive Peak, where the Taylor-Hilgard Range saws into the far horizon. Learn more about what to look for and how to dig a snow pit to gauge It was even ranked in the top ten greatest hikes in the world by Austin-Lehman Adventures for Fox News.
We are the usable and sensible guide that inspires 300,000 readers bimonthly with useful, fresh and compelling ideas for discovering our region. And tell someone at home what your plans are. Thank you! How to get there: Take Hwy. While you cant predict exactly when or where an If you have winter gear, this is actually a perfect trail to hit. 2019-2020 winter season there have been 12 avalanche fatalities in the United
Share your favorite winter trails with us in the comments, or by using our nomination form for a chance to see them featured. Montana tourism 2019: Nonresident spending down, visitor numbers up. You may even see a few ice climbers! Upon the reaching the top, youll have a breathtaking view of the entire Helena valley. A good lunch spot and turnaround point for winter hikers falls around the 3.5 mile mark, which is also where youll be met by the charming Blodgett Falls. Get full access to Outside Learn, our online education hub featuring in-depth fitness, nutrition, and adventure courses and more than 2,000 instructional videos when you sign up for Outside+ Before you refresher. The trail ends just 100 yards from the 2,300-foot-long Pipestone Pass tunnel, which is closed to the public. The hike to Beehive Basin offers every hallmark of Big Sky Country: glacier-cut mountains, alpine lakes, and top-of-the-world views. Dress warmly, bring plenty of layers, water and your camera. How to get there: Take State Route 2 south of Butte for about nine miles and follow the signs. Take an avalanche course, be it the first time or a
