My Favorite Montana Hikes 2025

Hello everyone! In this post I’m going to rank my top 5 favorite hikes I did in Montana in 2025. If you plan on hiking any of these, the on-x backcountry app or something similar will be very helpful for following/figuring out a path. Alltrails only has a few of the more popular trails on this list.

#1 – Koch Peak

Distance: 15.08 miles

Elevation Gain: 4,567 feet

Koch Peak was definitely my favorite hike from 2025. There was quite a bit of elevation gain, but it was fairly gradual until the final half mile to the peak. We were the only people hiking this trail, which is pretty common in this area – even for early July. The trail disappeared a few miles in, but by then we were above the tree line, and following the ridge to the peak was easy enough. If you know which mountain you’re trying to climb, you’ll be able to find your way to the top.

#2 – Highline Trail

Distance: 10.09 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,834 feet

This trail was awesome! It looks like a place a fairytale would take place in. It goes on much farther than I went, but I was in a bit of a time crunch. The only downside was the insane parking (it took me over an hour to get a spot) and the trail was very crowded. This isn’t surprising for a popular trailhead (and visitor center) in early August in Glacier National Park though. This hike is not ideal for people who are afraid of heights! Actually, I’m afraid of heights and was fine. I’m going to rephrase that: this hike is not ideal for people who think they might accidentally trip and fall off the edge or have a fear that someone is after them and is planning on pushing them off.

#3 – Sphinx Mountain

Distance: 14.13 miles

Elevation Gain: 4,603 feet

This hike might’ve had the best views from the top, compared to any other hike on this list. We even got distant views of the Tetons! The only downside was the amount of loose rock. There were a few times I was afraid I was going to slip. We hiked this in late July and only saw one other person (and her dog). Super cool rock formations and lots of baby mountain goats!

#4 – Pika Point Loop

Distance: 15.57 miles

Elevation Gain: 2,818 feet

This trail had amazing views of the Taylor Peaks and lots of wildflowers! We hiked this mid-June and didn’t see anyone else. The trail disappeared from time to time but was still fairly easy to follow. We saw plenty of grizzly tracks so definitely don’t forget bear spray!

#5 – Fawn Pass Trail to Bighorn Pass Trail Loop

Distance: 12.69 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,165 feet

While this trail is mostly in Wyoming, I’m including it because it goes through Montana. This is a great early season hike. We hiked it in late-May, were the only people there, and it was dry. It connects Fawn Pass trail and Bighorn Pass trail, both of which continue on much farther than the small sections in this loop. Bighorn Pass trail was my favorite part because it follows the Gallatin River for a while. This trail is very relaxing and is well defined. The only downside is the long road walk required to complete this loop.

Honorable Mentions

These trails were also very enjoyable! Just barely didn’t make the top 5 but I still wanted to include them.

Beehive Basin

Distance: 7.42 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,830 feet

I hiked this with my pal Rachel in late August! It was very busy, but also really convenient as it is only a 20-minute drive from Big Sky town center. The trail was gradual all the way to the lake.

Windy Pass

Distance: 7.48 miles

Elevation Gain: 2,037 feet

This was a post-work hike, and we weren’t able to make it all the way because it was getting dark. We did this in mid-June, and the wildflowers were amazing! Excellent views of Paradise Valley in Yellowstone National Park.