Montana Hikers: Don’t Hit The Trails Without Reading This First

BUTTE, MT - As soon as the snow begins to melt and the temperatures start flirting with 50 degrees, hikers across Montana start dusting off their boots—myself included.

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Who could blame them? From the Absarokas to the Bitterroots, Montana is a hiker's paradise.

But early season hiking in Big Sky Country isn’t all sunshine and summit selfies. It comes with real risks that even seasoned outdoors people need to keep in mind.

According to guidance from public lands officials and local rangers, early spring hiking can cause major damage not just to you, but to the trail itself—and maybe even your rescue team.

And there's something big happening, too.

But before we get there, check out these top locations for bear sightings:

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Tread Lightly—Literally

Those muddy trails you’re itching to stomp through? They’re incredibly fragile this time of year.

In Montana, spring thaw turns even the best-maintained trails into soft, mucky messes. Walking on them can carve deep ruts that take years to recover, if ever.

So if you see trail closure signs or “Stay Off When Muddy” warnings, don’t be that person. Resisting the urge to hike a closed or soggy trail keeps our ecosystems healthier, our trails more usable, and our already-understaffed trail crews a lot happier.

Spring Isn’t Summer, Weather Can Flip Fast

Even if the sun is shining in Bozeman, Missoula, or Billings, that doesn’t mean your favorite trailhead is in the clear.

Montana’s mountains are known for unpredictable weather, especially in the spring. Snowstorms, icy slopes, and surprise rain showers are still very much on the table.

Check the forecast before you go. Then check it again. And don’t just check the forecast in town: look up weather conditions at the elevation of your hike. There’s a big difference between 4,000 and 9,000 feet.

Let Someone Know, Even For a "Quick One"

Cell service? Good luck.

Many of Montana’s most beautiful hikes also happen to be dead zones for mobile signals. If something goes wrong, rescue crews could take hours to reach you—if they know where you are.

Always tell a friend or family member where you're going, how long you plan to be out, and when you expect to return. Better yet, use GPS location sharing or drop a pin before heading out.

A little preparation could make a life-saving difference.

Do Your Homework: Know the Trail Before You Go

Every year, emergency crews in Montana respond to hikers who thought they were just going for a casual nature stroll—only to end up cold, lost, or injured miles from help.

Before you tackle that peak or lakeside loop, read up on the trail. Check recent reports, elevation gains, water crossings, and snowpack levels.

Knowing the terrain ahead of time isn’t just smart—it’s what turns a good hike into a great one.

Final Thoughts

Montana’s wild landscapes are unforgiving, especially in spring. But with a little caution and a lot of respect, you can enjoy the state’s world-class trails safely. Don’t let excitement override preparation.

Because while “getting lost in Montana” sounds like a poetic Instagram caption—it’s also the title of more than a few search and rescue reports.

Planning a spring hike in Montana this weekend? Start by checking your trail conditions at https://www.southwestmontanamba.org/trail-reports and leave no trace—except maybe your jaw on the floor at the views.