Hiking and Backpacking
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In a state that’s as big as all outdoors, don’t be surprised to find that hiking and backpacking are the preferred outdoor activities. Long backpacking trips through national forests and wilderness areas are something of a rite of passage for many Montanans.
The most famous hiking area in the state is Glacier National Park. Even more so than Yellowstone, Glacier yields its wonders only to those who get out of the car and hike up its trails. However, in high summer the trails can be very busy and may therefore not deliver the wilderness experience you’re looking for. Other areas to consider for longer backpacking trips are the Bob Marshall Wilderness Area, south of Glacier Park; the Bitterroot Mountains, south of Missoula; and the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, north of Yellowstone.
The national forests are all laced with hiking trails, and the staff at any ranger station can help you put together a hiking trip that suits your interests, time limitations, and endurance.
© W.C. McRae & Judy Jewell from Moon Montana, 7th Edition
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Moon Travel Guides make independent travel and outdoor exploration fun and accessible. With expert and adventurous travel writers delivering a mix of honest insight, first-rate strategic travel advice, insider travel tips and an essential dose of humor, Moon Travel Guides ensure that travelers have an uncommon and entirely satisfying experience. Each travel book is filled with unique trip ideas, easy-to-use maps, and detailed information on sights, restaurants, and accommodations. Moon Travel Guides not only point you in the right direction, they inspire new ideas and adventure. Whether you are seeking a relaxing beach trip to Hawaii, or an adventure travel trip to the rainforests of Costa Rica, Moon guidebooks—and Moon.com—are with you every step of the way. Founded in 1973, the Moon Travel Guides series includes Moon Handbooks, Moon Outdoors, Moon Metro, Moon Living Abroad and Moon Spotlight travel books. Moon is based in Berkeley, California and is a proud member of the Perseus Books Group.