Montana's Best Summer Hikes and Bike Trails: Your Complete 2025 Guide

Discover why Great Falls, Montana is the perfect base camp for exploring the state's most spectacular summer trails

Montana's summer season offers some of the most breathtaking hiking and biking opportunities in the country. From the towering peaks of Glacier National Park to hidden gems accessible from Great Falls, the state transforms into an outdoor enthusiast's paradise when the snow melts and wildflowers bloom.

Why Great Falls is Your Ideal Trail Base Camp

Great Falls, Montana serves as the perfect launching point for Montana's best summer adventures. Located in the heart of the state, this strategic location puts you within driving distance of world-class trails while offering comfortable accommodations and essential amenities that popular tourist destinations often lack.

Key Advantages of Staying in Great Falls:

• Central location with easy access to multiple trail systems

• Full-service accommodations ideal for extended stays

• Resupply options for multi-day adventures

• Less crowded than tourist hotspots

• Competitive lodging rates compared to park gateway towns

Best Time to Visit Montana for Summer Hiking and Biking

Peak Season: June through August

• June: Wildflower season begins, lower elevation trails fully accessible

• July: Peak hiking season with warmest weather and longest days

• August: Ideal for high-altitude adventures, berry picking season

Extended Season: May and September

• May: Great for lower elevation trails, fewer crowds

• September: Perfect weather, stunning fall colors, minimal bugs

Top Summer Hiking Destinations from Great Falls

Glacier National Park Adventures (90 minutes from Great Falls)

Hidden Lake Overlook Trail

• Distance: 3 miles roundtrip

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Highlights: Mountain goats, wildflower meadows, glacier views

• Best Time: July-September

Avalanche Lake Trail

• Distance: 4.5 miles roundtrip

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

• Highlights: Waterfalls, pristine alpine lake, family-friendly

Grinnell Glacier Trail

• Distance: 11 miles roundtrip

• Difficulty: Strenuous

• Highlights: Active glacier, turquoise lakes, wildlife viewing

Little Belt Mountains (45 minutes from Great Falls)

Sluice Boxes State Park

• Distance: Multiple trail options (1-6 miles)

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

• Highlights: Historic mining area, limestone canyon, wildflowers

Kings Hill Area Trails

• Distance: Various options

• Difficulty: Easy to strenuous

• Highlights: Panoramic views, diverse wildlife, cooler temperatures

Highwood Mountains (1 hour from Great Falls)

Highwood Baldy Trail

• Distance: 8 miles roundtrip

• Difficulty: Strenuous

• Highlights: 360-degree views, unique geology, challenging climb

Premier Summer Biking Routes

Road Cycling Adventures

River's Edge Trail (Great Falls)

• Distance: 60+ miles of paved trails

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

• Highlights: Missouri River views, waterfalls, urban convenience

Glacier National Park's Going-to-the-Sun Road

• Distance: 50 miles one-way

• Difficulty: Extremely challenging

• Highlights: Iconic mountain scenery, epic climbing challenge

• Note: Requires shuttle arrangements

Mountain Biking Hotspots

Gibson Park Mountain Bike Trails (Great Falls)

• Distance: 5+ miles of singletrack

• Difficulty: Beginner to intermediate

• Highlights: Close to town, well-maintained trails

Whitefish Mountain Resort

• Distance: 30+ miles of trails

• Difficulty: All levels

• Highlights: Lift-served downhill, cross-country options

Hidden Gems: Off-the-Beaten-Path Summer Trails

Square Butte (45 minutes from Great Falls)

• Distance: 3 miles roundtrip

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Highlights: Unique geological formation, prairie views, solitude

Ulm Pishkun State Park (30 minutes from Great Falls)

• Distance: 2 miles of trails

• Difficulty: Easy

• Highlights: Native American history, buffalo jump site, educational

Belt Creek Canyon

• Distance: Various options

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

• Highlights: Cool canyon environment, creek crossings, wildflowers

Essential Summer Trail Gear

Hiking Essentials:

• Layered clothing system

• Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)

• Bear spray (required in many areas)

• Plenty of water (elevation and dry climate increase needs)

• Navigation tools (GPS device or detailed maps)

Biking Must-Haves:

• Helmet and safety gear

• Repair kit and spare tubes

• Hydration system

• Weather-appropriate clothing

• Trail maps or GPS device

Wildlife Safety and Trail Etiquette

Bear Country Awareness:

• Carry bear spray at all times

• Make noise while hiking

• Store food properly

• Know how to react to bear encounters

Leave No Trace Principles:

• Pack out all trash

• Stay on designated trails

• Respect wildlife viewing distances

• Minimize campfire impacts

Planning Your Montana Summer Adventure

Suggested Itineraries

Weekend Warrior (2-3 days):

• Base in Great Falls

• Day 1: Local trails (River's Edge, Gibson Park)

• Day 2: Glacier National Park day trip

• Day 3: Little Belt Mountains exploration

Extended Adventure (1-2 weeks):

• Week 1: Thorough Glacier National Park exploration

• Week 2: Central Montana hidden gems and local favorites

Accommodations Strategy

Why Choose Great Falls Over Tourist Towns:

• Cost Savings: 30-50% less expensive than Glacier gateway towns

• Availability: Better room availability during peak season

• Amenities: Full-service hotels with extended-stay options

• Local Experience: Authentic Montana culture and cuisine

Local Resources and Services

Great Falls Outdoor Retailers:

• Gear shops for last-minute supplies

• Local trail condition updates

• Guided trip arrangements

Medical and Emergency Services:

• Benefis Health System - full-service hospital

• Urgent care facilities

• Emergency evacuation services

Seasonal Considerations

Weather Patterns:

• Afternoon thunderstorms common in July/August

• Temperature swings between day and night

• UV exposure intensified at elevation

Trail Conditions:

• Snow may linger on high-elevation trails into July

• Wildfire potential during dry periods

• Stream crossings higher during snowmelt

Making the Most of Your Stay

Rest Day Activities in Great Falls:

• Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center

• C.M. Russell Museum

• Missouri River fishing

• Local brewery and restaurant scene

Resupply and Preparation:

• Grocery stores for trail food

• Sporting goods stores for gear

• Laundry facilities for extended stays

Your Montana Summer Adventure Awaits

Montana's summer hiking and biking season offers unparalleled outdoor experiences, from world-famous Glacier National Park to hidden local gems. By choosing Great Falls as your base camp, you'll enjoy the perfect combination of access, affordability, and authentic Montana hospitality.

Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or an extended summer adventure, Montana's trails deliver memories that last a lifetime. The key to maximizing your experience lies in smart planning, proper preparation, and choosing accommodations that support your outdoor lifestyle.

Start planning your Montana summer adventure today – the trails are calling, and Great Falls is your gateway to extraordinary experiences.

Ready to explore Montana's best summer trails? Contact us to learn about extended-stay accommodations in Great Falls that put you at the center of Montana's outdoor paradise.