Montana is wild and beautiful. Think snowy mountains, clear blue lakes, and endless trails. One day you’re skiing, the next you’re hiking through pine forests or relaxing by a crackling fire in a cozy lodge. Rugged, real, and unforgettable.
Pure untamed wonder.
A stunning wilderness of rugged peaks, alpine lakes, and over 700 miles of hiking trails. Known as the “Crown of the Continent,” it’s a paradise for outdoor lovers, with wildlife, waterfalls, and jaw-dropping views around every bend.
Every turn has a “you’ve-got-to-see-this” moment.
It starts easy—wildflowers and sparkling lakes. As you climb, the views explode: glacier-blue waters and towering cliffs. Then you reach the glacier—quiet, powerful, unforgettable. This isn’t just a hike—it’s a story you’ll tell forever.
If you had shown me this photo before we started—the one looking straight up at where we were actually headed—I’m not sure I would’ve said yes to the hike. But sometimes, the best views come after the hardest climbs… and Grinnell Glacier proves it.
The first part of the Grinnell Glacier Trail is a breeze! Starting by Swiftcurrent Lake, you’ll stroll through meadows and wildflowers, with stunning mountain views at every turn. It’s the perfect warm-up before the real adventure begins—so take it easy, snap some photos, and enjoy the calm beauty!
As the trail gets steeper, the views just keep getting more epic—Sapphire and Blackfoot Mountains stretching as far as the eye can see, with the Continental Divide looming in the distance. A bighorn sheep took the lead as our unplanned guide, and we barely dodged a mama bear and her cubs. Honestly, I’m not sure if I was bummed about missing the bears or relieved to skip the close-up!
Soon, you’ll spot Grinnell Lake shining like a jewel—bright turquoise and almost unreal. It’s one of those views that makes you stop and say, “Wow!” The lake’s color comes from glacial flour—tiny particles from the glacier that catch the sunlight, giving it that glowing blue-green look. Definitely worth the climb!
The final stretch is where determination kicks in. A narrow waterfall flows gracefully down the cliffside as you climb the last steep section of the trail—gaining nearly 1,600 feet in elevation overall. You’ll see hikers at the top looking like tiny specks, making it feel like the end is miles away. But there’s no turning back now. With every step, you’re inching closer to the big reveal—Grinnell Glacier, still hidden, just around the bend.
In 1887, Grinnell Glacier was a towering 1,000-foot ice wall. By 2008, it shrank to less than 200 acres, with Salamander Glacier now below where the wall stood. A clear sign of climate change, but still a breathtaking sight and a reminder of nature’s ever-changing beauty.
The descent was a lot kinder to our legs, with the views constantly shifting—new angles of the lakes and mountains popping up around every turn. Sure, knowing we still had 6 miles to go wasn’t exactly a blast, but the cool breeze and that “we just conquered this” feeling kept us grinning all the way down.
During peak season, you can shave off some mileage by taking a scenic boat ride across Swiftcurrent and Josephine Lakes—definitely a treat if you can catch it! But don’t overlook the perks of going off-season. Sure, the boats are docked and the crowds are fewer, but the quiet trails, cooler temps, and peaceful lake reflections make it feel like you have the whole wilderness to yourself.
The Highline Trail is one of Glacier’s most iconic hikes, starting at Logan Pass and hugging cliff edges with cables to grip along narrow drop-offs. It winds through alpine meadows with epic views of the Continental Divide, plus chances to spot mountain goats and bighorn sheep. At 7.6 miles one way, it’s a thrilling, scenic adventure.
The Trail of the Cedars is a flat, scenic loop that winds through towering red cedars and feels like a walk through a storybook forest. Just under a mile long and accessible for all, it’s peaceful, shady, and perfect for families. Want more adventure? Take the trail split to Avalanche Lake for a stunning mountain payoff.
A must-do at Logan Pass, this 2.7-mile roundtrip hike leads to jaw-dropping views of Hidden Lake, surrounded by alpine meadows and towering peaks. Keep your eyes peeled for mountain goats and marmots along the way!
Whitefish is a charming mountain town with big adventure vibes. Just outside Glacier National Park, it offers year-round fun—skiing at Whitefish Mountain Resort in winter, and hiking, biking, and lake days in summer. Downtown is full of cozy cafes, local shops, and huckleberry everything. It’s the perfect mix of wild and welcoming.
Yellowstone is a wild wonderland of geysers, hot springs, waterfalls, and wildlife. From Old Faithful’s famous eruptions to bison roaming wide-open plains, it’s America’s first national park—and still one of its most unforgettable.
Welcome to Big Sky
Big Sky doesn’t just live up to its name—it blows it out of the water (or snow). Winter brings some of the best skiing in the country, with powder so fresh it practically high-fives you on the way down. Come summer, it’s all about hiking, fly fishing, biking, and soaking in those “is this real life?” views. Whether you’re carving slopes or chasing sunsets, Big Sky is 100% Montana awe.
In the fall, Lake McDonald near Apgar Village turns into a showstopper. The trees explode with color, the water’s like glass, and those rainbow pebbles? Still shining under the surface. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to slow down, paddle out, and soak up every golden, glowing second.
Apgar transforms into a quiet wonderland. Snow blankets the ground, Lake McDonald glistens with icy stillness, and the crowds are gone—leaving just you, the crisp mountain air, and the peaceful magic of Glacier in its calmest season.
White water rafting in Glacier Country is a wild ride with a view—icy rapids, mountain backdrops, and nonstop fun. Whether you’re chasing thrills or just cruising, it’s classic Montana excitement!
The lodge, built in 1913, is a true Glacier icon and the definition of historic charm. Designed to look like a Swiss chalet, its grand front entrance was meant to wow guests arriving by boat (talk about a grand entrance!). With its rustic architecture, log details, and cozy vibes, it feels like stepping back in time. And hey, if Disney’s Wilderness Lodge looks familiar, that’s because this place helped inspire it—bringing a slice of Glacier magic all the way to Florida!
From epic adventures to peaceful escapes, Big Sky Country’s wild beauty steals your heart at every turn.
Heidi Jackson
Kentucky
859-379-9260
heidi@lotmv.com
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