Montana High Trails: Beartooth's wilderness hiking to 10,000ft

Red Lodge is the perfect training ground for mountain adventures in the Beartooths Mountains. Hop on a trail and gain 3000 ft to the top of the beautiful alpine plateau. Here are four recommended (one way) Beartooth hiking trails, if you're into elevation gain! There are many more trails, this is just a selection of the best trails for elevation gain.

Want to step up your hiking game? Prepare for longer days and an alpine pack? These trails a the perfect training ground!

Becca on Spread Creek Trail in East Rosebud

Bear Track Trail - Red Lodge

Stats: 5 miles, 3000 ft. max elevation: 9500 ft

Location: Bear Track Trailhead, Hwy 212

This trail starts right of Hwy 212 and is on a solar aspect, after some hiking in the flats and in the shade the switchbacks get quite a bit of sun and are a good option for colder days.

Google maps trail link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/f2Jc932yoTRx4pGHA

Corral Creek Trail - Red Lodge

Stats: 4 miles, 3000 ft. max elevation 9400 ft

Location: Corral Creek Trailhead. Rattine Sheridan Road

Perfect for a hot sunny day, the trail stays for the most part in the forest and next to Corral Creek. Once you gain higher elevations and the plateau, the temperature will drop and you'll find a nice cooling breeze.

Google maps trail link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6xXiyCvtLXeioD1QA

Spread Creek Trail - East Rosebud

Location: Spread Creek Trailhead, East Rosebud Road Stats: 5 miles, 4000 ft. max elevation: 9500 ft

Another trails that stays in the shade for much of the hike and here you even get rewarded with the beautiful Sylvan alpine lake at the top!

Google maps trail link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Q49wjCrpMJzcR6fh9

Senia Camp Trail - Red Lodge

Location: West Fork Rock Creek Trailhead, West Fork Rd

Stats: 4 miles, 2000 ft, max. elevation: 9970 ft

This trail is sunny and best for cooler days or late and early summer season. Drive the West Fork road all the way to the end and park at the big parking lot. If you're feeling like a big day and have shuttle option available you can connect the Senia Trail and the Specimen Trail.

Google maps trail link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/PL7ZReQTHrKgpFkc9

Final Note

Montana and the Beartooth Wilderness and Forests are (Grizzly) Bear country, inform yourself for best practices as a hiker before you head out on a hike. https://www.fs.usda.gov/r01/custergallatin/safety-ethics/bear-aware

If you're looking for the next step up from steep trails with heavy packs, check out our other guides: non-technical mountain objectives or technical mountain objectives.

Want go on an adventure with us or need more information for Alpine Climbing preparation?

Give us a call 406 446 14 07 or write us an email: info@beartoothguides.com