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Montana
7.9 mi
Distance
1,960 ft
Gain
3h 36m
Time
We won't guess. Here is exactly what we do and don't know.
What we do know
Inside Custer Gallatin National Forest
2 managing-area boundaries mapped — agency alerts for them feed this page automatically.
Boundary data
What's missing
No access route mapped
We don't yet know which road reaches this trailhead, so we can't tell you if it's gated.
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Why you'll love it
Lightning Lake
AI-suggested draft · review before you go
No permit or access details on file for this trail — check with the local land manager before you go.
Lightning Lake offers a moderate alpine adventure through Montana's scenic backcountry, gaining nearly 2,000 feet over 7.86 miles of trail. This route rewards hikers with access to a pristine high-elevation lake surrounded by mountain views and subalpine terrain. The steady elevation gain and distance make it an ideal choice for hikers seeking a full day of mountain exploration with genuine alpine rewards.
Minnie
~1 min drive
Moderate 6.7-mile climb with 3,140 ft gain near Minnie, Montana.
Cabin Creek Divide
~4 min drive
Accessible divide crossing with views of Montana's mountain landscape.
Upper Sage Creek
~6 min drive
Easy 2.3-mile walk through Sage Creek with minimal elevation gain.
Dailey Creek Trailhead (WK1)
~23 min drive
This trailhead along Highway 191 in the western part of the park provides access to one trail: Dailey Creek Trail Dailey Creek Trail A strenuous 10-mile (16-km) there-and-back trail that starts near Dailey Creek and heads up to Dailey Pass, where you can reach the Sky Rim T…
Sentinel Creek
~2 min drive
Expert alpine trek with 4,776 ft gain and expansive high-country views.
Alp Creek
~8 min drive
Moderate 6.67-mile creek drainage hike with 1,585 ft elevation gain.
Avalanche Lake
~8 min drive
Scenic alpine lake hike with steady climb and mountain views.
Red Cub
~4 min drive
Steady 15.46-mile Montana trail with moderate elevation gain and scenic backcountry views.
Little Wapiti
~12 min drive
Moderate 8.79-mile foothills hike with 1,403 ft elevation gain.
Hilgard Basin
~8 min drive
Scenic alpine basin hike with steady climbing and mountain views.
