Puzzle Ridge
- 9.9 mi
- round trip
- 288 ft
- climb
- 6,979 ft
- high point
- Out and back
- route
Is Puzzle Ridge open right now?
Alert in the area
The Forest Service lists 5 alerts for Flathead National Forest.
Camp Creek Fire Updated Trail Closure
Agency alert covering Flathead National Forest · Order 01-10- · USFS · Flathead National Forest
FK&L Area Closed to Public Access Starting July 22, 2026
Agency alert covering Flathead National Forest · Order 01-10- · USFS · Flathead National Forest
Trail 800 Tally-Ashely Closure
Agency alert covering Flathead National Forest · Order 01-10- · USFS · Flathead National Forest
Ryan Creek Occupancy and Use Order
Agency alert covering Flathead National Forest · Order 1-10- · USFS · Flathead National Forest
Logan Creek Hoke Creek Closure
Agency alert covering Flathead National Forest · Order 01-10- · USFS · Flathead National Forest
As of · Source: USFS · Flathead National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.
Puzzle Ridge is a 9.9-mile out-and-back hike in the Hungry Horse Ranger District of Montana's Flathead National Forest, managed by the Forest Service. The trail rises from about 5,043 feet to a high point of 6,979 feet, with a total elevation gain of 288 feet. It is a moderate route, and the trail surface is natural, so plan on a walk over rough ground rather than a smooth path. The trail is open year-round, and the Forest Service allows both horses and bikes. That makes it a flexible option for riders and pack animals as well as hikers. The closest neighbors are Skyland, a hike about 2 miles away, and Challenge Cabin, a campground at a similar distance. Zips Place Cabin and Summit Campground are both within about 6.5 miles.
Local outfitters
- North American RV Park & Yurt Village38 mi away
- Rocky Mountain Outfitter48 mi away
Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.
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Route details
- Distance
- 9.9 mi round trip
- Climbing
- About 288 ft
- Summit
- 7,008 ft
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Time
- About 3.5 hours
Season
Season: Year-round.
Questions about this route
How long is the Puzzle Ridge on Puzzle Hills?
About 9.9 mi round trip.
How much elevation gain is on the Puzzle Ridge?
About 288 ft of climbing round trip.
How hard is the Puzzle Ridge?
It is rated moderate.
How long does the Puzzle Ridge take?
About 3.5 hours round trip.
When is the best time for the Puzzle Ridge?
Year-round.
Conditions and forecast on Puzzle Hills
Daily highs and lows, wind and the chance of precipitation at the summit and route start for the next 7 days, from the Open-Meteo model.
