Montana · Hiking

Red Cub

15.5 mi
round trip
856 ft
climb
8,318 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jun–Aug
best months

Is Red Cub open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Custer Gallatin National Forest. It doesn't name Red Cub, so check the source for the area it covers (16 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Custer Gallatin National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Red Cub is a hard hike in the Hebgen Lake Ranger District of Custer Gallatin National Forest in Montana, about 15.5 miles long with an elevation gain of 856 feet. The trail is an out-and-back, starting at a low point of about 7,282 feet and reaching a high of about 8,318 feet. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station show July highs around 80°F with lows near 39°F, and the station sits roughly 1,600 feet lower than the trail's high point, so temperatures up top run cooler. The trail is on natural surface and allows both horses and bikes. Beaver Creek Cabin is about 1.6 miles away, and Cabin Creek and Minnie are hikes within about 2 miles. Cabin Creek Campground is about 2.5 miles off.

  • Best time to go · Jun–Aug

    Best time to visit Red Cub

    Best months: June–August. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      27° / 0°

    2. Feb

      31° / 1°

    3. Mar

      40° / 9°

    4. Apr

      48° / 21°

    5. May

      59° / 29°

    6. Jun

      68° / 34°

    7. Jul

      80° / 39°

    8. Aug

      78° / 36°

    9. Sep

      68° / 30°

    10. Oct

      51° / 21°

    11. Nov

      36° / 11°

    12. Dec

      26° / 3°

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at W Yellowstone Gateway, MT, 20.8 mi away at 6,679 ft. The station sits about 1,600 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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