Montana · Hiking

Sheldon Mountain

8.8 mi
round trip
2,034 ft
climb
4,602 ft
high point
Out and back
route
May–Sep
best months

Is Sheldon Mountain open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Kootenai National Forest. It doesn't name Sheldon Mountain, so check the source for the area it covers.

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

Sheldon Mountain is a hard hike in the Libby Ranger District of Kootenai National Forest in northwest Montana, managed by the Forest Service. The out-and-back route is about 8.8 miles long and climbs roughly 2,034 feet, from a low point of about 3,011 feet to a high of about 4,602 feet. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Libby run to highs around 78°F in July and August, with fewer wet days than the rest of the year. That station sits well below the summit, so expect cooler temperatures up high. The trail is natural-surfaced and allows both horses and bikes. Sheldon Mountain B lies about 0.3 miles away, and the Sheldon Mountain Tie J and Tie K routes are each about 0.9 miles off. For an overnight stay, Timberlane Campground is about 3.9 miles away.

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · May–Sep

    Best time to visit Sheldon Mountain

    Best months: May–September. 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

      30° / 15°

      14 wet · 12 snow

    2. Feb

      35° / 15°

      12 wet · 10 snow

    3. Mar

      43° / 22°

      13 wet · 10 snow

    4. Apr

      52° / 28°

      12 wet · 5 snow

    5. May

      62° / 34°

      12 wet · 1 snow

    6. Jun

      69° / 39°

      10 wet

    7. Jul

      78° / 42°

      6 wet

    8. Aug

      78° / 40°

      6 wet

    9. Sep

      67° / 34°

      7 wet

    10. Oct

      52° / 27°

      11 wet · 3 snow

    11. Nov

      37° / 22°

      14 wet · 9 snow

    12. Dec

      29° / 15°

      15 wet · 13 snow

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Libby 32 Sse, MT, 35.7 mi away at 3,440 ft. The station sits about 1,200 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.