Montana · Hiking · Scapegoat Wilderness

Switchback Hill Trail

3.6 mi
round trip
614 ft
climb
6,468 ft
high point
Out and back
route
May–Sep
best months

Is Switchback Hill Trail open right now?

No closures listed

The Forest Service lists no closures for Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest.

As of · Source: USFS · Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Switchback Hill Trail is a 3.6-mile out-and-back hike in the Scapegoat Wilderness, part of the Lincoln Ranger District of the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest in Montana. The trail climbs from about 5,800 feet to about 6,468 feet, a gain of 614 feet, and is rated moderate. The route is on natural surface, and horses are allowed. Bikes are not. The Forest Service manages the land, and the trail is open year-round. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station show July and August highs around 78°F with lows in the upper 40s, while winter highs stay near freezing. Nearby, Sheep Creek Trail and Red Mountain Trail are both within 2 miles, and Heart Lake Trail is about 2 miles away. Copper Creek Campground, about 5.5 miles off, offers a place to stay.

Local outfitters

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

  • Best time to go · May–Sep

    Best time to visit Switchback Hill Trail

    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° / 12°

      6 wet

    2. Feb

      32° / 13°

      6 wet

    3. Mar

      41° / 19°

      7 wet

    4. Apr

      50° / 26°

      8 wet

    5. May

      60° / 35°

      9 wet

    6. Jun

      68° / 42°

      9 wet

    7. Jul

      78° / 49°

      6 wet

    8. Aug

      78° / 47°

      6 wet

    9. Sep

      67° / 39°

      6 wet

    10. Oct

      51° / 30°

      6 wet

    11. Nov

      37° / 19°

      6 wet

    12. Dec

      29° / 13°

      6 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Austin 1 W, MT, 39.6 mi away at 4,851 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.