Montana · Hiking

West Fishtail

5.6 mi
round trip
2,045 ft
climb
6,387 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Jul–Sep
best months

Is West Fishtail open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Beartooth Ranger District. It doesn't name West Fishtail, so check the source for the area it covers (14 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Beartooth Ranger District. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

West Fishtail is a moderate out-and-back hike in Montana's Custer Gallatin National Forest, within the Beartooth Ranger District. The trail runs about 5.6 miles round trip, with a total elevation gain of 2,045 feet, and it climbs from a low point of 5,541 feet to a high of 6,387 feet. The steepest section comes at about 2 miles, where the grade reaches 17 percent. The route is on natural surface, and the Forest Service allows horses and bikes. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. At the nearby Mystic Lake weather station, typical July highs average 75°F with lows around 50°F. The trail is typically open from June 1 to September 30. The Fishtail Connector and Island Lake both start about 0.2 miles away. East Fishtail lies roughly 1.4 miles off, and Pine Grove Campground is about 7.3 miles away.

  • Best time to go · Jul–Sep

    Best time to visit West Fishtail

    Best months: July–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

      34° / 18°

      8 wet

    2. Feb

      34° / 17°

      9 wet

    3. Mar

      41° / 22°

      11 wet

    4. Apr

      48° / 27°

      12 wet

    5. May

      57° / 35°

      14 wet

    6. Jun

      66° / 43°

      14 wet

    7. Jul

      75° / 50°

      12 wet

    8. Aug

      74° / 50°

      11 wet

    9. Sep

      65° / 42°

      10 wet

    10. Oct

      52° / 32°

      10 wet

    11. Nov

      40° / 24°

      9 wet

    12. Dec

      33° / 18°

      9 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Mystic Lake, MT, 8.7 mi away at 6,544 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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