Z - Loop

Z - Loop is an easy hike of about 2.5 miles in Montana's Flathead National Forest, within the Swan Lake Ranger District. It starts and ends at roughly 4,758 feet, reaching a high point of about 4,818 feet. The trail gains about 600 feet in elevation and loses about 932 feet over the course of the route, with the steepest stretch at about a quarter mile in, where the grade reaches about 10%. The route is short enough to fit into a single outing, and the Forest Service manages the surrounding land. Winter skiers will find several cross-country routes close by. Powerline Loop and Z - Descent are each about 0.2 miles away, and Lakeside Glide is about 0.6 miles away. Hikers can also try the Lakeside to Blacktail trail, about 1.4 miles off.