Explore Nature Mission Canyon Natural Bridge

Zortman, Montana

Description

Steep limestone cliffs riddled with caves and natural bridges line Mission Canyon.

Mission Canyon Natural Bridge is located on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation just outside Hays, Montana. Fort Belknap Indian Reservation is home to the Assiniboine (Nakoda), and the Gros Ventre (aaniiih) tribes, and is the forth largest Indian reservation in Montana.

The People's Creek flows from the Little Rocky Mountains through Mission Canyon. Over centuries, the river has carved it's way creating towering limestone walls with many caves, and the picturesque Natural Bridge.

To get Mission Canyon Natural Bridge, head southeast out of Hays on Main Street for 2-miles. There you'll see a welcome sign and the entrance to Mission Canyon. The road in Mission Canyon is a well developed gravel road, and it's approximately a 1/2 mile to the Natural Bridge. Get out and take a look at this natural wonder. There is plenty more to explore in the canyon with side hikes, and more.

Also, if you are there in August, you can experience Native American dancing, music, and cultural events at the Hays Pow Wow. The pow wow is open to the public, and provides a look at the traditions of some the indigenous cultures.

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Chillin

Photography

Hiking

Dog Friendly

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Food Nearby

River

Scenic

Explore Nature Mission Canyon Natural Bridge Reviews

Have you done this adventure? Be the first to leave a review!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Spend the night at the Founders Hut and see the Prairie like you never have before!

The American Prairie Reserve (APR) in northeast and central Montana is the largest conservation project in the Lower 48, and a work in progress. It's an effort to acquire more than three million acres of land to create the largest wildlife reserve in the Continental US, as well as as an effort to return the grasslands and prairie back to its original state- as well as a safe haven for the wild...

Neat Coulee on The Upper Missouri River Breaks

Neat Coulee is a slot canyon in Central Montana that was formed by water erosion of the white sandstone cliffs. To get to the Neat Coulee, you'll need to do a river trip. The nearest put-in in Coal Banks Landing. You could exit the river at Hole in the Rock road, but most people continue on to Judith Landing.From the Eagle Creek Campground, it's about a .9 mile hike to the entrance of the slot ...

Fly Fish at Big Spring Creek

Big Spring Creek is home to big brown trout as well as rainbow trout. While most trout are about 12-18" in length, there are some larger ones waiting for you! The creek runs for about 30 miles with gorgeous views all along the way. Almost the entirety of the creek is accessible to the public, making it a popular spot for anglers looking to catch some trout. It's close proximity to Lewistown ma...

Take a Stroll through Labyrinth Garden

This place is an example of finding beauty in the small places. Labyrinth Garden is not in the mountains, but right in the middle of Lewiston Montana. It is a beautiful garden located in Frank Day Park. The sign says it is a seven-circuit labyrinth. The paths are lined with celebration stones. It is not a hike, but a short refreshing walk. It is a place to soak in a little serenity before yo...

Hole in the Wall

Hole in the Wall is a natural geologic formation in the White Cliffs along the Missouri River. Located in the Upper Missouri Breaks National Monument. This stretch of the Wild and Scenic Missouri River has changed little since Lewis & Clark first explored it in 1805. You'll experience the same beauty and tranquility. To only way to get to Hole in the Wall is by river, which means there are ...