Saint Mary, Montana
Looking for the best backpacking in Saint Mary? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Saint Mary. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Backpacking Spots in and near Saint Mary
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Browning, Montana
Backpack the Continental Divide in Glacier NP
4.033.4 mi / 5257 ft gainPark your car at the Two Medicine North Shore Trailhead, and take a National Park Shuttle (if they are running during the season--they stop around Labor Day in September) or set up a private shuttle service to St. Mary and the Red Eagle Trailhead (only ~$10-20 bucks a person).The first day from t...Read more -
Glacier County, Montana
Triple Divide Pass Trail to Red Eagle Lake
29.22 mi / 5499 ft gainA couple of notes to keep in mind before you start... this is a loop that takes you to a different part of the park so you will either need two vehicles (one for the pickup spot and one to take you to the trailhead) or you will need to hitchhike back to you drop off vehicle. Also you will need to...Read more -
Browning, Montana
Backpack to Poia Lake, Glacier NP
12.8 mi / 1700 ft gainLocated in Many Glacier, the Red Gap Pass trail begins at the Apikuni Falls Trailhead located east of the Many Glacier Lodge (if you're looking to check out the falls before your hike, check out Hike to Apikuni Falls at Glacier National Park). The trail starts at a gradual incline and continue th...Read more -
Browning, Montana
Cracker Lake
5.012.71 mi / 2001 ft gainThe 6.1 mile (12.2 roundtrip), hike to Cracker Lake includes wooded forests, grand views of lakes and mountains, creek crossings, distant waterfalls, mining ruins, possible wildflowers and wildlife, and a swim in turquoise water. At 1400ft elevation gain, the trail never gets too taxing. The view...Read more -
Browning, Montana
Gunsight Pass to Gunsight Lake Campsite
5.013.06 mi / 1667 ft gainHow to Get There: Get your backcountry pass at the St. Mary visitor center and then head over to the hike, which begins from the Jackson Glacier Overlook, located 12.6 miles west of the center on the Going-to-Sun-Road. The Hike: The first mile of the hike is a downhill, and then the trail is ...Read more -
Browning, Montana
Hike Mount Siyeh
5.08.45 mi / 4209 ft gainOnce the Going-To-The-Sun Road has opened fully, this massive peak is accessible by driving to Siyeh Bend on the east side of the Logan Pass Visitors Center. Plan on a sun up to sun down adventure. Choose a sunny summer day and head up to hit the trail! Park at Siyeh Bend, and start on the Pie...Read more -
Swiftcurrent, Montana
Glacier's North Circle Route (North East Section)
9.7 mi / 1660 ft gainPlanning & Preparations As amazing as this trek is, it's certainly not without its challenges, and the first one you will run into is obtaining a backcountry permit for camping. As it absolutely should, backcountry camping is very regulated. Essentially, you request permits and multiple da...Read more -
Browning, Montana
The Garden Wall
15.16 mi / 3944 ft gainThe Garden Wall Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near West Glacier, Montana.Read more -
West Glacier, Montana
Granite Park Chalet via Highline Trail
4.511.49 mi / 1555 ft gainThe trailhead for the Highline Trail is located near the west side of Logan's Pass. Parking is limited at the Pass so arriving early to guarantee a spot, or taking a park shuttle (no fee) is suggested. The shuttles run consistently during the day at different locations throughout the Park. Howeve...Read more -
West Glacier, Montana
Waterton Lakes via Packers Roost
5.022.15 mi / 4596 ft gainDay 1: This gorgeous backpacking adventure begins at the Packer's Roost trailhead, which is almost halfway between West and East Glacier on the Going-to-the-Sun Road. This trailhead is marked on the highway before you get to the "Loop." It's a quick left turn so keep your eyes peeled as you pass ...Read more -
Glacier County, Montana
Pitamakan Pass
15.36 mi / 3064 ft gainThis gripping, 16 mile round trail reveals adventure at every turn. Nestled behind Pray Lake in Glacier National Park, the Pitamakan Pass hike will begin at the North Shore Trailhead. To access this trailhead, a fifteen dollar fee may be payed to cross Pray Lake by boat. If your pocket book is ru...Read more -
East Glacier Park, Montana
Dawson Pass
5.012.01 mi / 3123 ft gainThis is a somewhat strenuous but extremely rewarding hike in Glacier National Park. It is much less crowded than the more popular Logan Pass and High Line trails, and in my opinion, more rewarding. Dawson Pass is on the Continental Divide at an elevation of 7,598 feet. It sits between Mt. Helen ...Read more -
Browning, Montana
Backpack to the Foot of Glenns Lake
20.6 mi / 950 ft gainStarting from the Chief Mountain Parking Area, take the trail to the left of the bathrooms at the end of the parking lot (left of the bathrooms if you are facing the bathrooms and the main road is to your right). You will quickly hike to a wooden kiosk. Read this kiosk for any pertinent informati...Read more -
Browning, Montana
Backpack to Cosley Lake
27.2 mi / 475 ft gainThe hike goes through different wooded areas, open fields, and passes by the ranger's ranch. In no time, you will be able to see the aqua blue colors of Cosley Lake, as you approach the campground for the night.The campground has pit toilets and a bear bag hanging station, along with a cooking ar...Read more -
West Glacier, Montana
Backpack to Lincoln Lake
16.75 mi / 3747 ft gainIt's a 1600 ft slow increase in elevation. You can walk around the loose rocks going around the lake for an additional 2 miles of hiking. There is a back-country campground at the base of the glacier-fed lake and an amazing waterfall at the opposite end of the of the campground. To camp overnig...Read more -
Waterton, Alberta
Hike to Crypt Lake
4.310.8 mi / 2296.6 ft gainThe hike begins with a gradual climb through shaded forest, which thins as you progress into the hanging valley. Along the way, you will pass by three amazing waterfalls: Twin Falls at 3.5km (2 mi), Burnt Rock Falls at 5.6km (3.5 mi) and the 600ft Crypt Falls at 8km (5 mi). There is also a 1km (0...Read more