Winter seems to be a love-hate kind of season for most. Personally, we love it. All the way until Spring arrives. If you’re unsure what to do outside for the next upcoming weekend, take a read through some of these ideas! Proper gear permitting 😉
The Moulton Reservoir cross-country ski trails lay just a couple miles north of Butte. These trails pass through mostly forested terrain.
View Trail Map | Visit Moulton Reservoir XC Trails | Learn More
The Haggin cross-country ski trails are located in Anaconda, only a 30-40 minute drive away. Trails. You can see views of the Anaconda-Pintler and surrounding mountains. There is a small hut where you can store some items while on the trails. The hut has a woodstove that makes it extra cozy when roaring!
View Trail Map | Visit the Haggin XC Trails | Learn More
The Echo Lake trails are about an hour’s drive from Butte. The drive is fairly scenic and passes through an area where bighorn sheep pass through frequently. You will also see some great views of Georgetown Lake. On a clear day, you can see some amazing views of the Anaconda-Pintler mountain range.
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Thompson Park is a fairly large trail system close to Butte. There are plenty of hiking opportunities with several connecting trails. You can come up with various hiking lengths depending on your preference for the day. The Old Milwaukee trail features two train tunnels and a trestle bridge. This trail system offers a quick escape into nature for Butte residents.
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Maud S trails are located right next to Butte on the west side of the Continental Divide. Locals frequently hike the Maud S loop. This trail is fairly steep, so you may need footgear that can dig into an icy trail at times. At the top, you will see a sign directing you to continue the loop, or you can hike up to the continental divide if you choose! An alternative to climbing to the top of the loop, you can walk along an unused railroad bed. Great views of Butte and the surrounding mountain ranges can be seen from these trails.
Visit Maud S | View Trail Map
The Big Butte Open Space Recreation Area is a very exposed trail system. You will see great open views of the surrounding mountains, Continental Divide, and Butte. You can also hike to the big ‘M’ from this trail system.
Fun fact: The Big Butte landform is the eroded neck of an extinct volcano that last erupted over 49 million years ago.
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A wonderful and unique feature of Butte: The city is surrounded on three sides by the Continental Divide. There are several entrances to the Continental Divide trail from Butte. The entrances to the south have some great views of the Highlands and surrounding mountain ranges.
Homestake Pass Entrance (Either Side of Highway) | Pipestone Pass Entrance (Either Side of Highway) | Learn More About the CDT
Lewis & Clark Cavern trails are a great trail system located about an hour’s drive east in Cardwell. The lower sections are mostly exposed. When you hike further north on the trail,s you get into more forested terrain. Some views of the surrounding mountains can be seen. It’s important to note that the caverns themselves are not open in winter – you still have access to the other trails, though.
*This state park is free for Montana residents but $6 per out-of-state vehicle.
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