BACKPACKING TRAILS MONTANA

CONTINENTAL DIVIDE TRAIL

The Montana section of this important National Scenic Trail offers some magnificent Northern Rockies scenery, with wonderful views from elevations over 10,000 feet. Difficulty varies from easy to strenuous.

The trail traverses Glacier National Park and several National Forests, passing alpine lakes and leading beneath high peaks and cliffs. At times it follows the crest of the Divide and for major stretches runs below, sometimes on jeep roads.

Horses are allowed on the trail, as are mountain bikes and motor vehicles along some sections outside of designated wilderness areas and the National Park. At higher elevations the trail is snow-free only from about mid-July through September.

Camping Regulations: In Glacier National Park a free permit is required, and may be obtained from ranger stations or visitor centers. Camping here is restricted to designated sites. Campfires are allowed only at certain locations.

On National Forest lands camping is allowed almost anywhere along the trail, as are campfires, except where otherwise prohibited. Backpackers are asked to get well off the trail and away from water sources before setting up camp.

For Further Information: Continental Divide Trail Society, P.O. Box 30002, Bethesda, MD 20814.

MONTANA CAMPING RESOURCES

USEFUL GUIDEBOOKS

The Angler’s Guide to MontanaSample, Michael S. Helena, MT: Falcon Press, 1992.

Bitterroot to BeartoothRudner, Ruth. San Francisco: Sierra Club Books.

The Floater’s Guide to MontanaFischer, Hank. Helena, MT: Falcon Press, 1986.

Guide to the Continental Divide Trail, Northern MontanaWolf, James R. Bethesda, MD: Continental Divide Trail Society, 1979.

Guide to the Continental Divide Trail, Southern MontanaWolf, James. R. Bethesda, MD: Continental Divide Trail Society, 1979.

A Hiker’s Guide to Glacier National ParkNelson, Dick. West Glacier, MT: Glacier National History Association, 1978.

The Hiker’s Guide to MontanaHenckel, Mark. Helena, MT: Falcon Press.

The Hiker’s Guide to Montana’s Continental Divide TrailBrooks, Tad and Jones, Sherry. Helena, MT: Falcon Press, 1990.

Montana WildernessWoodruff, Steve and Schwenneser, Don. Helena, MT: Falcon Press.

The Nordic Skier’s Guide to MontanaSedlack, Elaine. Helena, MT: Falcon Press, 1981.

The Sierra Club Guide to the Natural Areas of Idaho, Montana, and WyomingPerry, John and Jane. San Francisco: Sierra Club Books, 1988.

Trail Guide to Glacier National ParkMolvar, Erik. Helena, MT: Falcon Press.

INFORMATION ABOUT OUTFITTERS AND GUIDES

Montana Outfitters and Guides Association, P.O. Box 9070, Helena, MT 59604.

INFORMATION ABOUT CAMPGROUNDS IN STATE

PARKS

Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, 1420 East Sixth Avenue, Helena, MT 59620; (406)444-2535.

STATE HIGHWAY MAP AND TRAVEL INFORMATION

Travel Montana, Department of Commerce, 1424 8th Avenue, Helena, MT 59620; (800)541-1447 (out of state)/(406)444-2654 (in state).

BACKPACKING TRAILS MONTANA Photo Gallery



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