Family-Friendly Hikes in Montana's Yellowstone Country
Natural Bridge Falls, Photo by David Janssen
Montana’s Yellowstone Country is known for it's impressive and plentiful mountain ranges. But what you may not know, is that it is also full of family-friendly hiking trails that are good for most ages and abilities.
In Red Lodge, we suggest hiking up Red Lodge Mountain. A 3.3-mile loop with 700 feet of elevation gain takes you through wildflower fields to vistas that stretch over the plains. It’s a stunning perspective. Another great option is Coal Miners Park, dedicated to the 74 local coal miners lost in the 1943 Smith Mine Disaster. This 40-acre playground has riverside walking trails, mountain biking, fishing, disc golf and a picnic area.
Down the road, the Sioux Charley Lake Trail in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness near Nye is a lovely hike for those seeking something a little longer. It’s 6.7 miles round trip, with 872 feet of elevation gain, and takes roughly three hours to complete. The trail itself is a peaceful trek through forests, meadows and along the river with stunning mountain views. While there, you may want to check out MontAsia. Chef Lee was the first Montana Chef to appear on the series Chopped (episode Mizuna Matata) and was a 2024 James Beard Nominee for best chef in the Rocky Mountain Region.
In the Boulder Valley, Natural Bridge Falls is a great stop. The drive takes you through beautiful ranches and rolling hills. The namesake Natural Bridge was a 25-foot natural arch that collapsed in 1988, but the river still surges through the limestone rocks, and in the spring, a mighty waterfall is fed from the runoff.
Big Sky is a hiker’s dream, with mountain ranges in every direction. For the young hikers, South Fork Loop, also known as Storybook Trail, is a one-mile loop featuring a story told one page at a time as you hike along. For the more adventuresome families, Beehive Basin is an iconic 6.6-mile round trip starting at 7,600 feet and gaining 1,500 feet in elevation. The trail leads to some of the best views in Big Sky.
Beehive Basin, Photo courtesy Visit MT.
Keep in mind, the elevation of the towns in Montana’s Yellowstone Country ranges between 4,000 and 6,700 feet. Because we’re at a high elevation, so be sure to pace yourself and stay hydrated. Also, the sun is intense, so be sure to pack a hat, sunscreen, and layers (the weather can change quickly around here!)
It’s also best practice to download a map or bring a paper copy on longer hikes — cell service can be limited, so don’t rely on your phone for navigation.
Happy hiking!