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Montana
5.2 mi
Distance
890 ft
Gain
2h 11m
Time
We won't guess. Here is exactly what we do and don't know.
What we do know
Inside Custer Gallatin National Forest
2 managing-area boundaries mapped — agency alerts for them feed this page automatically.
Boundary data
What's missing
No access route mapped
We don't yet know which road reaches this trailhead, so we can't tell you if it's gated.
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Why you'll love it
Independence
AI-suggested draft · review before you go
No permit or access details on file for this trail — check with the local land manager before you go.
The Independence Trail is a moderate day hike offering steady elevation gain through Montana's backcountry near the town of Independence. This 5.2-mile route climbs nearly 900 feet, providing a rewarding workout for hikers seeking alpine views and solitude without extreme technical difficulty.
Buffalo Divide
~3 min drive
Moderate 6.65-mile divide crossing with 1,603 ft elevation gain.
Rainbow Creek
~4 min drive
16.92-mile moderate backcountry trek with 1,681 ft elevation gain through Montana creek drainage.
Upsidedown Creek
~8 min drive
Easy 0.3-mile creek walk with minimal elevation gain.
Sheep Creek
~4 min drive
Moderate creek valley hike with steady climbing and alpine meadow views.
Copper Creek
~5 min drive
Moderate 6.84-mile creek-side hike with 1,543 ft elevation gain.
Fish Creek
~9 min drive
Moderate 5.65-mile creek-side hike with 817 ft elevation gain.
Lower Sheep Creek
~5 min drive
Accessible creek-side hike with steady elevation gain and scenic Montana views.
West Fork Hellroaring
~7 min drive
Long backcountry trek through remote Absaroka wilderness with gentle grades.
East Fork Buffalo
~9 min drive
Short creek-side hike with steady elevation gain near Buffalo Fork.
Lake Columbine
~6 min drive
Moderate 7.8-mile alpine lake hike with 1,658 ft elevation gain.
