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Montana
13.2 mi
Distance
1,855 ft
Gain
5h 20m
Time
We won't guess. Here is exactly what we do and don't know.
What we do know
Inside Custer Gallatin National Forest
3 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
Poacher
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 Poacher Trail is a moderately challenging 13.23-mile round trip that climbs 1,855 feet through Montana backcountry. This trail offers a substantial day hike with steady elevation gain, rewarding hikers with expansive views and a sense of remote wilderness exploration. The name hints at the trail's historical use and its location away from heavily trafficked routes.

Coyote Creek Trailhead (2N1)
~1 min drive
This is a remote trailhead at the northern boundary of the park that is not accessible by road. From this trailhead, you can embark on the following trail within the park: Coyote Creek Trail

Hellroaring Trailhead (2K8)
~11 min drive
Nestled a 1/4-mile (0.4-km) off the Grand Loop Road, this trailhead provides access to the following trails: Buffalo Plateau Trail Coyote Creek Trail Garnet Hill Loop Trail Hellroaring Creek Trail There is a decent amount of parking at the trailhead. Buffalo Plateau Trai…

Garnet Hill Loop Trailhead (2K2)
~14 min drive
Situated in Pleasant Valley near Tower Junction, this trailhead provides access to the following trail: Garnet Hill Loop Trail There is very limited parking at this trailhead. However, a large parking lot is located at the Tower Junction Trailhead just to the south. Garnet…
Telephone Basin
~4 min drive
Remote 18-mile alpine basin trek with 2,185 ft elevation gain.

Burned Trees
~14 min drive
<p>Burned trees and those that have died for other reasons still contribute to the ecosystem. For example, dead standing trees provide nesting cavities for many types of animals; fallen trees provide food and shelter for animals and nutrients for the soil. However, park manage…

Lost Lake Loop
~15 min drive
Round trip 2.8 miles (4.6 km), moderate. The trail climbs 300 feet up a forested hillside. At the junction, veer right (west). You reach Lost Lake in 0.2 miles (0.3 km). From there, follow the trail through a ravine to the Petrified Tree parking area. From the parking lot, th…

Lost Lake
~15 min drive
6.6 mi · Moderate
Brundage Creek
~5 min drive
Moderate 9.31-mile creek-side hike with 938 ft elevation gain.

Lamar Valley - Evidence of Glaciers
~15 min drive
<p>Glaciers result when, for a period of years, more snow falls in an area than melts.</p> <p>Once the snow reaches a certain depth, it turns into ice and begins to move under the force of gravity or the pressure of its own weight.</p> <p>During this movement, rocks are picked…
Low Specimen
~4 min drive
Easy 0.46-mile walk near Low Specimen in Montana.
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