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Montana
7.2 mi
Distance
1,342 ft
Gain
3h 5m
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
West Fork Watkins
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.
West Fork Watkins is a moderate 7.24-mile trail offering a rewarding day hike through Montana's backcountry with over 1,300 feet of elevation gain. This out-and-back route follows the West Fork drainage, providing scenic views of the surrounding peaks and forest ecosystems typical of the region. The trail combines steady climbing with riparian corridor hiking, making it an excellent choice for hikers seeking solitude and natural beauty.

Gneiss Creek (WK7)
~20 min drive
This trailhead along Highway 191 in the western part of the park provides access to one trail: Gneiss Creek Trail Gneiss Creek Trail This moderate 13.9-mile (22.4-km) one-way hike that can start at either the Gneiss Creek Trailhead along Highway 191 and the western boundary…
Coffin Lakes
~1 min drive
Moderate 5.73-mile hike to alpine lakes with 1,139 ft elevation gain.
Lionhead
~3 min drive
Easy 2-mile trail with minimal elevation gain near Lionhead.
Watkins Creek
~4 min drive
Moderate 13.77-mile creek-side hike with steady elevation gain in Montana.
Two Top Divide
~16 min drive
Quick out-and-back climb to an alpine divide with panoramic views.
East Fork Denny Creek
~13 min drive
Accessible 3-mile creek-side hike with 708 ft elevation gain.
Mile Creek
~10 min drive
Easy 2-mile creek walk with 242 ft gain near Mile Creek, Montana.
Sheep Lake
~9 min drive
Remote 11.73-mile alpine lake hike with 4,128 ft elevation gain.
Gneiss Creek Trail
~20 min drive
Moderate out-and-back creek hike through Montana forest with steady elevation gain.
Lionhead (Snowmo)
~15 min drive
Moderate snowmobile trail with gentle climbing and scenic winter views.