Montana is such a hiker’s paradise. With hundreds and hundreds of beautiful trails to choose from, it’s no wonder Montanans get so excited for the weather to warm up.
If you’re an experienced hiker, add the Basin Lakes Trail (Number 61) to your summer bucket list. You’ll find it near Red Lodge in Custer National Forest.
At 4.1 miles in length, this trail might not seem like it’s too much of a challenge.
Vandi Anderson / alltrails.com But the climb to upper and lower Basin Lakes starts immediately, and the first mile is pretty tough.
But even though the hike isn’t easy, the spectacular scenery will make it all worth it.
Joyce St. Clair Voltz / alltrails.com You won’t be too far from the road, but you’ll feel like you’re on another planet.
Eventually, you’ll come to a beautiful waterfall.
Stasha Gaskins / alltrails.com What a perfect place to catch your breath.
About 2 miles into the hike, you’ll reach Lower Basin Lake.
Jennifer Benjamin / alltrails.com The water here is shallow and relatively warm, at least in the summertime. But don’t come to Lower Basin Lake expecting to fish - the lake experienced a freeze out years go.
From here, the trail climbs steadily through the forest toward Upper Basin Lake.
Kevin Nelson / alltrails.com You’ll have slightly better odds fishing here, if you’re willing to bring your fishing equipment along.
You might want to stay up here all day.
Scott Hagfeldt / alltrails.com But when you’re ready to return to the real world, remember - your hike is downhill the entire way.
If you’re lucky enough to hike in Montana, you’re lucky indeed. Here are some trails that are so beautiful, you’ll forget you’re exercising.
Vandi Anderson / alltrails.com
But the climb to upper and lower Basin Lakes starts immediately, and the first mile is pretty tough.
Joyce St. Clair Voltz / alltrails.com
You won’t be too far from the road, but you’ll feel like you’re on another planet.
Stasha Gaskins / alltrails.com
What a perfect place to catch your breath.
Jennifer Benjamin / alltrails.com
The water here is shallow and relatively warm, at least in the summertime. But don’t come to Lower Basin Lake expecting to fish - the lake experienced a freeze out years go.
Kevin Nelson / alltrails.com
You’ll have slightly better odds fishing here, if you’re willing to bring your fishing equipment along.
Scott Hagfeldt / alltrails.com
But when you’re ready to return to the real world, remember - your hike is downhill the entire way.
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