If you’ve ever spent time hiking in Montana, you’re probably aware of the most popular trails. Maybe you’ve even hiked most of them. But the Treasure State is also full of plenty of hidden gems, like the Phantom Creek Trail in the Beartooth Mountains.
Follow this trail long enough and you’ll find yourself in an incredible (and perfectly named) place.
The Phantom Creek Trail, Trail 17, is located in the Beartooth Mountains near the tiny town of Roscoe (otherwise known as “Where Grizzly Bar is”).
Kate Greenwood / alltrails.com The beginning of the trailhead lies near the end of the East Rosebud Road about 13 miles southwest of Roscoe.
This can be anything from an easy hike to a tiring day-long journey.
Amber Lloyd / alltrails.com The entire length of the trail is almost 10 miles (in one direction), so if you plan to cover the entire thing, make it a backpacking adventure.
The trail starts by switchbacking through an old section of forest, where spotting wildlife is common.
Diana Krupnin / alltrails.com
After the switchbacks, the path enters more established forest as the valley narrows.
Rachel Peterson / alltrails.com And that’s where the sweeping views begin.
After about 3 miles, you’ll reach the beautiful Slough Lake. And this is where most hikers who find this trail stop.
Sean Hogan / alltrails.com Slough Lake is scenic and relaxing, a perfect spot for a day hike. But if you’re up for a longer trek and you’re a very experienced hiker, keep going.
If you keep going, you’ll endure a steep and laborious trek, but you’ll eventually reach the 10,000 foot Froze to Death Plateau between Saddleback Mountain (to the east) and Froze to Death Peak (west).
Amber Lloyd / alltrails.com Often described as the roof of Montana, Froze to Death Plateau is a beautiful and almost surreal place. But unless you go on a hot summer day, you’ll want to pack plenty of layers - it has been to known to snow at the top of the peak 10 or 11 months out of the year.
Intrigued? The Phantom Creek trail is one of the lesser used trails in the area. But August is its busiest month, so don’t expect total solitude when you go. And if you’re not quite up for such a strenuous journey, check out this list of great trails under 5 miles.
Kate Greenwood / alltrails.com
The beginning of the trailhead lies near the end of the East Rosebud Road about 13 miles southwest of Roscoe.
Amber Lloyd / alltrails.com
The entire length of the trail is almost 10 miles (in one direction), so if you plan to cover the entire thing, make it a backpacking adventure.
Diana Krupnin / alltrails.com
Rachel Peterson / alltrails.com
And that’s where the sweeping views begin.
Sean Hogan / alltrails.com
Slough Lake is scenic and relaxing, a perfect spot for a day hike. But if you’re up for a longer trek and you’re a very experienced hiker, keep going.
Amber Lloyd / alltrails.com
Often described as the roof of Montana, Froze to Death Plateau is a beautiful and almost surreal place. But unless you go on a hot summer day, you’ll want to pack plenty of layers - it has been to known to snow at the top of the peak 10 or 11 months out of the year.
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