10 Commonly Hiked Montana Mountains That Don’t Excite

Montana’s mountains beckon adventurers with promises of breathtaking vistas and unforgettable experiences. Yet not every trail delivers the thrill you might expect. I’ve trudged up numerous peaks across the Treasure State, and frankly, some popular hikes left me checking my watch more than admiring the scenery. Here’s my brutally honest take on ten commonly hiked Montana mountains that simply don’t live up to the hype.

1. Mount Sentinel’s “M” Trail – Overplayed Urban Hike

Mount Sentinel’s “M” Trail offers a convenient morning workout for Missoulians, ascending just under a mile with roughly 600 feet of gain. The trek culminates at the iconic “M,” providing sweeping views of the city and valley. It’s accessible, well-maintained, and popular for a quick cardio fix.

Yet, it’s hardly a wilderness escape – noise drifts up from town, the trail is routinely used by joggers and students, and solitude is rare. For hikers craving alpine peace or rugged terrain, Mount Sentinel’s proximity and repetitive cityscape can feel underwhelming rather than inspiring.

2. Drinking Horse Mountain – Pleasant but Unremarkable

Drinking Horse Mountain, a short loop near Bozeman, offers moderate elevation gain (about 700 feet) and wide views over Gallatin Valley and Bridger Range. Well-maintained and family-friendly, it’s a crowd-pleaser for locals. That said, the charm doesn’t translate into a memorable hike.

The views, while pleasant, are never dramatic, and the popularity means you’re rarely alone. There’s no alpine terrain, no wildflowers (outside of a short season), and no sense of remoteness. It’s more a casual, local walk than a mountain adventure – adequate, but hardly inspiring compared to the state’s more rugged peaks.

3. Blue Mountain Nature Trail – Scenic Loop without Thrills

Blue Mountain near Missoula features an easy, interpretive loop that’s ideal for beginners or families. Signs along the path explain local flora and fauna, and a short climb offers a modest overlook of the valley. Despite its peaceful vibe and convenience, the trail delivers little excitement.

The elevation gain is minimal, there’s no panoramic summit, and views are limited. Many who crave remote ridgelines or high-mountain vistas walk away wondering “Was that it?” It’s a tidy, pleasant walk – but not what most hikers envision when they imagine a “mountain trail.”

4. Pattee Canyon – Crowded, Flat, and Forgettable

Pattee Canyon is often recommended as a go-to hiking destination near Missoula, but for those seeking dynamic terrain or rewarding views, it’s a letdown. The trails – especially Crazy Canyon – are more like wide service roads winding through repetitive lodgepole pine forest.

Elevation gain is minimal, and the scenery rarely changes. In summer, the heat bakes the exposed slopes, and in winter, packed snow makes footing uneven. It’s a decent spot for dog walking or trail running, but not much else. Mountain bikers frequent the area, creating traffic on otherwise quiet paths. There’s little sense of wilderness or escape, and without a summit or vista as payoff, it’s hard to justify the hike for anyone but locals needing a quick walk.

5. Emerald Lake – Pretty Name, Mediocre Destination

Located in Hyalite Canyon near Bozeman, Emerald Lake attracts many hikers due to its approachable 8-mile round-trip trail and “alpine lake” label. But the name sets expectations too high. The lake, while tranquil, is often crowded and smaller than expected, with limited shoreline and no real solitude. The surrounding terrain lacks the craggy drama typical of more iconic Montana lakes.

The trail itself feels long for what it offers: a slow climb through standard forest with little variation or open views. Summer weekends bring large groups, and limited parking can be an added hassle. While scenic in early season with wildflowers and runoff, Emerald Lake ultimately underdelivers as a mountain destination compared to other lakes in the state.

6. Rattlesnake Recreation Area – Front-Country Forest Walk

The Rattlesnake Recreation Area north of Missoula offers miles of trails through forested terrain alongside bubbling creeks, with occasional alpine lake loops further back. But as far as commonly hiked areas go, the main corridor is flat, wide, and easy to navigate – more casual trail than mountain trek.

The first few miles are crowded by walkers and bikers, and only the furthest destinations feel wild. Without motivation to push halfway to the backcountry, many leave feeling they’ve hiked the same stretch of forest repeatedly – pleasant, but lacking in panoramic reward or climbing challenge.

7. Mount Helena – Urban Overlook, Not Wilderness

Helena’s Mount Helena offers a socially enjoyable outing with options for informal routes and great views of the city below. The network of trails, sometimes paved, draws casual hikers, dog walkers, and families. But don’t expect alpine wilderness or steep summits – the hike often feels more like navigating a hillside park than exploring natural grandeur.

The inevitable intersections with fire roads and local commuters diminish any wilderness feel. Though practical for exercise and skyline views, Mount Helena doesn’t deliver the rugged terrain or dramatic elevation changes sought by most mountain enthusiasts.

8. Lolo Peak – Long, Dull, and Overgrown

Lolo Peak near Missoula is one of those hikes that looks great on paper but underwhelms in person. The 10-mile round-trip route starts on a dusty forest road and climbs gradually through dense trees. It takes several miles before you glimpse anything resembling a mountain view, and by the time you reach the summit ridge, fatigue has likely set in.

The final approach is a rocky, exposed slog, often windy and shadeless. Smoke from summer wildfires frequently obscures the views, which are decent – but far from jaw-dropping. Add in false summits and limited variation in terrain, and it’s easy to feel like the effort outweighs the reward. Lolo Peak is better known than it is impressive.

9. Bozeman “M” Trail – High Traffic, Low Payoff

Bozeman’s “M” Trail is another overused letter-themed hike that locals either love for convenience or tolerate out of habit. The 1.7-mile round-trip offers two routes – one steep, one switchbacked – but neither feels particularly wild. Views of the Gallatin Valley are visible almost immediately, leaving little suspense for the climb.

On any given day, expect heavy foot traffic, trail erosion, and barking dogs. The giant “M” itself isn’t worth the hype – it’s a concrete landmark, not a destination. With the bustling Bridger Foothills as a backdrop, this hike feels more like a tourist stop than a mountain adventure. Its overexposure and lack of immersive nature make it a one-and-done experience for most visitors seeking something memorable or serene.

10. Lewis & Clark Caverns Trails – Heat, Dust, and Little Elevation

Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park is better known for its guided cave tours than for its trails – and with good reason. The surrounding hiking paths wind through dry, sun-scorched hills rather than high-altitude forest or dramatic peaks. Most routes offer little shade, especially during summer months when temperatures often exceed 90°F.

The views are broad but repetitive, featuring mostly low rolling hills and highway-adjacent terrain. While interpretive signs along the trail aim to educate, they can’t make up for the lack of visual or physical stimulation. Wildlife sightings are rare, and the trail surfaces are often slippery with loose gravel. Hikers expecting alpine scenery will be disappointed. Unless you’re combining it with a cave visit, these trails are skippable.