Montana's Best-Kept Secret Offers Uncrowded Hikes, Alpine Lakes, And Breathtaking Views

Drawn by the mountainous vistas of Yellowstone National Park and the Crown of the Continent, Glacier National Park, visitors arrive in droves to Montana. With more than 100 mountain ranges within its borders, views stun at every turn, wildlife roams through remote forests and valleys, and outdoor adventurers relish the unpredictable forces of nature on the trails, rivers, and steep mountainsides. But while crowds line up to drive the scenic Going-to-the-Sun Road and gaze at the views from Logan Pass, those seeking quieter realms can head to the lesser-known Crazy Mountains, or Crazies, as locals fondly call them.

No one knows for certain how the Crazy Mountains got their name. One legend tells of a settler's wife who lost her family and wandered into the mountains. Others trace the name to the Crow people's spiritual connection to the range, which they call Awaxaawippíia, or "Ominous Mountains." Whatever the reason, there's no denying the allure of Montana's third-highest mountain range. 

Rising like a jagged island above miles of ranchland, the Crazies cover an area roughly 30 miles long by 15 miles wide. More than 100 miles of trails wind past alpine lakes, waterfalls, and trout-filled waters, but because of limited road access and complicated land ownership, the Crazies have remained relatively undiscovered. Small mountain towns surround the range, but Livingston and Big Timber are among the easiest to reach, located just off Interstate 90 between Billings and the college town of Bozeman. The nearest major airport is Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN), about an hour and a half's drive away.

Summer is generally the best time to hike the Crazy Mountains. Long winters and temperatures that frequently drop below freezing make access difficult during colder months. In summer, however, wildflowers, wildlife, and alpine scenery turn the rugged peaks into a backpacker's dream. The mountains are particularly sacred to the Crow people, and much of the surrounding land is privately owned. Before you set out, it pays to know where national forest boundaries are and where public access and backcountry camping are allowed.

Halfmoon Campground is one of the easiest options and the starting point for the Big Timber Creek Trail. Follow it through Big Timber Canyon to reach Twin Lakes, or branch off onto the Blue Lake Trail to have a picnic next to Blue Lake. Both hikes are roughly 8 miles round trip, and the route offers a short detour to the beautiful Big Timber Falls. Wildlife to look out for includes mountain goats, black bears, and elk. You may even get lucky and spot one of the world's largest wolverine populations. This is also where you'll get a clear view of Crazy Peak, which, at 11,214 feet, is the highest peak in the range.

To enjoy the surroundings on horseback, Sweet Grass Ranch near Big Timber offers guided rides during its multi-day guest stays, along with pack trips, hiking, and fishing outings. With cabins and other guest accommodations available, it's a great opportunity for a taste of life on a working Montana cattle ranch. For an alternative way to see the Crazies from the comfort of your own car, follow the scenic backcountry drive between Two Dot and Melville, which offers sweeping views of the range.

Beyond the limited camping options, the nearest towns with numerous facilities are Livingston and Big Timber, both of which are within driving distance of Yellowstone National Park. Livingston is a small, rustic town with an artsy feel. It contains a decent number of boutiques, galleries, and restaurants, and a wide choice of hotels if ranch life doesn't appeal. The Murray Hotel is a standout, having been listed as a favorite place to stay by chef Anthony Bourdain. This Western-style hotel also has its own restaurant, meaning your weary legs won't have far to walk for a well-earned meal. The Brick House in downtown Livingston is worth a look. Beautifully decorated and sleeping up to eight people, it makes a comfortable retreat after a day in the Crazies.

Over in Big Timber, where the Yellowstone and Boulder rivers meet, brightly colored saloons and storefronts line the streets, giving it the feel of an old Western film set. Making the most of the spectacular mountain views, wake up in one of the cozy, retro-styled rooms at the Grand Hotel. The historic building has been around since 1890 and has seen its fair share of cowboys, miners, and railroad workers pass through its saloon doors. It also serves up classic comfort food to satisfy hungry hikers. Cabins aren't in short supply in this neck of the woods, and the remote Bunkhouse places you in the middle of ranchland, where clear nights bring views of the Milky Way.