Brough Coulee Loop

The Brough Coulee route begins at a small turnout just off Brough Coulee Road northeast of Malta. From the start, follow an informal path heading south into wide-open prairie before dropping into the first coulee. The route weaves through several coulee drainages, with uneven tread, faint two-track sections, and intermittent game trails. While formal junctions are rare, natural forks in the terrain require attentive navigation—especially in the middle section where multiple drainages split and converge. Exposed clay hills and badlands formations break up the expansive grassland, offering sweeping views and a high chance of spotting mule deer, elk, or raptors. Water may linger in coulee bottoms through late spring but is usually dry by summer—bring what you need. Expect little shade, frequent rattlesnakes in warmer months, and impassable clay soil after rain. The route returns along open prairie ridges, gradually swinging north to complete the loop. This is a quiet and rugged hiking option for those seeking day hikes in Montana’s remote high plains.