Table Mountain

Table Mountain (10,223') is the highpoint of the Highland Mountains just south of Butte, MT. This is easily within my top five hikes of the area, if not my overall favorite, because of the incredibly scenic ridgwalk and the fact you start at the fairly high elevation of 8,000'. A high clearance vehicle will get you even further up the mountain but the initial section through the woods is simple and still quite scenic. The hike starts with a steady climb along a road up to the Highland Lookout followed by an ascent of Red Mountain and then a ridgewalk all the way to the summit of Table Mountain. Although the net elevation gain is just over 2,000' you'll have to go up and over Monument Peak on the way to Table which makes this hike slightly more difficult than it appears. There's no cover once you're on the ridge so it's a good idea to keep tabs on the weather in order to avoid any dangerous situations. There are several side ridges along the way any of which would make excellent side quests.