A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near Essex, Montana

Shorter Routes icon

Shorter Routes

These hikes keep it under 5 miles and climb less than 1,500 feet, making them ideal for quicker outings or lower-key days. Perfect for a morning stretch, a casual afternoon, or getting outside without committing to a big push. Don’t let the stats fool you — many still pack in great views and rewarding moments.

Upper Two Medicine Lake Hike

Hike Route

Upper Two Medicine Lake Hike

Lake
easy
2.12 mi
+367 ft
No Name Lake Hike

Hike Route

No Name Lake Hike

Lake
easy
2.63 mi
+854 ft
Aster Park Overlook Hike

Hike Route

Aster Park Overlook Hike

Lake
easy
1.87 mi
+650 ft
St. Mary / Virginia Falls

Hike Route

St. Mary / Virginia Falls

Birding
easy
1.54 mi
+313 ft
Saint Mary Falls from Sun Point

Hike Route

Saint Mary Falls from Sun Point

Less Crowded
easy
4.55 mi
+528 ft
Saint Mary Falls

Hike Route

Saint Mary Falls

Lake
easy
1.62 mi
+216 ft
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Adventurous Routes

These routes go beyond 10 miles and are built for days when you want to cover more ground and push a little deeper. Expect longer distances, more effort, and bigger payoffs — whether that’s remote terrain, summit views, or a full-day challenge. Ideal for hikers looking to go farther and stay out longer.

Park Creek

Hike Route

Park Creek

Birding
extreme
33.14 mi
+4,083 ft
Coal Nyack Loop

Hike Route

Coal Nyack Loop

Birding
extreme
35.64 mi
+4,083 ft
Continental Divide Trail: Montana-Idaho Section 26

Hike Route

Continental Divide Trail: Montana-Idaho Section 26

Views
strenuous
15.89 mi
+1,568 ft
Montana Trail Section 2

Hike Route

Montana Trail Section 2

extreme
109.8 mi
+20,524 ft
Continental Divide Trail: Montana-Idaho Section 25

Hike Route

Continental Divide Trail: Montana-Idaho Section 25

Lake
extreme
33.97 mi
+5,391 ft
Montana Trail Section 3

Hike Route

Montana Trail Section 3

extreme
116.48 mi
+16,629 ft

Other Nearby Routes

Not finding what you're looking for? These additional nearby hikes offer more ways to get outside and explore the area. With a mix of lengths, difficulty levels, and terrain, you're likely to find something that fits your plans for the day. And remember, you can always use the onX Route Builder to create your own adventure from scratch.

Cobalt Lake

Hike Route

Cobalt Lake

Lake
moderate
5.55 mi
+1,551 ft
Firebrand Pass

Hike Route

Firebrand Pass

Fall Colors
moderate
5.14 mi
+1,959 ft
Continental Divide Trail: Dawson Pass Alternate

Hike Route

Continental Divide Trail: Dawson Pass Alternate

Lake
strenuous
9.73 mi
+3,300 ft
Two Medicine Lake Loop Hike

Hike Route

Two Medicine Lake Loop Hike

Lake
moderate
8.3 mi
+643 ft
Jewel Basin Loop

Hike Route

Jewel Basin Loop

Fall Colors
strenuous
7.83 mi
+2,139 ft
Martha Lake

Hike Route

Martha Lake

Lake
moderate
5.52 mi
+1,771 ft