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Welcome to the Trail Well Traveled!
Each Friday, in partnership with Montana Wilderness Association we will feature a new western Montana trail and then give one lucky listener some cool goodies to help them embark on their journey!
This week, Craig takes us on a kid-friendly trail in a wilderness area south of Butte that is under consideration for permanent protection.
Humbug Spires
Wander among unique towering megaliths in this unprotected roadless area.
Roundtrip: 6.8 miles
Total Elevation Gain: 1,460 feet
Directions: From Missoula, head east on I-90 to its juncture with I-15 a few miles west of Butte. Take I-15 south to Exit 99 (Moose Creek), and then head east on Moose Creek Road (also named MacLean Creek Road) for about 3.5 miles to the trailhead.
What to expect: From the trailhead, cross a footbridge and then follow the trail below ancient trees. At 1.5 miles, cross Moose Creek on a log bridge. After a short distance, the trail can be difficult to follow, but at this point you’ll be in the midst of the Humbug Spires – an outcropping of more than 50 quartz monzonite towers spread out across more than 11,000 acres. Read more about them HERE.
At 3.4 miles, the trail passes an old miner’s cabin. Make this your destination, enjoying views from the well-trodden path before returning to the parking lot, or wander to your hearts content among the spires.
This area is proposed wilderness in the Forest Jobs and Recreation Act.
Tip: If you’d like a more detailed and robust hiking experience, consider signing up for the Montana Wilderness Association’s guided hikes HERE.
From the main page, click the region in which you’re interested in exploring and you’ll see the full schedule. A guided tour of Humbug Spires is set for May 13.
Learn more about this trail, file your own trip report and photos, or check out some other great hikes at hikewildmontana.org. And don’t forget to tune in to the Trail 103.3 each Friday at 9:50 am for the next featured trail and your chance to win!
Big thanks to Rangitsch Bros RV for sponsoring the Trail Well Traveled. Proudly serving Missoula for over 56 years, whatever camper best suits your needs Rangitsch Bros has got it!
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