The best walks and hikes in the Big Belt Mountains

The first documented crossing of Bridger Pass was by the Stansbury Expedition, and it soon became a regular route in the area. At this point, the divide appears to split, offering some unique views.

Great alpine lake sitting in a cirque/basin at the base of Sacajawea Peak. The main access trail is a gentle grade of switchbacks to the lake's edge for magnificent views of the pristine lake and the dramatic mountains behind. There is a rougher rooted out trail that encircles the lake, and you can take the steps back up to the trail head, which is a "shortcut". Highly recommended! There are longer trails that access the lake, too, if you want a longer hike and better workout. Campground nearby, mostly just tents, since trailers can't be hauled up the rough access road.

Fairy Lake is a high elevation lake tucked in the trees just below treeline in Custer Gallatin National Forest. There is camping close by and a trailhead for gaining access to Sacagawea Peak and Bridger Ridge. The reservoir stays frozen late into the springs and has a small nature trail that travels around the banks.

North Cottonwood Trail is a really popular trail for the locals since it is off the beaten path enough to not attract huge crowds, but it still offers alpine access, meadows of wildflowers, and forested sections along the water. This is a really diverse trail that connects to other trails stretching all the way to the southern terminus of the Bridgers so you can make your hike as long as you like.

Fairy Lake is a high elevation lake tucked in the trees just below treeline in Custer Gallatin National Forest. There is camping close by and a trailhead for gaining access to Sacagawea Peak and Bridger Ridge. The reservoir stays frozen late into the springs and has a small nature trail that travels around the banks.

The southern neighbor of Sacagawea Peak, Nya Nuki Peak is a 9,449-foot summit on Bridger Ridge. This rocky peak is underrated in difficulty. Even though it looks like a short trip over to the mountain top from Sacagawea Peak, it's a tedious traverse. That being said this mountain offers great views towards the foothills into Belgrade.

At a touch over 7,600 feet, Ross Pass serves as a major trail intersection for four different trails. There are views from this saddle both to the east and west, and you can access the summit route to Ross Peak from right here. Have a map and know where you're going this far from the car!

Saddle Peak (9,159 feet) is one of the sharper peaks you'll find on Bridger Ridge. This distinctive mountain has two high points (but the highest is obvious) that create a sort of "saddle" on the summit. The northern ridge up to Saddle Peak can be one of the most trying climbs along the entire ridge.