Big Snowy Mountains

South of Montana's geographical center an island of rocky peaks rises more than 3,000 feet from the sea of windswept prairie, beckoning scenery lovers and hard-core adventurers alike. A combination of pine and fir forests and barren tundra, much of the Big Snowy Mountains area is undeveloped. More than 80% of its 106,776 acres are designated federal wilderness study area—there are no homes, no commercial services, no industry, and very few roads. The result is almost total solitude for anyone who treks into the Big Snowies to explore their rocky pinnacles, icy caves, and tranquil forests. The best road accesses are Red Hill Road about 40 mi south of Lewistown or Trail and Niel creeks east of the small town of Judith Gap.