The Crazy Mountains Are One of Montana’s Best-kept Secrets—With Some of the Best Hiking in the State

While popular tourist destinations like Big SkyWhitefish Glacier National Park You might want to include this on your list. places to go in MontanaThey’re not the only ones that are worth visiting. If you look eastward, toward the central region of the state, there are many other interesting small towns, mountains, and rivers to visit. On a recent weeklong road trip, I discovered a few of these hidden games—one of which was the Crazy Mountains, a dramatic mountain range defined by the inimitable ruggedness and raw, natural beauty that are deeply woven into Montana’s identity.

“The Crazy Mountains, or ‘the Crazies,’ seem like they rise out of nowhere,” Finn Cullen, the co-founder of Crazy Mountain VenturesLivingston is home to a nonprofit outdoor educational company. Travel + Leisure. “They’re jagged peaks, in the middle a vast rangeland. They are totally unexpected and stunning.” The Crazies, also known as “island ranges,” are 30 miles long by 15 miles wide. Dozens of the peaks above reach elevations over 10,000 feet; Crazy Peak is the tallest at 11,214 feet. The lack of trails or roads makes the area feel very remote. He says it’s a place where you can truly unplug and disappear into the backcountry.

Adam Wagner was creating the landscape of the West long before European pioneers or ranchers made their way to it. Sweetcast Angler describes as a “checkerboard pattern” made up of “private property intermixed with public lands,” the area was part of the traditional land base for the people of the Apsaalooké Nation, commonly referred to as the Crow. (The “Crow” name stems from white settlers misinterpreting Apsáalooke, which translates to “children of the long-beaked bird.”)

In the Crow tradition, men and woman have sought visions in the Crazy Mountains, to fast. [and] Luella Brien is the tourism director at the Crow Nation Office of Tourism. But, she notes, there is a common misconception about the Crazies, which some have said are especially sacred to the Apsaalooké. “All our land bases are sacred. To the Crows, there is no difference between a mountain range, a valley or a body of water. She explains that they are all treated the same.

She asks that travelers to the region be mindful and responsible. “Remember that this place is one of reverence. When you step on Crow land, that land is sacred … Conduct yourself in a manner that is appropriate, similar to how you’d conduct yourself if you’d walk into a church, temple, or synagogue,” she says.

Cullen reiterates, “If visiting the area is something you want to do, then please visit with a sense of stewardship.” In order to enjoy the wilderness of the Crazy Mountains—and all of its forests, alpine lakes, and wildlife (including mountain goats, elk, black bear, and moose)—for decades to come, it’s best to heed the “Leave No TraceBefore heading to the mountains, you should research “the principles” and make sure that you are well-prepared.

Where to Stay

Sweet Grass Ranch

When visiting Montana, you should stay in one of the amazing guest ranches or lodges rather than renting a vacation home for a short time. Cullen says that staying in a place you can enjoy a meal or drink with locals and other travelers will provide a more authentic Montana vacation. You can find that and more at Sweet Grass Ranch, a guest ranch owned and operated by a local family in Sweet Grass Canyon. It is located about an hour from Big Timber. The ranch is rustic but cozy and a great place for anyone looking for something more than just trail riding. The ranch offers a variety of activities, including riding to waterfalls or peaks and exploring the landscape.

The Murray Hotel

“The Murray Hotel Built in 1904, this landmark is an important part of Livingston’s history. The Murray Bar, Gil’s Goods and 2nd Street Bistro are nearby, as are the Murray Bar and Murray Bar Cafe for coffee or dinner. The rooms come with Wi-Fi access and air conditioning. Some are also pet-friendly.

Halfmoon Campground

Wagner says there are many places to camp within the Crazies, but adds that it’s important to “check out the details of specific spots to make sure it provides the opportunities needed—size, accessibility, etc.” Halfmoon CampgroundThe campgrounds are not reserved (it’s first-come, first-served). 

What to do?

Plan a hiking day.

“The Crazies are rugged and amazing—pick a trail and go for it. Cullen advises that you should pack all the essentials for hiking. Eringman Dringman is the manager at Sweet Grass Ranch. “There are many public trails that start from Halfmoon Campground, up Big Timber Canyon north of Big Timber.” She is partial to the Twin Lakes Wagner recommends “a true alpine lakes hike in one the most beautiful places of earth”. Wagner recommendsBlue Lake on the east side, which is also reachable from Halfmoon Campground. Cullen also adds that you are able to get a free copy of Crazy Mountains Outdoor Recreation Map There are even more hiking trails available in the printed and digital versions.

Visit Livingston and Big Timber to see the gateway towns of the Range.

Wagner says, “This island range has a number of small towns that each have their own personalities and attractions.” Two towns should be added to your list. Both Big Timber and Livingston, small Western mountain towns, are full of arty shops, great food and drink, and friendly people. Dringman says that they are great bases for your Montana activities in the summer. Cullen adds that Livingston is a good starting point as it is “just about an hour and half” from the trailheads.

Attend a rodeo.

Before booking your plane tickets or renting a car, see if you can align your trip with a local rodeo—a real Montana experience.  “Check out annual rodeos in Wilsall In June, Big Timber the last weekend in June, You can also find out more about the following: Livingston You can also find out more about the following: Harlowton Dringman says, “It’s the Fourth of Independence!”

Swim or go fly fishing.

Montana and the Crazy Mountains may be technically landlocked, yet there are rivers, creeks, alpine lakes, and opportunities for fishing and swimming. There are not many chances in life that you will be able to swim in a beautiful alpine lakes surrounded by towering mountains. Cullen advises, “Take advantage of the opportunity and dive in.” Sweetcast Angler, located in Big Timber, and Yellowstone River Outfitters Livingston can help you find the best place to stay.

Take a ride on horseback.

Sweet Grass Ranch’s views of Crazy Mountain peaks are unbeatable, but if you can’t take a week-long vacation there are other outfitters to consider.Wide Sky Adventures You can also find out more about the following: Greycliff Creek Ranch Dringman adds, “Also offer beautiful riding options nearer to Big Timber.”

What to Eat and Drink

Gil’s Goods

There are no restaurants within the Crazies, but there are several delightful stops in the gateway towns to enjoy before or after an active day of horseback riding or swimming or fishing. Gil’s Goods The menu includes hearty favorites like wood-fired burgers and sandwiches, as well as a variety of pizzas.

Big Timber Bakery

Recommended by Dringman Big Timber Bakery The Crazy Mountains are the perfect place to begin your day. It’s a good idea to pack a few extra cinnamon rolls and scones for a mid-hike sweet treat.

Ringling Bar

Wagner says, “In small towns the bar can be a cultural center. It may even provide food.” He makes specific mention of Ringling Bar In the town of Ringling which is located just northwest of Crazies. The menu is casual and includes hamburgers, hot dogs and pulled pork sandwiches.

Two Dot Bar & Grill

For happy hour, Dringman has Two Dot Bar & Grill In the town of Twodot, on her list. This is a classic Western drinking and dining establishment, so you shouldn’t expect much. You’ll want to make the most of the fun retro signage out front for a photo opportunity.

When is the best time to visit?

Dringman says that summer is by far the best season to visit the Crazies. The mountains are not suitable for winter sports, unless you hire a local guide. Winter recreation is limited in the Crazies because they are not developed. She recommends visiting between mid-June to mid-September when “the mountains are most welcoming, the creeks are full and wildlife is everywhere.”

Cullen warns that the snow can start to fall as early as September, and “often remains on the trails through mid-June.” Anyone interested in backpacking or hiking should plan their trip accordingly. After September, severe storms can make travel difficult unless you are prepared for wintery and wet conditions. Backcountry skiers who are experienced can take on the Crazies, but they will have to cover miles in a snowmobile, or travel by skin track, in order reach skiable terrain.

How to Get There

Bozeman-Yellowstone International Airport BZN is the nearest major airport to Crazy Mountains. It’s a little more than an hour and 40 minutes to get to Big Timber from the airport. You’ll need to drive a bit longer if your destination is a remoter ranch or campground in the Crazies.

How to Get Around

Montana is not a state you can easily navigate via public transportation, so having your own car (or renting one) is necessary—but the drive is part of the experience. Dringman says that a road trip around and to the Crazies will allow you to see all the south-central Montana offers. Stop at a coffee shop or brewery, visit small towns and stretch your legs in a scenic location. Ask a Montanan where they recommend you eat next.