Looking to experience Montana’s spectacular natural vistas on foot? Hundreds of miles of spectacular and uncrowded trails are minutes from Butte! The nationally recognized Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDNST) surrounding Butte is accessible from multiple trailheads. Thompson Park, just 9 miles south of Butte, offers 25 miles of non-motorized trails, including the Milwaukee Road that connects to the CDNST. Travel west and explore the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness, providing primitive and unforgettable hiking opportunities. The Humbug Spires area south of Butte offers a unique geologic setting for hiking or rock climbing. The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest and the Bureau of Land Management offer over 400 miles of trails 30 minutes from Butte to the east at the Whitetail-Pipestone area and Fleecer Mountain.

Excellent and well-maintained urban trails can also be found within the Butte city limits. Most urban trails are paved for yearlong access. The Copperway and BA&P trails, named for the Butte, Anaconda and Pacific electric railroad, allow trail users to learn about Butte’s colorful history. Hike the ‘M’ at Big Butte, a 300-acre open space area with several loop trail opportunities. Take a journey along one of the largest creek-restoration projects in the world, the 26-mile Greenway Trail from Butte to Anaconda. Finally, Maud S Canyon Trail puts nature within easy reach of urban Butte, providing a loop trail great for a sunset hike up Butte’s majestic East Ridge. Adventurers looking for a longer hike or ride can follow the Maud S Trail all the way to the CDNST.

Trail maps are available at the Butte Visitor Information CenterU.S. Bureau of Land Management, or U.S. Forest Service.


Map of Hiking Locations

Click a marker for more recreation area information.


Leave No Trace Seven Principles

The Seven Principles of Leave No Trace were developed to help educate and guide recreationists in sustainable minimum impact practices that mitigate or avoid recreation-related impacts. Each Principle covers a specific topic and provides detailed information for minimizing impacts. Visit the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics for more information.

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare

  • Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you'll visit.
  • Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.
  • Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use.
  • Visit in small groups when possible. Consider splitting larger groups into smaller groups.
  • Repackage food to minimize waste.
  • Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns or flagging.

2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

  • Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow.
  • Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams.
  • Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary.
    • In popular areas:
      • Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites.
      • Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy.
      • Keep campsites small. Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent.
    • In pristine areas:
      • Disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites and trails.
      • Avoid places where impacts are just beginning.

3. Dispose of Waste Properly

  • Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food and litter.
  • Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, camp and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished.
  • Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.
  • To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.

4. Leave What You Find

  • Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch cultural or historic structures and artifacts.
  • Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them.
  • Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.
  • Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.

5. Minimize Campfire Impacts

  • Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the environment. Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light.
  • Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires.
  • Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand.
  • Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes.

6. Respect Wildlife

  • Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
  • Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
  • Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely.
  • Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.
  • Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.

7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

  • Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.
  • Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail.
  • Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock.
  • Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors.
  • Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.

© 1999 by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics: www.LNT.org.