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Planning a hike in the Pioneer Mountains? If you need
to update your hiking equipment, visit our Hiking
Gear section for information about Hiking
Boots, Trekking
Poles, Backpacking
Tents, Backpacks
and other hiking gear.
 The
Pioneer Mountains are found in Southwest Montana and are not
heavily visited by people from outside of Montana. They lie
in a remote location of Montana, with the town of Wisdom on
its western flank and the towns of Dillon and Melrose on its
eastern side. Although significant wild lands and hiking trails
exist within the Pioneer Mountains, no federally designated
wilderness areas exist - which undoubtedly helps keep the
use down.
The Pioneer Mountains
are essentially divided into two halves by the Wise River
and a scenic highway road. Very tall mountains that rise well
above tree line characterize the eastern half of the Pioneer
Mountains. Numerous alpine lakes are found at the base of
these tall peaks and an extensive hiking trail network exists.
The eastern half of the Pioneer Mountains is also very rich
in history. Many roads that lead to the eastern side of the
mountains pass through old, deserted mining towns that are
littered with abandoned buildings and settlements.
The western half
of the Pioneer Mountains is distinctly different than
the
eastern half. The mountains on the western side of the Pioneer
Mountains are much more rounded and are heavily forested.
These mountains, which rise to the east of the beautiful
Big Hole River Valley (see our Big
Hole River page for
more information), also have many lakes that are tucked
away in the thick forests. Although the area lacks formal
protection,
few roads go into the western side of the Pioneer Mountains.
An extensive trail network provides for excellent hiking
and horse packing opportunities.
Most of the lakes
in the Pioneer Mountains offer quality mountain fishing. Grayling,
cutthroat trout, brook trout and rainbow trout can all be
found in these mountain waters.
Access to the Pioneer
Mountains is excellent. A scenic road passes right through
the middle of the eastern and western sides, providing for
wonderful access. Numerous other dirt roads - some in only
fair condition - access the mountains from the lower valleys.
Many of these roads travel quite a ways into the mountains,
allowing for many day hiking opportunities. Camping is also
easy, both at designated campgrounds as well as at numerous
informal sites.
The Pioneer Mountains
are part of the Beaverhead National Forest. For those
seeking gear before heading off into the mountains, the
largest town that is nearby is Butte, which lies around
70 miles away or so. Dillon, which is closer, also has
a pretty good selectioin on things should you happen to
forget something.
 Backpacking
in the Pioneer Mountains and need a backpack? Learn
More about Mid-Size Backpacks that are ideal for
packs into the Pioneers.
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