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Custer Gallatin National Forest wilderness guide
National Forest · MT, SD

Custer Gallatin National Forest

Custer Gallatin National Forest spans over two million acres across southern Montana and northern South Dakota, offering diverse landscapes for hikers, campers, and nature enthusiasts.

National Forest3,039,4044+ Trails

Designation

National Forest

Total Wilderness Area

3,039,404

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Custer Gallatin National Forest

Custer Gallatin National Forest spans over two million acres across southern Montana and northern South Dakota, offering diverse landscapes for hikers, campers, and nature enthusiasts.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Custer Gallatin National Forest is a remarkable expanse of public land that covers a wide array of terrains ranging from rocky peaks to rolling plains. Located in two northern states, the forest is a blend of lush valleys and rugged mountain wilderness, each offering unique ecological and recreational opportunities. The forest is steeped in history, being home to several ancient tribes and playing a significant role in the westward expansion of early America. It offers visitors a chance to hike through its extensive trail systems, camp in its serene campgrounds, and encounter diverse wildlife such as elk, deer, and the occasional grizzly bear. Popular activities here include hiking, camping, and mountain biking, with major highlights such as the Beartooth Plateau, considered one of the most scenic areas in Montana. With its size and diversity, Custer Gallatin National Forest is an appealing destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking both adventure and tranquility.

Field Guide · National Forest
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Custer Gallatin National Forest

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Majestic Landscapes of Custer Gallatin National Forest★ 8.7⌖ 5 miHiking
Custer Gallatin National Forest

Majestic Landscapes of Custer Gallatin National Forest

Explore the expansive Custer Gallatin National Forest, located near Bozeman, Montana. Known for its rugged beauty, this area offers diverse hiking opportunities with stunning mountain views and rich wildlife, including elk and grizzly bears. Ideal for adventure seekers.

Nature's Oasis: Gallatin National Forest★ 8.8⌖ 15 miHiking
Gallatin National Forest

Nature's Oasis: Gallatin National Forest

Explore the vast Gallatin National Forest near Bozeman, Montana. With its majestic landscapes, diverse wildlife, and activities like hiking and fishing, it appeals to adventure seekers. Accessible primarily by driving, enjoy the scenery especially in spring and fall.

Mammoth Hot Springs Terrace Hike: Yellowstone’s Living Canvas★ 8.8⌖ 17 miHiking
Mammoth Terraces Trail

Mammoth Hot Springs Terrace Hike: Yellowstone’s Living Canvas

Explore the Mammoth Hot Springs Terrace Hike in Yellowstone National Park. This easy, 1.75-mile trail features geothermal wonders and wildlife like elk and coyotes. Perfect for families and photographers, it offers year-round access with stunning, colorful terraces.

Nature's Palette: Mammoth Hot Springs★ 9.2⌖ 17 miGeothermal Viewing
Mammoth Hot Springs

Nature's Palette: Mammoth Hot Springs

Explore Mammoth Hot Springs in Yellowstone, known for its stunning travertine terraces. Enjoy scenic drives, boardwalk trails, and wildlife watching. Best visited in quieter spring and fall seasons.

Geothermal ViewingView Details→
Mountain Tranquility: Tom Miner Campground★ 8.2⌖ 19 miWildlife Viewing
Tom Miner Campground

Mountain Tranquility: Tom Miner Campground

Explore Tom Miner Campground near Emigrant, MT. Enjoy wildlife viewing and scenic hikes, with nearby Pine Creek Trail offering a waterfall and vibrant wildflowers. Best visited in spring and fall for solitude and stunning nature experiences.

Wildlife ViewingView Details→
Hiking to Bunsen Peak: A Trail Adventure in Yellowstone★ 8.8⌖ 20 miHiking
Bunsen Peak Trail

Hiking to Bunsen Peak: A Trail Adventure in Yellowstone

Explore the 4-mile round trip Bunsen Peak Trail near Gardiner, Montana. With an elevation gain of about 1,500 feet, this moderately challenging hike offers breathtaking views and wildlife spotting opportunities in Yellowstone National Park. Best visited in spring and fall.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Beartooth Plateau✦ Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness✦ Bridger Mountain Range✦ Yellowstone River Valley
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Custer Gallatin National Forest

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Custer Gallatin National Forest.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No entrance fee, but some campgrounds and facilities may require fees.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Custer Gallatin National Forest

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Langohr Campground

Located in Gallatin Canyon, offering convenient access to trails and scenic views.

Red Cliff Campground

Situated by the Gallatin River, perfect for fishing and a rustic camping experience.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Custer Gallatin National Forest

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Chico Hot Springs
⌖ 8.39 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Chico Hot Springs, Montana

A historic mountain retreat offering natural hot springs and gateway access to diverse outdoor adventures in Montana’s scenic Yellowstone region.

Late Spring through Early Fall for hiking and fishing; Winter for skiingExplore Town
Pray
⌖ 10.19 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Pray, Montana

A quiet gateway into Montana’s rugged west, offering world-class river recreation, sweeping mountain views, and a peaceful setting for outdoor enthusiasts seeking solitude and authentic wilderness.

Late Spring to Early FallExplore Town
Emigrant
⌖ 10.46 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Emigrant, Montana

A gateway community to the vast wilderness of the Yellowstone region, offering a quiet, rustic feel with easy access to hiking, fishing, and backcountry adventures.

Late Spring through Early FallExplore Town
Mammoth
⌖ 16.72 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Mammoth, Wyoming

A gateway to Yellowstone's enchanting wilderness with great access to natural wonders and thrilling outdoor adventures.

Summer and FallExplore Town
Big Sky
⌖ 29.64 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Big Sky, Montana

A gateway to thrilling outdoor experiences, where expansive wilderness meets exhilarating adventure.

Winter and SummerExplore Town
Big Sky
⌖ 29.64 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Big Sky, Montana

A vibrant mountain town that fuses expansive wilderness with thrilling year-round outdoor activities.

Winter and SummerExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Custer Gallatin National Forest

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.