The Buffalo Trail Run in Malta, Montana, offers an invigorating stretch of terrain for hikers and ultrarunners eager to test stamina against a backdrop of raw wilderness. Spanning roughly 26 miles with a steady elevation gain of about 2,500 feet, this route slices through diverse landscapes—from open grasslands that stretch beneath a wide sky to thick pine forests where shafts of sunlight chase the undergrowth.

The trail’s surface varies from packed dirt to rocky stretches, demanding reliable footwear and careful footwork. The run is a pulse-quickening dialogue between you and the land: buffalo grasses sway as if nudging you onward, while sudden rises in the trail dare you to push harder, rewarding that effort with sweeping views of the Little Rocky Mountains.

Start early to beat the midday heat, especially in summer’s glare, and carry ample water—streams may whisper close but can’t be counted on to quench thirst. The air brooks no complacency here; gusts stir the towering pines, reminding you that nature remains fiercely itself, neither tamed nor distant.

Besides physical readiness, bring layered clothing for fluctuating temperatures—cool mornings can flip to warm afternoons without warning. Navigation aids like a GPS or a detailed trail map are wise, as signage is sparse.

For those ready to embrace the challenge, the Buffalo Trail Run offers more than miles and minutes. It’s a rugged conversation with Montana’s wild heart, where the land’s pulse matches yours. Whether power hiking or steady trail running, your journey through these resilient spaces will sharpen senses, build endurance, and reward you with a clear, unfiltered Montana horizon.