“I really enjoyed exploring new places in my backyard that I haven’t been to before. It was much needed to be able to get away and connect with nature and make memories.”
— Jordan Lefler
Jordan Lefler (@jordanlefler) is a Montana photographer who traveled with his brother, Logan, through southwestern Montana, camping, hiking and capturing the state's scenery along the way.
)
)
)
Ready to get off the grid? This southwestern Montana itinerary takes you on the backroads to find quiet lakes, peaceful hikes and secluded scenery that will make you feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere — without going too far. Perfect for a weekend getaway, pack up and hit the road less traveled.
:focal(1680x1633:1681x1634)){kind=spacer}
:focal(883x2108:884x2109))
Your getaway begins in Butte, where you’ll grab all the essentials for a hike. Once you’ve gathered lunch and snack supplies, set your GPS to one of the surrounding mountain trails. The Blacktail Canyon and Maud S. Canyon loops offer panoramic views of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, with each trail clocking in at about 4 miles long. After ending your hike, recharge with some fishing at Homestake Lake or Delmoe Lake. Then, make your way to Whitehall to check into the night’s accommodations. Whitehall serves as a gateway to recreation with prime access to nearby hiking, hunting, backpacking, boating and fishing. Grab dinner downtown to end the day.
:focal(1037x2075:1038x2076))
)
Check out and head back towards Butte. Here, make a pit stop for breakfast and hiking snacks before making your way to the Milwaukee Railroad via Lion’s Den Trailhead. This moderately rated, 7.5-mile out-and-back trail takes hikers on the tracks, through tunnels and along a trestle of the old Milwaukee Railroad. Headlamps are recommended as tunnels can get dark. Then, return to Anaconda for dinner and a drink at one of the town’s mouthwatering local restaurants. Given its location, Anaconda provides all kinds of lodging opportunities, from comfortable hotels to remote Forest Service cabins and everything in between. No matter your preference, you can’t go wrong choosing a stay where you can relax after a long day.
)
:focal(2304x4833:2305x4834))
Today, drive to nearby Deer Lodge to grab a delicious breakfast from a local cafe. Then, head out to Rock Creek Lake to spend the day on and around the water. If you’re up for another hike, the Dolus Lakes Trail is a 6.9-mile out-and-back trip that leads to scenic mountain lakes along the way. If you need a break from the trails, Rock Creek Lake is great for fishing, offering robust populations of trout. Return to town for one last dinner, and relax at your accommodation after a weekend well spent.
)
)
)
:focal(4316x2609:4317x2610))