Guided Day Hikes
Leave the pavement behind and discover the wild beauty of Montana's Bitterroot Mountains! Our Guided Day Hikes take you through rugged mountain landscapes, lush forests, wildflower-filled meadows, and pristine alpine lakes. Along the way, our knowledgeable local guides will help you discover the wildlife, geology, and ecology that make these mountains so extraordinary.
Whether you're looking for a leisurely hike through the forest or a challenging trek into the alpine, we have an adventure for you. Choose from three hiking levels—Explorer, Backcountry, and Summit—designed for a variety of abilities and interests. With small groups, experienced guides, and roundtrip transportation from Missoula, all you need to bring is your sense of adventure!
Explorer
Easy to Moderate ◦ 2-5 miles
Perfect for those who love being outside, taking in the views, and spotting wildlife along the way. These hikes cover moderate distances on well-maintained trails with plenty of time to learn, observe, and enjoy the landscape.
Scenic views
Wildlife Viewing
Moderate Terrain
Lunch, snacks, and drinks
Backcountry
Moderate to Challenging ◦ 5-8 miles
For active hikers ready to go deeper in the backcountry. Expect longer distances, more elevation gain, and a journey into quieter places. We'll hike, explore, and connect with the wild and remote beauty of Montana.
Mountain views
Wildlife Viewing
Challenging terrain
Lunch, snacks, and drinks
What's Included
-
Expert interpretation and insight from our professional naturalist guides
-
A full lunch
-
Drinking water, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages
-
Roundtrip transportation
-
Binoculars, spotting scopes, trekking poles, and bear spray
-
Entrance fees and permits
What's Not Included
-
Reusable water bottles
-
Clothing, footwear, and raingear
-
Guide Gratuity (industry standard is 10-20% of trip cost)
-
Backpacks
-
Sunscreen
-
Bug Spray
Trip Dates
Tour | Date | Availability | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Bitterroot Mountains (Summit) | Oct. 10, 2026 | Available | $175 |
Bitterroot Mountains (Backcountry) | Oct. 4, 2026 | Available | $175 |
Bitterroot Mountains (Backcountry) | Sept. 26, 2026 | Available | $175 |
Bitterroot Mountains (Explorer) | Sept. 19, 2026 | Available | $175 |
Logistics & FAQS
Where do we meet?
We will meet at Caras Park in Downtown Missoula. We'll meet under the large canopy unless otherwise stated.
How long is each guided day hike?
Our explorer hikes will be a total of 5-7 hours including driving time. Longer hikes can take up to 12 hours. We'll begin and end in the same spot in Missoula, but let us know if you'd like to meet us at the trailhead.
How long is the day tour season?
Our day tour season runs between May and October. We do run custom day tours in the winter months.
Safety
Safety is our utmost priority. All of our tours are led by professional guides who are all Wilderness First Responders or EMT's. Our guides have extensive guiding and wilderness experience and comply with standardized risk management protocols in case of any potential or actual incident. Each tour will have both an extensive first aid kit and a satellite communication device. Please feel free to email info@northskyadventures.com if you have any questions.
Group Size
By design, we keep our tours to a size of 4-12. This allows for a more intimate experience and ensures everyone is getting the most out of their trip.
Are there Age Restrictions?
We have a minimum age of 12 for our scheduled tours. For private tours the minimum age is 5.
Inquire about custom tours
We'll help you make the ideal itinerary for your next Montana adventure