"Central Montana completely shifted my perspective on what I thought this area looked like. Everywhere we turned, the landscape surprised us. What struck me most was how easy it was to disappear into it all. The trip felt like a reset. Time slowed down. The noise fell away. Being out there — fully outside and fully present, was a reminder of how powerful it is to just exist in a wild, open place."
— Justin Kauffman (@justindkauffman) a Montana photographer, camped and hiked his way through Central Montana and documented the beauty of this untouched wilderness with his camera.
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Escape to Montana’s mountains, where the only thing that stands between you and the great outdoors is the drive to get there. From camping and hiking in some of Central Montana’s most breathtaking landscapes to exploring the small towns that dot the highways along the way, this route offers the perfect getaway for those hoping to embrace the peace and quiet of the wilderness.
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Your adventure begins in Bozeman, where you’ll stop to pick up all of the groceries and supplies you’ll need for the next two days of camping. Beyond Bozeman, services can be limited, so make sure to stock up here. Once you’re loaded down, head north to Wilsall, a small ranching community nestled in the Shields Valley. Stop for lunch here before continuing toward the Highwood Mountains. If you’re up for a hike, the Memorial Falls and Sluice Boxes trails are great places to stop and stretch your legs on the Kings Hill Scenic Byway. Arrive at Thain Creek Campground, where you’ll set up your campsite for the night. If you’ve got some more hiking in you, head to the Thain Creek Campground Trail for a short, 2.9-mile scenic loop. As the sun begins to set, warm up by the campfire and end the night under a star-studded sky.
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Lace up your hiking boots and get ready to hit the trails. Set off on one of the surrounding routes that take hikers through the dramatic scenery. Options nearby include the Center Ridge Trail #415, Windy Mountain Loop and Highwood Baldy Trail. Each of these trails takes anywhere from four to six hours to complete, so make sure to pack all the food, water and supplies you’ll need for a full day of hiking. After returning from your hike, enjoy some well-deserved relaxation at your campsite. If you get a second wind, take a scenic drive on the Upper Highwood Creek Road after dinner.
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Pack up your campsite and drive to Great Falls for breakfast and coffee in town. Then, head to Choteau for the afternoon. Situated at the base of the Rocky Mountain Front, Choteau is a gateway to outdoor adventure, with prime access to several nearby wilderness areas for hiking, camping, hunting and fishing. Ear Mountain Wildlife Management Area, Eureka Reservoir, Muddy Creek Trail and North Fork Teton Road Trail 107 are popular places to recreate out here, with a variety of activities available at each one. When you’re ready to turn in for the night, return to Choteau for your last night of the trip.
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