In Montana, we cherish our public spaces—those expansive areas held by state and federal governments for conservation purposes. These lands serve as the common ground that unites communities and individuals seeking to embrace and share the natural beauty of the outdoors. We recognize their intrinsic value and feel privileged to share them with one another, with wildlife, and with visitors who come to experience our extraordinary region.
From the grandeur of Glacier National Park to the diversity of our state parks and wilderness areas, Western Montana's public lands offer hundreds of miles of trails, fishing access sites, lush forests, remote wilderness, and scenic drives—all preserved for our enjoyment and the conservation of our natural heritage.
The Public Lands Information Center sells paper maps of the area with detailed guides to public recreation sites including:
Get out into these wide-open spaces, canyons, meadows and mountains, whether you’re looking to hike, bike, ski, snowshoe, snowmobile, paddle, float, fish, horseback ride or watch wildlife.
It’s important to be aware of when you are on tribal lands: the Blackfeet Reservation, home to the Blackfeet Nation; and the Flathead Reservation, home to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.
While tribal communities are welcoming to respectful visitors, this is not public land, and there are sacred places we must not disturb. It’s also important to be mindful and respectful of a tribe’s unique culture, history and traditions. Make sure you “know before you go” in terms of permits and policies that may be different from Montana law. Learn more here.
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