Hiking in Montana in the beginning of July

Josh,

Two good general books are Falcon Guides: Bill Schneider's Hiking Montana and Bill Cunningham's Wild Montana. Each has a section on the Darby/Missoula area.

Richard

I know nothing about the Troy area.

Darby is a great little town. You'll have the whole Bitterroot Valley at your feet, with for all-purposes endless options.

Blodgett Canyon is a nice, though crowded, hike. You can do as long and out and back as you like. Quite rocky in spots.

Hiking to the summit of Trapper is also a worthwhile outing, and gives one of the better views of the whole area.

Hey Guys

Thanks for the replies. Have picked up the wild montana from amazon.

David, do you know where I can find trails maps and what not for those two hikes you mention? What sort of mileage and elevation is trapper? Also, is blodgett canyon doable in one day?

Also, will I have problems with snow at a certain elevation because it is only the beginning of july?

Thanks

Josh

There are numerous shops in Missoula (the Trailhead, REI) in Missoula which carry maps. No doubt places in Hamilton as well (Red Barn bikes).

Blodgett can be as long or as short as you like.

Trapper is around 9k at the summit (I think), and perhaps 10 miles round trip? Might be some snow up high in July, but the 'roots had a lean winter and early spring. Unless you get really up in north facing stuff you shouldn't have issues.