Montana Trail Sec. 19: Geyser to Highwood

Dogs Unknown

Snow is usually not an issue for majority of summer season well into fall.

Water is plentiful along majority of this section except as noted above from North Peak to Highwood Baldy.

Cellphone service is available departing Geyser until approaching the National Forest boundary on south side of Highwood Mountains. As noted above cellphone service is very good on ridge trail from north.

Peak to Highwood Baldy. Cell service is not available again until approaching Highwood, Montana along Dunbar Road.

The majority of this section is on county/forest service roads. A large portion of the route approaching, and exiting national forest is private land and requires owner's permission to access.

This trail route continues in a northwest direction. Leaving Geyser the route follows county roads to access the Lewis and Clark National Forest. Heading north via Highway 551 which quickly turns to gravel north of town. Five miles north the route turns west on County Road 206 (South Peak Road) for 3 miles as it slowly climbs in altitude towards the Highwood Mountains. The route again turns north on County Road 201 and shortly becomes County Road 208 (Upper Highwood Creek Rd).

Soon after entering the national forest a sharp left turn at the highpoint on the road will access an old road/trail heading west and climbing to North Peak. There is no water available after departing Upper Highwood Creek Road until Deer Creek Trail descends to the north side of Highwood Baldy. Thet trail is distinct for approximately one mile until terminating at Two Fire Camp. At this point various cattle trails veer off side-hilling the steep approach to North Peak. Staying on the ridge and working up to obvious prominent natural cairn on ridge southeast of North Peak is the most expeditious route.

From North Peak, exit the gate southwest and turn north to follow the ridge trail toward Highwood Baldy at 7,670 feet. The ridge hike offers great views west to Great Falls and east over the Highwood Mountains. The trail intersects a steep gravel road leading to the summit of Highwood Baldy, where communication structures are located. Good cellphone service is available from North Peak to the summit. From here, the route descends with a mix of bushwhacking, trail hiking, and a county road walk into Highwood. After leaving the forest, there's no public land or camping until Highwood, but water is accessible along Upper Highwood Creek Road. The route turns north on Dunbar Road and descends into Highwood.

The Highwood Mountains of Montana are a small, island mountain range located on the north end of the Helena Lewis and Clark National Forest. Geological history suggests that the Highwood Range is of volcanic origin. The Highwoods were once much larger, but over millions of years have been eroded to their current state. The hills are covered with pine and spruce forest and are a popular destination for hikers, mountain bikers, dirt bikers, and hunters.