I was a nomad for 10 years, jumping from place to place, country to country, in search of the greatest adventure. And after all that time, I settled in Anaconda because it held the greatest adventure of all: the wilderness and community.

My entire life now centers around this adventure. The studio schedule at Anaconda Yoga centers around this adventure. Whether it’s chasing fresh powder, scaling granite cliffs, or searching for the best outdoor market, everything I do revolves around what Anaconda has to show me.

And boy is there lots, especially during the summer. (Read our blog post all about the top things to do in Anaconda, in general, to see who has the best events going on around town.)

Here are the best things to do in Anaconda in the summer, according to an adventure junkie.

Anaconda Outdoor Recreation

Let’s start with the truest adventure of all: the great outdoors. Anaconda is nestled between the Pintler and Flint Creek mountains, making this high-elevation mountain town the perfect launching point for a great number of outdoor recreation activities. My favorites? Hiking, camping, rock climbing, and, more recently, mountain biking.

Snow melt turns into babbling streams that cut through dense forests, ancient mountains crumble into rugged peaks, and in the center of it all are quiet meadows where herds of elk like to graze. No matter what your favorite outdoor activity is, you’ll fall head over heels for the Anaconda outdoors.

Jump ahead to your favorite outdoor activity:

Hiking in Anaconda
Rock Climbing in Anaconda
Mountain Biking in Anaconda
Camping in Anaconda
Yoga in Anaconda

Hikes To Lakes Near Anaconda MT

Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness boasts over 158,000 acres of pristine wilderness, featuring trails that meander through alpine meadows, past glacial lakes, and up rugged peaks.

Popular trailheads include the Storm Lake Trailhead and Twin Lakes Trailhead, both accessible via well-maintained forest roads.

But there are soooooo many more than that. Like, so many.

It has been my mission since moving here to explore as many of them as possible and this summer 2025 I will double down on this goal. Also, backpacking these mountains will hopefully get my legs ready for backcountry skiing this winter.

Here are some of the most magical and accessible hikes right outside our little mountain town of Anaconda.

Warren Pass Loop to Carpp Lakes

A relatively moderate hike leads you to the pristine waters of Warren Lake, nestled amidst towering peaks. There was a recent forest fire through the area so a lot of the trail feels quite like a ghost town, with remnants of old giants burnt down, making way for a newer, younger forest.

Though it sounded a bit devastating to me at first, I found myself absolutely enchanted by the burnt forest. You can’t help but feel like you’re stepping into a frozen moment of a greater ecological cycle. One where old forests burn down, returning to the soil to build a new, vibrant forest for centuries to come.

lower carpp lake — Lower Carpp Lake; Photo by: Marquis Matson

The Carpp Lakes themselves are gorgeous, with rocky peaks lining the quiet lakes. We camped at East Fork Reservoir for my birthday in late October and then hiked the Warren Pass Loop during the day and the weather was gorgeous.

Distance: Approximately 10 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Around 2,000 feet
Terrain: Forest trails, alpine terrain
Best Months: July to October
Estimated Time: 5–6 hours
Trailhead Location: Warren Lake Trailhead

Fourmile Basin Lakes

Venture into the heart of the wilderness to discover the secluded Fourmile Basin Lakes. Even though this trail is super accessible right from town, it is less traveled than, say, Twin Lakes, offering hikers a sense of solitude and the chance to experience untouched natural beauty.

The path can be challenging, with uneven terrain and significant elevation changes, but the reward is a series of tranquil lakes surrounded by rugged peaks.

I hiked up there by myself in late September. I took my hammock to the clearing at the lake and read for hours in the filtered sunshine. I never saw a single person the whole day and was only greeted with distant birdsongs echoing off the surrounding rocky mountains.

Distance: Approximately 4 miles one way
Elevation Gain: Around 1,150 feet
Terrain: Rocky paths, alpine meadows
Best Months: June to October
Estimated Time: 3–4 hours
Trailhead Location: Fourmile Basin Trailhead

Storm Lake to Twin Lakes

This trail, called CDT-alt Ley on the map, offers a mix of forested paths and open ridgelines, providing hikers with varied scenery and moderate challenges. The trail begins at Storm Lake, on the eastern side, and wraps around the peak to the east. Hiking over the pass and dropping into Twin Lakes offers multiple epic vantage points of the surrounding mountains.

We camped under the stars at Storm Lake and ventured on this trail during the day. It was a beautiful mix of forested trail, a gorgeous pass overlooking the changing colors on the Larch trees, an impressive boulder field, a grassy meadow, and finally a resting point at upper Twin Lakes.

It’s a perfect day hike for those looking to experience the diverse landscapes of the region.

Distance: Approximately 3.7 miles one way
Elevation Gain: Around 600 feet
Terrain: Forest trails, lakeside paths
Best Months: June to October
Estimated Time: 1.5–2 hours
Trailhead Location: Storm Lake Trailhead

Goat Flats

Another gorgeous hike that starts at Storm Lake on the western side, Goat Flats offers expansive views and a chance to see mountain goats in their natural habitat.

It overlooks Upper Seymour Lake at the top and is such a gorgeous, unique hike that is a favorite among local hikers. The trail is moderately challenging, with a steady incline leading to a flat expanse above the treeline. Here, hikers are rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys, including this epic view of Upper Seymore Lake.

Distance: Approximately 3.5 miles one way
Elevation Gain: Around 1,500 feet
Terrain: Steep switchbacks, alpine meadows
Best Months: July to September
Estimated Time: 3–4 hours
Trailhead Location: Goat Flats Trailhead

Edith Lake

Edith Lake is a gem tucked away in the wilderness, all the way past East Fork Reservoir off Skalkaho Road, just behind Warren Peak. The trail to Edith Lake is less traveled than other trails simply because it’s a drive to get to and there are already so many trails within 30-40 minutes of Anaconda that many just don’t bother going this far.

The trail winds through dense forests, opens up to meadows bursting with wildflowers in the summer, and culminates at the pristine Edith Lake, reflecting the surrounding peaks. It’s a perfect day hike for those seeking both challenge and beauty.

Distance: Approximately 10 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Around 1,800 feet
Terrain: Mixed forest and meadow trails with some steep sections
Best Months: July to September
Estimated Time: 4-5 hours
Trailhead Location: Edith Lake Trailhead

Upper Seymour Lake

Tucked deep within the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness, the trail to Upper Seymour Lake is a beautiful journey through serene lodgepole pine forests, vibrant wildflower meadows, and the gentle murmur of Seymour Creek. The path meanders gently for the first 5.5 miles, making it accessible for hikers of varying skill levels. As you approach the final 1.5 miles, the trail ascends steadily, leading you to the crystal-clear waters of Upper Seymour Lake, nestled in a striking alpine cirque.

You enter from Mill Creek Road at the Dry Creek turnoff.

This well-maintained section of the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) is not overly challenging, with minimal elevation gain until the final 1.5-mile climb up switchbacks to the plateau. The lake is a popular place to camp, so if you don’t want a long day hike, this can be a great overnight backpacking trip.

Trail Details:

Distance: Approximately 7 miles one-way (14 miles round-trip)
Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,500 feet
Estimated Time: 6–8 hours round-trip, depending on pace and breaks
Best Months: June through October
Trailhead Location: Seymour Lake Trailhead

Tenmile Lakes

The journey to Tenmile Lakes is a delightful adventure through the heart of the wilderness, on the eastern side of the Anaconda Range. You can access this trailhead through the forest service logging road. You enter from Mill Creek Road, just east of Anaconda, and eventually turn onto Dry Creek Road toward the CDT access point. Follow the road to Upper Corral Cr and make your way all the way back to the trailhead.

You’ll traverse through varied landscapes, including dense forests and open meadows, before reaching the twin alpine lakes. The area is rich in wildlife and offers stunning views, making it a rewarding experience for nature enthusiasts.

Distance: Approximately 4.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: About 1,000 feet
Terrain: Forest trails with moderate inclines
Best Months: June to September
Estimated Time: 4–5 hours
Trailhead Location: Tenmile Lakes Trailhead

Hearst Lake

If you make it all the way back to Hearst Lake, then this is a beast of a trail. I quite like walking the trail midday and turning around after a few miles. The trailhead is accessible right from town just next to the Church of Christ off Stumptown Road.

The trail is well-maintained and leads through gentle terrains to the serene Hearst Lake, where one can relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Lots of people work their way up to this beast of trek, some even skiing it in the winter. If you are an adrenaline junkie, then this one is for you.

Distance: Approximately 15 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Around 5,200 feet
Terrain: Gentle forest trails
Best Months: May to September
Estimated Time: 10 hours
Trailhead Location: Hearst Lake Trailhead

Barker Lake

Barker Lake is a hidden treasure within the wilderness. I love the rocky terrain on the trail and all of the gorgeous wildflowers mid summer. The trail is moderately challenging, weaving through forests and ascending gradually to the lake.

Barker lake trail — Barker Lake Trail; Photo by: Marquis Matson

The small lake itself has calm waters set against a backdrop of rugged mountains., making for gorgeous reflections and a quiet little reading spot. I’ve seen fly fishermen here on occasion as well, if you’re into that.

barker lakes — Barker Lake; Photo by: Marquis Matson

Distance: Approximately 9.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: About 1,800 feet
Terrain: Forest trails with gradual inclines
Best Months: June to September
Estimated Time: 4.5–5.5 hours
Trailhead Location: Read through the comments on AllTrails to get details about how to access this trailhead. I’ve done this hike a few times and still get lost on my way there every time.

Twin Lakes

The Twin Lakes trail is the easiest and most advertised trail from Anaconda so it is the most frequented, but the views are amazing anyway. You’ll have a quiet journey through varied landscapes, ending with the stunning sight of two alpine lakes nestled amidst towering peaks. It’s worth the extra climb to get to the upper lake, where the views are truly magical. The lower lake is nice, but more meadow-like and forested.

The trail is moderately challenging, with sections that test one’s endurance, but the reward is well worth the effort. It’s a perfect spot for a day hike or an overnight camping trip.

Distance: Approximately 9 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: About 1,000 feet
Terrain: Forest trails with steep inclines
Best Months: June to September
Estimated Time: 3.5–4 hours
Trailhead Location: Twin Lakes Trailhead

Anaconda, Montana Rock Climbing

If you haven’t noticed, Montana is filled with rocky mountains and where there are rocks there is climbing. Anaconda is especially spectacular with rock climbing and bouldering spots sprinkled all throughout the area, making it a great place for little day trips to the local crags.

rock climbing in pipestone — Pipestone climbing; Photo by: Tyler Cook

Here are the most popular spots:

Stucky Ridge: Tucked into the sunny southern flank of Stucky Ridge is a granite playground with big, domed fins and sweeping views of Mt. Haggin and the Pintler Range. With just a handful of routes currently established and more in the works, this area offers a secluded alpine vibe, making it ideal for spring and fall sessions—or summer mornings before the sun hits around 2 PM. More info: Rock Climbing Stucky Ridge
Montana One & Rumsey Road Boulders (Philipsburg, MT): These scattered glacial boulders near Philipsburg offer quick sessions in a low-key setting. While the number of problems isn’t huge, the quality of granite and the ease of access make it worth checking out. Montana One Boulder in particular is a local favorite. More info: Climbing in Rumsey Road Boulders & Bouldering in Montana One
Humbug Spires (Near Divide, MT): The Humbug Spires are a granite wonderland known for adventurous trad routes on towering formations. The crown jewel is The Wedge, a 500-foot spire with 5.8 climbing to the summit. You’ll find both classic cracks and face climbs on beautiful white granite, all within a short hike from the road. More info: Rock Climbing in Humbug Spires
Pipestone (near Whitehall, MT): One of the most popular spots near Butte, Spire Rock offers a bit of everything: multipitch routes on The King, top-rope-friendly cracks and offwidths on The Queen, and an emerging bouldering scene just steps from the base. It’s super accessible and great for a casual day or intro to trad. More info: Rock Climbing in Spire Rock

Anaconda, Montana Mountain Biking

Anaconda is a haven for mountain biking enthusiasts, with trails that cater to all skill levels. From serene lakeside paths to challenging alpine climbs, the surrounding areas are known for their diverse terrains and breathtaking landscapes.

Matt and Emily at Anaconda Bicycles are the experts in this area and organize tons of group rides throughout the summer. Stop by their shop on Main Street to get personalized advice and say hello.

They are super involved with the Anaconda Trail Society and have put together a local map with beginner-friendly trails that anyone can ride.

Beautiful walking and biking trails just west of Anaconda

To give you an idea of what’s around for the more skilled riders, here are a few local trails.

Trail Name	Tech Details	Difficulty	Terrain / Experience	Get More Info
Lost Creek Trail #8133	7.7 miles one way, 1,450 ft gain	Moderate	Forest and meadow trail with water features, steady climb, scenic views.	MTB Project
Lower Seymour Lake Trail	~1.5 miles, minimal elevation	Easy	Lakeside trail, beginner-friendly, connects to Continental Divide Trail.	MTB Project
Discovery Bike Park	Lift-served, various trail lengths and styles	Varies (Beg.–Expert)	Designed bike park with downhill trails, skill parks, and scenic XC loops.	Discovery Bike Park
Pipestone to Homestake	9 miles of trail, with endless trail options in surrounding areas	Intermediate	Rocky, open terrain with forested stretches, ideal for exploration and mixed use.	MTB Project
Homestake CDT – Maud-S Loop	20.6 miles, 3,077 ft gain	Intermediate/Difficult	High alpine terrain with long climbs and epic ridge riding, part of CDT.	MTB Project

Where To Camp Near Anaconda

Lost Creek State Park

Situated just six miles north of Anaconda, the park provides a serene setting for campers, with 25 campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each site is equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, perfect for cozy evenings under the stars. The park’s amenities include vault toilets and drinking water, ensuring a comfortable stay.

Campsite at lost creek — My favorite campsite at Lost Creek

The campground operates seasonally, typically open from mid-May through November, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the park’s natural beauty during the warmer months.

For more information on Lost Creek State Park and its camping facilities, you can visit the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks website.

Spillway Campground

Nestled on the northwestern shore of East Fork Reservoir within the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, Spillway Campground offers 12 first-come, first-served campsites shaded by mature conifers. This serene spot provides immediate access to the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness, making it ideal for hiking, backpacking, biking, hunting, fishing, OHV riding, and boating. Amenities include picnic tables, fire rings, a water pump, and vault restrooms. The camping fee is $15 per night. Get more info here.

Copper Creek Campground

Situated along the tranquil Copper Creek, this campground offers 8 first-come, first-served campsites at an elevation of 5,500 feet. It’s a gateway to the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness, providing opportunities for various outdoor activities. Facilities include picnic tables, fire rings, a water pump, and a vault restroom. The camping fee is $15 per night. Get more info here.

Lodgepole Campground

Located on the southern shore of Georgetown Lake, Lodgepole Campground is one of the larger campgrounds in the area, offering 31 reservable sites suitable for tents and RVs up to 32 feet. The campground is equipped with ADA-accessible toilets, potable water, and garbage services. Across the road at Red Bridge, campers have access to a boat launch and fishing opportunities. Get more info here.

Spring Hill Campground

Tucked within a lodgepole pine forest, Spring Hill Campground is approximately eight miles from Georgetown Lake. It offers 15 campsites, with 9 available for reservation and 6 on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground provides a peaceful setting with access to fishing, boating, and water sports. Facilities include picnic tables, fire rings, a water pump, and vault restrooms. Get more info here.

Piney Campground and Boat Launch

Adjacent to Georgetown Lake, Piney Campground boasts 48 campsites, with 17 reservable and 31 available on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground offers excellent access to fishing, boating, and water skiing. Amenities include a day-use picnic area, ADA-accessible toilets, potable water, a boat launch area, fishing access, and garbage services. Get more info here.

Philipsburg Bay Campground

Overlooking the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness, Philipsburg Bay Campground provides 68 camping units adjacent to Georgetown Lake. This location is perfect for visitors who enjoy mountains, water sports, or simply relaxing and taking in the spectacular views. Facilities include picnic tables, fire rings, potable water, and vault restrooms. Get more info here.

Soothe Your Mountain Legs With Anaconda Yoga

One of the reasons I opened Anaconda Yoga is because there was no place in Anaconda for people to come together and soothe their muscles. There were already so many weight-lifting opportunities, but nothing to prevent injury, improve mobility, and ease muscle soreness after using your muscles in real life outdoors.

So I opened the studio for people like me, who are too busy playing outdoors to lift weights and really just wanted a soothing complementary practice to support that lifestyle.

If that sounds like you, then come by the studio and try out one of our classes. Here’s a general breakdown of what to expect:

Yinyasa: Super relaxing, stretchy flow that is ideal after a hard weekend outdoors.
Slow Flow: A more vinyasa-style yoga that is both beginner-friendly and challenging. Longer holds get the heart rate up while the yoga postures improve mobility and balance, ideal for active bodies.
Power Flow: This HIIT-style yoga class will get your heart rate up and have you moving through postures at a fast pace. This is ideal for people looking for a workout.
Yoga Sculpt: This yoga-pilates blend uses light weights and resistance bands to target muscles like the hips, arms and shoulders, and lower back to support your longer days out on the trails. I added this class to the schedule specifically to support my own body as I build muscles and endurance for backpacking and backcountry skiing.

Take a look at the schedule here:

I love Anaconda and I am sure that you will too! There is so much to do here and a great community of outdoor enthusiasts to meet. Stop by the studio and say hi, I’d love to join you on the trail sometime!

Anaconda Outdoor Summer Recreation: Climbing, Biking, & Hiking In Anaconda