Day Hike at Crown Butte Reserve

[Bob Wire]

The east side of the Rocky Mountain Front is one of the more dramatic places on the planet, especially in winter. Chinook winds falling off the Rockies create a huge and mostly snow free zone of grasslands and buttes rich in animal and plant life. Frequently one can find large areas that have remained ungrazed by domestic livestock and undisturbed since the passage of Lewis and Clark. From the trailhead of this hike to the top of Crown Butte is about six miles round trip. It is very rare to ever see another person. This reserve is just a part of the extensive holdings of The Nature Conservancy along the Rocky Mountain Front

The start of the hike across the grasslands


After a mile the climb begins with views west to the Front




And to the south toward the Missouri







Sometimes reminding me of Utah



But incredible Big Sky views in every direction

 

[Artemus]

Great Bob and great photos! One can imagine a herd of 10,000 bison roaming around. Some time ago. Are there any access restrictions on the Nature Conservancy Land?

 

[Bob Wire]

Great Bob and great photos! One can imagine a herd of 10,000 bison roaming around. Some time ago. Are there any access restrictions on the Nature Conservancy Land?

The restrictions vary by the preserve. Crown Butte is always open and I think Pine Butte Swamp is also. There are close to a million acres in Montana under their stewardship so it is best to contact them about a specific area

 

[TannerT]

Very cool! Thanks for sharing!

 

[Nick]

Beautiful! Thanks, Bob!

 

[Curt]

Beautiful grasslands.