**Discover the Hidden Gems of Objective Canyon – A Montana Hiking Adventure**
Exploring the ridges, peaks, and canyons of the Little Rockies and the isolated buttes of the Ft. Belknap Reservation over the years has been a journey through natural wonders. While many miles have been walked off the beaten path, there’s one trail on the reservation that stands out – and it’s a must-try! It may just be the most scenic hike in north-central Montana.
**Triple Trail Choice: Your Gateway to Scenic Exploration**
The trailhead, situated in Objective Canyon 3.4 miles east of the Hays turnoff (from Highway 66), is near a stunning red limestone wall known to locals as “Red Rocks.” Several images and maps are available in the image gallery to help guide you to the “Hole in the Wall Trailhead.” From there, you have three options:
1. **Hole in the Wall:** Follow a well-designed path that switchbacks up to a remarkable limestone arch. From the trailhead to the base of the arch, it’s a 0.4-mile walk, with an elevation gain of 360 feet.
2. **Scenic Point:** For those wanting to hike further, climb up through the hole, then take a hard right and follow the path eastward. After a couple of hundred feet, the path turns northward and then westward towards a scenic overlook of Objective Canyon. The path is faint, so detailed maps are provided in the image gallery. From the Hole in the Wall to the scenic point is 0.6 miles with minimal elevation gain. If you’ve seen enough, simply follow the path back down. The hike from the trailhead, through the hole, to the scenic overlook, and back is a 2-mile round trip.
3. **Objective Ridge:** For a longer adventure (an additional 3 miles) and spectacular views of the Little Rockies and beyond, continue on to Objective Ridge. Starting from the scenic point on the cliff, return to the dirt road, take a right onto it, and follow the road for 1.9 miles to Objective Ridge. The dirt road fades as you approach Objective Ridge, but you’ll have no trouble finding it – just keep heading up! Climb up along the ridge before making your way over to a small grassy peak, where you can rest and enjoy the view. On your way back, you’ll need to take a left turn onto a lower dirt road that will take you back to the trail, rejoining it a few hundred feet east of the Hole in the Wall. It’s easy to miss the turn, so refer to the maps in the image gallery for clarification.
Completing all three options will total 5 miles, and you’ll experience some of the best scenery to be found anywhere on the Hi-Line. Give yourself a pat on the back, and be sure to visit the Natural Bridge near the mouth of the canyon on your drive home. Take a few minutes to walk under the bridge into the vast space behind it.
**FYI – Follow My Journey:**
I recently started an Instagram account. I’ll aim to post something interesting at least once a week. Check it out: rodbenson406
**Interactive Map of Included Hikes:**
Below is a map marking hikes that have been featured on bigskywalker.com so far, including several in Glacier Park. Select ‘full screen’ to expand, focus for more details, or click a marker for a link to the post.