- Region
- MT, USA
- Country
- United States
- Best for
- hiking
- Best season
- Spring, Summer
- Permits
- Confirm current permit requirements with t…
- Managed by
- Bureau of Land Management, Dillon Field Office, for Bear Trap Canyon; U.S. Forest Service through Gallatin and Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forests for the Spanish Peaks, Taylor Hilgard, and Monument Mountain units.
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How to get there
For hiking in Bear Trap Canyon, follow State Highway 84 west from Bozeman. Before the highway crosses the Madison River, turn left onto the gravel road directly across from Red Mountain Campground, then follow it upstream along the river’s east side to the trailhead. For boating, turn east off U.S. Highway 287 at McAllister and follow the Ennis Lake road to the Wilderness Boat Launch at the canyon’s south end. These approaches serve different activities; do not use the boat-launch directions as hiking-trailhead directions.
- Bear Trap Canyon north-end trailhead
The only hiking access to the Bear Trap National Recreation Trail. Reach it by the gravel road leaving State Highway 84 opposite Red Mountain Campground and following the east side of the Madison River upstream.
- Wilderness Boat Launch
South-end floating access near the Madison Powerhouse, reached from McAllister via the Ennis Lake road. Unload at the launch, then park upstream at the Fall Creek parking area rather than at the powerhouse. The river through the canyon is for experienced boaters.
Sources: blm.gov · University of Montana / federal agency partners · Wilderness Connect / federal wilderness boundary inventory · Wikipedia. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
MT, USA · United States
- Rafting
- Hunting
- Climbing
- Mountaineering
- Winter Camping
- Skiing
- Desert Hiking
- Canyoneering
Four separate units, from river canyon to alpine ridges
Lee Metcalf Wilderness spans four separate units in southwest Montana’s Madison Range: Bear Trap Canyon, Spanish Peaks, Taylor Hilgard, and Monument Mountain. Choosing a unit is the first planning decision; these are separate parcels, not one continuous hiking area. Bear Trap Canyon follows the Madison River at about 4,500 feet, while the mountain units reach ridges and peaks above 11,000 feet. High cirque basins and U-shaped drainages show the effects of past glaciation, though no active glaciers remain. Treeline generally falls between 9,000 and 10,000 feet, with alpine and subalpine vegetation above. Across the wilderness, roughly 300 miles of trail and 28 trailheads offer access. Match the trip to the terrain rather than treating a canyon walk and a high-country outing as interchangeable.
Bear Trap Canyon: separate approaches for hikers and boaters
Bear Trap Canyon is the smallest unit, covering 6,347 acres, and was the first wilderness managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Its defining features are the Madison River and cliffs rising 1,500 feet above the canyon. The nine-mile Bear Trap National Recreation Trail follows the river through the canyon, but hikers can access it only from the north end. Boaters enter from the south at the Wilderness Boat Launch. That distinction matters when choosing driving directions: the launch is not the hiking approach. Whitewater here includes the Class IV–V Kitchen Sink rapid, making the river an option for experienced boaters rather than a casual float. Bear Trap is open year-round, but access status alone says nothing about river conditions or whether a particular outing suits the group.
Plan for elevation, weather, and wildlife
Conditions vary sharply between the low canyon and the high Madison Range. Average precipitation ranges from about 11 inches in Bear Trap Canyon to more than 60 inches in the mountains. Spring and fall temperatures are generally more moderate, but the wilderness can experience severe winter cold and summer heat. Pack layers and weather protection appropriate to the elevation and exposure of the chosen route, and carry enough water for the outing. Before boating, check river level and temperature information for the Madison River below Ennis Lake. Black bears and grizzly bears share this landscape with moose, elk, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, cougars, and wolves. Keep wildlife at a distance and plan food storage before an overnight trip. Confirm current conditions and applicable requirements with the agency managing the selected unit.
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Lee Metcalf Wilderness, United States. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
Coordinates
- Decimal degrees
- 45.3625, -111.3305
- Latitude (DMS)
- 45° 21′ 45.0″ N
- Longitude (DMS)
- 111° 19′ 49.7″ W
Coordinates are an access-point reference for Lee Metcalf Wilderness, not a route. Carry a paper map and confirm trailhead or put-in access with the managing agency before you go.
Topic summary
The Lee Metcalf Wilderness consists of four separate units distributed across the Madison Range in southwest Montana. The Bear Trap Canyon unit is administered by the Bureau of Land Management and is the...
Key takeaways
- Region: MT, USA
- Country: United States
- Good for: hiking
- Coordinates: 45.362, -111.330
Intended uses
hiking
Keep planning
Popular pursuits at Lee Metcalf Wilderness
- Rafting
Whitewater sections and the flows that make them run.
- Hunting
Seasons, tags, and the units that hold animals.
- Climbing
Rock and alpine lines with approach beta.
- Mountaineering
Glacier and high-route objectives with real consequence.
- Winter Camping
Cold-season travel and camp craft; layering matters more than mileage.
- Skiing
Ski-touring access when the road closes for the season.
Animals around Lee Metcalf Wilderness
Four separate units, from river canyon to alpine ridges
Lee Metcalf Wilderness spans four separate units in southwest Montana’s Madison Range: Bear Trap Canyon, Spanish Peaks, Taylor Hilgard, and Monument Mountain. Choosing a unit is the first planning decision; these are separate parcels, not one continuous hiking area. Bear Trap Canyon follows the Madison River at about 4,500 feet, while the mountain units reach ridges and peaks above 11,000 feet. High cirque basins and U-shaped drainages show the effects of past glaciation, though no active glaciers remain. Treeline generally falls between 9,000 and 10,000 feet, with alpine and subalpine vegetation above. Across the wilderness, roughly 300 miles of trail and 28 trailheads offer access. Match the trip to the terrain rather than treating a canyon walk and a high-country outing as interchangeable.
Bear Trap Canyon: separate approaches for hikers and boaters
Bear Trap Canyon is the smallest unit, covering 6,347 acres, and was the first wilderness managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Its defining features are the Madison River and cliffs rising 1,500 feet above the canyon. The nine-mile Bear Trap National Recreation Trail follows the river through the canyon, but hikers can access it only from the north end. Boaters enter from the south at the Wilderness Boat Launch. That distinction matters when choosing driving directions: the launch is not the hiking approach. Whitewater here includes the Class IV–V Kitchen Sink rapid, making the river an option for experienced boaters rather than a casual float. Bear Trap is open year-round, but access status alone says nothing about river conditions or whether a particular outing suits the group.
Plan for elevation, weather, and wildlife
Conditions vary sharply between the low canyon and the high Madison Range. Average precipitation ranges from about 11 inches in Bear Trap Canyon to more than 60 inches in the mountains. Spring and fall temperatures are generally more moderate, but the wilderness can experience severe winter cold and summer heat. Pack layers and weather protection appropriate to the elevation and exposure of the chosen route, and carry enough water for the outing. Before boating, check river level and temperature information for the Madison River below Ennis Lake. Black bears and grizzly bears share this landscape with moose, elk, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, cougars, and wolves. Keep wildlife at a distance and plan food storage before an overnight trip. Confirm current conditions and applicable requirements with the agency managing the selected unit.
Route options
- Bear Trap National Recreation TrailNine-mile trail
Follow the Madison River through Bear Trap Canyon beneath cliffs rising 1,500 feet. Access is from the north end only. Choose a turnaround appropriate to the group; do not assume a hiking exit is available at the south-end boat launch.
- Bear Trap Canyon whitewaterExperienced boaters only; Kitchen Sink rapid is Class IV–V.
Enter the Madison River at the Wilderness Boat Launch on the canyon’s south end. This whitewater outing includes Kitchen Sink rapid and requires experienced boating judgment. Check current river levels and temperatures for the Madison River below Ennis Lake before committing.
Sample itineraries
- Bear Trap Canyon Day Hike · 1 day
Enter from the north end and follow the Bear Trap National Recreation Trail beside the Madison River. The trail extends nine miles through a canyon bordered by 1,500-foot cliffs. Choose a turnaround suited to conditions and fitness; return to the northern access.
- Spanish Peaks Backpacking Plan · 3 days
Allow three days for an out-and-back backpack in the Spanish Peaks unit. Choose the trailhead, route and camps with the Forest Service before departure. Keep daily goals conservative in rugged alpine terrain, and carry shelter and layers suitable for changing mountain weather.
- Bear Trap Whitewater Day · 1 day
Experienced boaters can plan a canyon descent from the Wilderness Boat Launch at the south end. Reach it from US Highway 287 at McAllister via Ennis Lake road. Confirm river conditions, takeout and shuttle arrangements beforehand. Kitchen Sink is Class IV–V; this is not a beginner float.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Spring; timing varies by elevation
Temperatures are generally more moderate than winter or summer. Conditions differ sharply between Bear Trap Canyon at about 4,500 feet and alpine terrain above 11,000 feet. Check mountain access and Madison River levels rather than assuming conditions are uniform.
Summer
Summer
Summer temperatures can occasionally reach 100°F. Carry adequate water in the relatively dry Bear Trap Canyon and retain weather protection for the wetter Madison Range. High ridges and peaks require different preparation from the river corridor.
Fall
Fall; timing varies by elevation
Temperatures are generally more moderate than summer or winter. Plan clothing and turnaround decisions around elevation and the forecast. Lower canyon conditions are not a reliable guide to conditions near alpine ridges.
Winter
Winter
Extreme temperatures can fall to -30°F, though this is uncommon. Bear Trap is open year-round, but that does not guarantee easy access or safe travel. Confirm local conditions and carry insulation and emergency shelter appropriate for severe cold.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Spring; timing varies by elevation | Temperatures are generally more moderate than winter or summer. Conditions differ sharply between Bear Trap Canyon at about 4,500 feet and alpine terrain above 11,000 feet. Check mountain access and Madison River levels rather than assuming conditions are uniform. |
| Summer | Summer | Summer temperatures can occasionally reach 100°F. Carry adequate water in the relatively dry Bear Trap Canyon and retain weather protection for the wetter Madison Range. High ridges and peaks require different preparation from the river corridor. |
| Fall | Fall; timing varies by elevation | Temperatures are generally more moderate than summer or winter. Plan clothing and turnaround decisions around elevation and the forecast. Lower canyon conditions are not a reliable guide to conditions near alpine ridges. |
| Winter | Winter | Extreme temperatures can fall to -30°F, though this is uncommon. Bear Trap is open year-round, but that does not guarantee easy access or safe travel. Confirm local conditions and carry insulation and emergency shelter appropriate for severe cold. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm current permit requirements with the BLM Dillon Field Office for Bear Trap Canyon or the Forest Service for the other units.
Fees: No fee for the BLM-managed Bear Trap unit.
Official source: Lee Metcalf Wilderness - Montana - Bureau of Land Management · Verified November 1, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- Kitchen Sink rapid is Class IV–V. Bear Trap Canyon boating requires experienced whitewater skills, suitable equipment and current river information.
- The canyon is bordered by 1,500-foot cliffs. Avoid exposed edges and do not assume a straightforward exit away from the river trail.
- Grizzly and black bears inhabit the wilderness. Carry accessible bear spray, secure food and scented items, and avoid approaching wildlife.
- Terrain rises from about 4,500 feet to above 11,000 feet. Account for elevation, rugged topography and slower travel when choosing a route.
- Rare temperature extremes range from -30°F in winter to 100°F in summer. Prepare for cold exposure or heat stress as conditions require.
What to pack for Lee Metcalf Wilderness
- Detailed map of the selected wilderness unit
- Compass or offline navigation
- Headlamp
- First-aid kit
- Emergency shelter
- Insulating layers suited to elevation and forecast
- Rain and wind protection
- Sun protection
- Water containers
- Water treatment
- Accessible bear spray
- Food and scented-item storage suited to current agency requirements
- Binoculars for observing animals at a distance
- Properly fitted personal flotation device
- Whitewater helmet
- Boat and paddles suitable for advanced rapids
- Rescue equipment the group knows how to use
- Protective clothing suited to river temperature
Lee Metcalf Wilderness FAQ
- Is Lee Metcalf Wilderness one continuous area?
- No. It comprises four separate units across southwest Montana's Madison Range: Bear Trap Canyon, Spanish Peaks, Taylor Hilgard and Monument Mountain. BLM manages Bear Trap; the Forest Service manages the other three within Gallatin and Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forests.
- Where do hikers enter Bear Trap Canyon?
- Hiking access is from the north end only. From Bozeman, follow State Highway 84 west. Before crossing the Madison River, turn onto the gravel road opposite Red Mountain Campground and follow it upstream along the river's east side to the trailhead.
- Can hikers start at the southern boat launch?
- The Wilderness Boat Launch provides floater access at the south end, not hiking access to the canyon trail. Hikers must use the north end. Do not plan a southern trail exit or a through-hike between the two access points.
- Where can boaters check river conditions?
- Check USGS river level and temperature information for Madison River below Ennis Lake. Assess those readings alongside the group's whitewater experience and equipment; Kitchen Sink is Class IV–V.
- Are bicycles and motorized vehicles allowed?
- Motorized equipment and mechanical transport, including bicycles, are generally prohibited in wilderness. Plan nonmotorized travel and confirm any activity-specific questions with the managing agency.
- How extensive is the trail network?
- Across all four units, the wilderness has about 300 miles of trail and 28 trailheads. Bear Trap's nine-mile river trail is only one part of that network. Select access for the specific unit rather than navigating to a general wilderness map point.