What can I see and do in the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness?

• Continental Divide Trail
  The 45 mile section of the Continental Divide Trail within the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness gets fairly heavy use but on average the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness receives very light use.
• East Fork Trail
  The best access to the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness from the Bitterroot Valley is on the East Fork Trail. This easy trail is well marked and takes you deep within the wilderness area.
• View Wildlife
  Wildlife is abundant. There are good numbers of moose, black bears, elk, mule deer and goats within the wilderness.
• Fishing
  Many alpine lakes in the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness Area are well-stocked with trout and are popular fishing destinations. Popular lakes include Upper Seymour, Edith, and Johnson Lakes.
• Mountaineering
  The mountains of Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness and the excellent trail system make it a prime destination for peak baggers. West and East Goat Peaks, Warren Peak, Mount Evans, and Fish Peak are just a few of the 10,000 foot peaks that can be summited with no technical equipment.

Where is the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness?

The Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness area sits just southeast of the Bitterroot Valley. It is bordered by the Big Hole Valley to the south. To the north, just over the Continental Divide, it is bordered by the Sapphire Mountain Range. From Hamilton, follow the Skalkaho Road (Highway 38) to the Sapphire Mountains. Drive over the pass and then take your first right to reach the Sapphire Crest Trailhead which heads south and into the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness.

When can I visit the wilderness area?

Snowfall is heavy compared to the nearby valleys. Alpine lakes normally remain frozen into July. July and August are the normal snow-free months although snowstorms can occur at any time during the year, including July and August.

Who can I contact with more questions?

Contact the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest at (406) 683-3900.