Just west of Hamilton, the hike to Canyon Lake is a western Montana classic for good reason. After a gradual start, the trail climbs steeply to the lakeshore, but the effort is well worth it to enjoy the sparkling turquoise waters. Canyon Lake is nestled in a sculpted basin surrounded by snowy peaks, and the glacially scoured bedrock spills down to the lakeshore, practically begging visitors to tackle the wide-open climb to the ridgeline. A handful of campsites sit close to the water’s edge, but be sure to pitch your tent at least 200 feet away from the water if you’re spending the night!
