Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness

The Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness is a protected mountain area in southwestern Montana covering about 158,000 acres. The landscape consists of glacial valleys, alpine lakes, and peaks rising above 10,000 feet.

The area was named after Charles Pintler, a 19th-century settler who lived in the Big Hole Valley and shaped the region. The Anaconda Range was later designated as a protected wilderness area to preserve this mountain landscape.

The name reflects Charles Pintler, a mountain settler from the 1800s whose legacy remains tied to this landscape. Today, visitors use the network of trails here for hiking and wildlife watching in this remote mountain region.

The best time for hiking is from July to September when snowmelt is done and trails are accessible. Multiple entrances like Storm Lake Trailhead and Moose Lake allow different routes for various fitness levels.

The mountain streams and lakes support four trout species and multiple char varieties that attract anglers and nature enthusiasts. This diverse fish population reflects the clean waters and ecological health of this isolated area.

Location: Montana

GPS coordinates: 45.95000,-113.46700

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:01