Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
531.00 ft (161.85 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
2.80 mi (4.51 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

The Blodgett Canyon Overlook Trailhead shares a parking lot with the Canyon Creek Trail. In terms of a payoff to effort ratio, it is difficult to find a more satisfying hike in the Bitterroots. After just over a mile hikers will gain a magnificent view down into the glacially carved Blodgett Canyon, where the classic U-shaped valley extends for miles to the west. Sheer granite walls to the north punctuate the drama, and charred fingers of trees from the Blodgett Creek Fire stick up from the south side. The hike is a simple out-and-back hike with switchbacks the entire way, but the distance is short. The trail is exposed the entire time, and there is an opportunity to stop and take a break at a bench about a third of the way up. The Blodgett Canyon Overlook Trail is an extremely popular trail, so arrive early in the morning to beat the crowds and the heat. This is a great hike for kids or visitors.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Summer
Fall
Spring

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Easy. Great views. Well marked. Parking lot and facilities.

Cons

Highly trafficked. Exposed.

Trailhead Elevation

4,542.00 ft (1,384.40 m)

Highest point

5,073.00 ft (1,546.25 m)

Features

Family friendly
Vault toilet
Near lake or river
Backcountry camping

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

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