The Sapphire Mountains are a range of mountains located in southwestern Montana in the northwestern United States. From a point near the Clark Fork River and the city of Missoula, they run in a southerly direction for a distance of approximately 60 miles (100 km), making up much of the border between Ravalli County (to the west) and Granite County

The Sapphire Mountains stretch from Missoula in the north to the east fork of the Bitterroot River in the south. The 85-mile-long range is filled with recreational opportunities and includes 320,000 acres that are roadless and 29,235 acres of federally designated wilderness area.

Jan 28, 2023 · The Sapphire Mountains are located in southwest Montana, along the eastern edge of Montana’s Bitterroot Valley. Beginning near Mount Sentinel in Missoula, MT, the Sapphire Mountains extend south for 60 miles.

Upper Willow Creek and Rock Creek separate the Sapphires from the John Long Mountains on the east. The range is about 50 miles across at its widest points. By Montana standards, these mountains aren’t very high. None of the summits match the rugged Bitterroots off to the west.

The beautiful Sapphire Mountains, located in southwestern Montana, are home to the amazing cascades of Skalkaho Falls and miles of hiking and biking trails that open up to reveal breathtaking vistas of the Bitterroot Mountains.

The Sapphire Mountains rise from the earth just east of Missoula, MT, and south of Hellgate Canyon to form the well-known Mount Sentinel (5,158’). The range proceeds south to form the eastern edge of the Bitterroot Valley before butting up against the Pintlers.

There are trails that lead to overlooks for these impressive canyons, trails to lakes and waterfalls, trails that meander along the creek rushes dotted with huckleberries, ferns, and wildflowers. Below is just an introduction to Bitterroot Hiking trails.

Located just 21 miles East of Missoula, Montana, Rock Creek is a great location for a day hike. Hiking trails range from easy, level ground to steep mountainous terrain. Here are a few examples. Near the 2 mile marker on Rock Creek Road, you’ll find …

Jan 20, 2025 · Browse the best walks in the Sapphire Mountains and see interactive maps of the top 10 hiking trails and routes.

The rugged beauty of Montana's Sapphire Mountains offers outdoor enthusiasts a majestic playground to explore. Nestled in the southwestern part of the state,