Anaconda Pintler Wilderness
The Anaconda Pintler Wilderness is a 158,656-acre area straddling the Continental Divide in southwest Montana. It's known for its high, rugged mountain scenery where mountain goats make their home. Elevations range from 5,400 feet in the lower reaches to 10,793 feet on West Goat Peak. Passes are often snow-covered until mid-July. View our detailed information.
Regulations
Anaconda Pintler Wilderness Area Regulations webpage
Specific regulations govern the Anaconda Pintler Wilderness. A complete list of these regulations is located at the registration box at each trailhead, on the beige copy of each self-issuing mandatory permit or from local Forest Service offices.
For additional information on the trail system, you may want to refer to A Guide to the Anaconda Pintler Wilderness, by Mort Akava.
Active Alerts
General Information
For more information on the Anaconda Pintler Wilderness, read the regulations.
- Group size is limited to 12 head of stock and 12 people.
- You may not stay more than 16 days in any site in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge or Bitterroot National Forest.
- Certified weed-seed-free feed is required for all stock.
- A number of campfire and camping restrictions are in place at some high mountain lakes.
- View the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness Management Direction map [PDF] for more information on regulations.
A permit is required to recreate in the Anaconda Pintler Wilderness.
Permit forms are located at the trailheads and are required for entry into the wilderness. Visitors can also fill out all and print the Anaconda Pintler Wilderness Recreation Use form at home. Make sure to fill in all sections and leave the appropriate copy in the collection box at the trailhead. Keep the remaining copy and the list of regulations with you.
Address: 88 Business Loop Philipsburg, MT 59858
Phone: 406-859-3211
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Closed on federal holidays)
Getting There
Elevation
5,400-10,793 feet
Directions
Wilderness trailheads on forest roads provide access to a number of trails. Major highways serving the area include U.S. Highway 93 on the west, Montana Highways 38 and 1 on the north, and Montana Highway 43 on the east and south.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restroom information is not available for this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Horse/Pack Animal Information
Horse/Pack animals are allowed at this site.
Traveling and camping with stock
- Maximum head of pack and riding stock is 12.
- Weed seed free feed is required for stock. Weed Free Forage & Mulch Products Order for the Northern Region
- Grazing or tethering of stock within 200 feet of any lake is prohibited.
- Camping with stock is prohibited within 1/4 mile of Oreamnos Lake, Sawed Cabin Lake, and Ripple Lake.
- Stock is prohibited within 200 feet of Big Johnson Lake except on a designated trail.
- Hope Lake Trail #424 is closed to stock travel.
- Use of stock in the Pintler Ranger District portion of the Anaconda Pintler Wilderness Area is prohibited April 1 thru July 1.
For more information on the Anaconda Pintler Wilderness, read the regulations.
Recreation Opportunities
Day Hikes
BackpackingBackpacking Info
A number of campfire and camping restrictions are in place in the A-P Wilderness. For more information on the Anaconda Pintler Wilderness, read the regulations.
Horse Camping
Horseback RidingHorse Camping Info
Traveling and camping with stock
- Maximum head of pack and riding stock is 12.
- Weed seed free feed is required for stock. Weed Free Forage & Mulch Products Order for the Northern Region
- Grazing or tethering of stock within 200 feet of any lake is prohibited.
- Camping with stock is prohibited within 1/4 mile of Oreamnos Lake, Sawed Cabin Lake, and Ripple Lake.
- Stock is prohibited within 200 feet of Big Johnson Lake except on a designated trail.
- Hope Lake Trail #424 is closed to stock travel.
- Use of stock in the Pintler Ranger District portion of the Anaconda Pintler Wilderness Area is prohibited April 1 thru July 1.
For more information on the Anaconda Pintler Wilderness, read the regulations.
Horseback Riding Info
Traveling and camping with stock
- Maximum head of pack and riding stock is 12.
- Weed seed free feed is required for stock. Weed Free Forage & Mulch Products Order for the Northern Region
- Grazing or tethering of stock within 200 feet of any lake is prohibited.
- Camping with stock is prohibited within 1/4 mile of Oreamnos Lake, Sawed Cabin Lake, and Ripple Lake.
- Stock is prohibited within 200 feet of Big Johnson Lake except on a designated trail.
- Hope Lake Trail #424 is closed to stock travel.
- Use of stock in the Pintler Ranger District portion of the Anaconda Pintler Wilderness Area is prohibited April 1 thru July 1.
For more information on the Anaconda Pintler Wilderness, read the regulations.