Sleeping Giant is about 25 miles north of Helena. It got its name for obvious reasons by looking at the first photo on this post. It has always been an intriguing mountain, and the opportunity to hike to its nose has been made possible by the Montana Wilderness Association (MWA). We are members of MWA and have taken advantage of many of their hikes. Linda decided to sit this one out because the hike description mentions it is not for those with fear of heights. It is a very coveted hike, so Linda signed me up as soon as it opened up for people to sign up. 8 miles round trip, 2,000 feet elevation gain and very strenuous. I turn 65 in less than 2 months, so this will be my birthday celebration hike this year.
The hike goes through about 2 miles of private land before entering public land domain. The gracious landowners who have actually owned this land since the 1870's always grant permission to MWA to bring hikers through their land
Bitteroot, the Montana State Flower
Monk's Hood
The nose is getting closer
After reaching the base of the nose, it is a tiny rocky trail to reach the real climb to the nose
Climbing to the nose almost required rock climbing skills for a few stretches, but the views were spectacular. These 2 views are looking northeast with the view of the Missouri River below, before Holter Lake
At the summit (tip of the nose) of Sleeping Giant, 7,000 ft. elevation
Views from the tip of the nose
Wildflowers on the way back
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