What to See and Do
Hiking and Biking
Strawberry Hill Loop
The Strawberry Hill Loop is a scenic dirt path that will take you through the Strawberry Hill Recreation Area. Whether you hike or run it, the trail offers the perfect way to experience the BLM site. Most of the area is open, so when the elevation rises, you're treated with excellent views of the surrounding land. The trail doesn't usually see too many visitors, so you're likely to have a quiet, peaceful experience when you visit.
Length: 3.5 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Gunners Ridge Trail
The Gunners Ridge Trail is an out-and-back trail located in Makoshika State Park near Glendive, MT. The trail isn't particularly difficult to traverse, but there is one short section in which you'll encounter a steep elevation gain. The Gunners Ridge Trail, which should only take around an hour to complete, offers unforgettable views and a beautiful setting. The trail offers plenty of solitude, and you may want to consider bringing a picnic lunch along with you.
Length: 1.8 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Ponderosa Trail
Another worthwhile hiking trail near Glendive is the Ponderosa Trail. The short loop trail, which is manageable for hikers of all ability and fitness levels, is the perfect trail when you're on a tight schedule. Whether you're walking or mountain biking, you should be able to finish the entire loop in under an hour. The trail features pretty views of the surrounding scenery, including fields of blooming wildflowers during spring and summer. You can bring your pups with you on the trail, but they'll need to remain leashed.
Length: 1.2 miles
Intensity: Easy
Fishing and Boating
The powerful Yellowstone River flows right through nearby Miles City, and its waters are inhabited by a variety of fish species. Anglers who visit the river to cast their lines are regularly rewarded with large catfish, pike, smallmouth bass, walleye, and occasionally even brown trout. Visitors often do their fishing in the river from rafts, rowboats, and even motorized boats. Others take their kayaks, canoes, or tubes out on the water recreationally. Some simply use the river to cool off on a hot day by going for a refreshing swim.
Wildlife Viewing
Although the Strawberry Hill Recreation Area does offer the possibility of spotting cool animals like antelope, mountain goats, grizzly bears, black bears, bobcats, and many more, the area's real treat is its bird-watching. The unique and diverse ecosystems are inhabited by over 400 avian species. Some of the fascinating birds you may see soaring gracefully overhead include song sparrow, upland sandpiper, Swainson's hawk, Brewer's blackbird, grasshopper sparrow, and even the beautiful snowy owl.
Picnicking
While there may not be any shelters, facilities, or picnic tables found at the Strawberry Hill Recreation Area BLM site, there are certainly numerous places for a lovely picnic. The area boasts many small bodies of water; for the most peaceful experience, you may consider bringing a blanket or portable chairs down near one of them.
