Butte, MT, Guide and Information

Butte means mound or small hill in French and that’s exactly the topography of Butte, Montana. Once termed “the richest hill on earth,” the history of this Rocky Mountain town will forever be enmeshed with the mining that put it on the map.

Established in 1864, this old mining camp took off shortly thereafter and by the latter part of the nineteenth century it became one of the first major industrial cities in the West. One of the largest copper boomtowns in America, wealth accumulated in Butte as fast as the ore could be pulled out from the earth.

Its location along the Continental Divide and within Silver Bow Creek Valley set Butte up beautifully for all kinds of wonderful outdoor recreation. Indeed within this part of Southwest Montana you can bask in the ever-changing beauty of the Rocky Mountain landscapes all year long.

The renowned Continental Divide Scenic Trail, or CDNST, may be accessed from thirteen trailheads in and around Butte, providing access to remote and pristine areas where the wilderness takes centerstage. Some of these trails–as well as others around Butte–are for expert hikers only; others are much more cruise-y and still others offer the choice between both. The Maud S. Canyon Loop on the far righthand side of your Discovery Map is one such example. You can either choose a steep ascent up to the train tracks or amble along the flatter trail that’s peppered with historic plaques. No matter where you decide to go in the area, do your research ahead of time, go prepared and be sure to sign in at the trailhead when possible.