A Montana sunset takes some beating. Whichever region of the state’s multifaceted landscape you are visiting or privy to the sun sinks into the mountains, the lakes, or the surrounding plains just the same. The vast sky paints itself into a masterpiece whether winter, spring, or summertime.
And while photos may go some way to capturing the magic of the sight and feelings experienced at a scenic sunset, you can’t beat being there in person.
Mountain and lake scenarios take some beating when it comes to the best spots for sunsets in Montana but no matter where you’re located in Big Sky Country, you’re sure to be privy to some amazingly scenic sunset scenarios.
You may lean towards seeing the sun going down over a town or city from high up in the hills. Maybe you’d rather watch it set across mountain ranges, rolling wheat fields, or scenic alpine lakes there really is no shortage of stunning landscapes to witness in this state.
So let’s take a closer look at what some of them offer in the Treasure State with 7 of the best spots for sunsets in Montana.
Seven of the Best Spots for Sunsets in Montana
1. Flathead Lake, Bigfork
Flathead Lake is just flat-out scenic, wherever you decide to pull up in its vicinity. Wayfarers State Park is a popular stop-off stretch around the huge lake’s perimeter, especially for those on the way to Yellowstone National Park.
This designated state park shoulder of the lake also happens to be one of the best vantage points for a scenic Montana sunset.
The Wayfarer’s Park edge of the lake is clean and picturesque with picnic tables, restrooms, and easy access to the lakefront as well as a boat dock.
From here you can witness the crystal clear water shimmering in one of the most beautiful sunsets you are ever likely to witness.
To top that, there are plenty of other beautiful vistas around the lake and numerous surrounding scenic spots. Professional and budding photographers alike come on down to this stunning lake and surrounding mountains for the photo opportunities of a lifetime.
2. St. Mary Lake
When you are trying to pick a spot in Glacier National Park from which to view an amazing Montana sunset, the choice is fairly unlimited.
There are so many spots along the Going-to-the-Sun Road alone, for instance, where you might want to pull up and take pictures of what is the first lake after Logan Pass St. Mary Lake..
The still waters of the late evening around twilight are worth driving and hiking the whole day to see, and there are plenty who do just that.
St. Mary Lake is not only one of the national park’s most popular, not to mention the easiest, lakes to get to it is also much sought-out for its astounding natural beauty.
St. Mary is the second largest lake in Glacier National Park and is accessible right off Going-To-The-Sun-Road. The lake is nearly 10 miles long and an estimated 300 feet deep.
This also happens to be one of the iconic spots of the park that gets photographed often. However, even the most impressive shots of a sunset over St. Mary Lake can’t come close to experiencing it in the flesh.
Wild Goose Island is a corner of the lake where many sunset-seekers head. It is still possible to find an equally scenic, not to mention a less-crowded spot though if you would rather watch the sun go down over the lake and mountains in peace.
3. Sacajawea Peak
If you don’t mind a spot of adventure and you think a good sunset view should be earned then this one’s for you.
To see the sunset from Sacajawea Peak you’ll first need to hike to the top of what is the tallest peak in the Bridger Mountains.
Needless to say, this one may not suit the faint of heart. But anyone willing to put in the work will be rewarded with a worthy birds-eye view of the sunset across the range.
The hike is short but steep in fact it climbs more than 2,000 feet over the course of just 2 miles. So be prepared for the rough road ahead. Getting up to the trailhead may even seem like the easy step in hindsight when you find yourself having to hike down in the dark!
You will witness some spectacular views though, all the way from the lower saddle to the top of the four-mile trail to the top. The best time to undertake this route is reportedly sometime in late spring or early summer.