St. Mary’s Peak in the Bitterroots

From: Summit Post

Saint Mary Peak is one of the most accessible 9,000+ ft peaks in the Bitterroot Mountains and offers spectacular views. On a clear day, you can easily pick out the mountains of the Mission, Swan, Rattlesnake, Garnet, and Lewis and Clark Ranges to the north and northeast, the Sapphires and John Day Mountains to the east, The Flint Creek and Anaconda Ranges to the east and southeast, The Beaverhead and Bitterroot mountains to the south, and the low but rugged Clearwater mountains in the west.

In summer, St. Mary is an easy day hike along a well-maintained trail and is a suitable peak for strong children. (7 and 9 year olds have stood on the summit! ) The lookout at the top is staffed and operational during the fire season (usually July – October), and the staffer doesn’t mind visitors. In the spring, the peak offers excellent ski opportunities in its many bowls as well as varying levels of difficulty.