The Most Romantic Hiking Trail in Montana for a Valentine’s Day Adventure

Sometimes, the mid-winter timing of Valentine’s Day can feel like a bit of a buzzkill. After all, it’s difficult to whisper sweet nothings when your teeth are chattering or gaze at your boo in adoration when your eyes are watering from sub-zero wind chill! However, the most romantic holiday of the year isn’t all frozen limbs and gray skies. For hardy Montanans, February is often prime time to venture out onto wild, snowy trails to build up stamina for spring!

For those who think kicking those endorphins into high gear and immersing in Montana’s scenic, snow-covered landscapes sounds like the perfect amuse-bouche to a day chock full of V-Day romance, the Lava Lake Trail is the perfect adventure for you and your valentine to embark upon. This stunning trek is snowy, woodsy, dreamy, and everything a magical outing for two should be.

With such a picture-perfect setting, it’s no wonder that Lava Lake is a favorite alpine destination for Bozemanites. This gorgeous, jewel-toned lake sits at nearly 7,200 feet in elevation in the Lee Metcalf Wilderness, yet only requires a manageable, three-mile uphill hike to reach and rewards with some seriously tranquil winter views.

But the journey is half the beauty! The trail climbs through the scenic Spanish Peaks, winding through dense forests of lodgepole and ponderosa pine that are beautifully snow-laden, creating a gorgeous, glittering canopy overhead.

Although the Lava Lake Trail is short, the ascent is steady but it should be manageable for most. As you climb, the trees open up every so often to reveal impressive, peekaboo views of the valley and distant peaks in between — the sweeping panoramas making every step worth the extra effort. When the weather cooperates, you may even catch a glimpse of Mount Baldy to the north, its jagged outline covered in snow, towering above the rest of the landscape.

For photographers, there are countless places to admire Montana’s winter beauty from up here; or, for couples, plenty of spots to capture some beautiful memories against the stunning backdrops.

Yet, there’s perhaps even more to love about this narrow, pretty lake blanketed with snow, surrounded by large rocks and endless walls of evergreens. You and your valentine can wander around the invisible shoreline to admire the views or even do some off-grid camping if you’re feeling adventurous. If you opt to stay overnight, nothing is more romantic than a night under of a billion stars, surrounded by trees and miles away from the blinding glow of city lights.

While popular in the warmer months, Lava Lake in winter offers plenty of seclusion and it’s unlikely you’ll have to share the trail with too many fellow hikers. But you will want to keep your eyes peeled for signs that you’re sharing the trail with local wildlife! You’ll want to come prepared for just about anything.

The Lava Lake Trail is an out-and-back adventure, which means you’ll return the same way you hiked in. But honestly, you might not even want to leave.

Montana has far too many stunning views, beautiful trails, and romantic overlooks to choose from, whether for a casual snowshoeing trip or a magazine-worthy winter elopement. But if you and your special someone find yourselves road tripping through Montana’s prettiest winter towns on your way to a romantic getaway for two, or on the lookout for a weekend adventure to spice up the holiday, Lava Lake is definitely one of our favorite places to jumpstart the love fireworks.

What are your favorite places to take a pretty winter stroll in the Treasure State?