Dirt road leading to green valley with snow-capped mountains and blue sky.

Adventuring Through Montana’s Crazy Mountains: A Travel Guide

Taking a journey through the Rocky Mountains is something that everyone should do at least once in their lifetime. Seeing the dramatic views from the ranges is an experience that’ll stick with you for years to come. One of the best mountain ranges to visit in the Rocky Mountains are the Crazy Mountains. These untamed and jagged peaks are located in the southern part of Montana, just a short drive from Reed Point. 


If you’re seeking some fresh air, and perhaps a touch of mystery, the “Crazies” are an unforgettable stop to add to your next road trip.

Mountains lit by sunrise, overlooking evergreen trees and rolling hills.

What Are The Crazy Mountains?

The Crazy Mountains, or often referred to as “The Crazies” by locals, are unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Most other ranges form continuous chains, but not the Crazies. They’re separated by miles and miles of prairie and farmland, with their highest point, Crazy Peak, reaching over 11,000 feet! From that peak, you can see expansive views across the Yellowstone and Musselshell valleys. Being isolated from the other ranges gives the Crazy Mountains a more rugged and wilder feeling, even though you’re only a few miles from town.


Geologically, these Montana mountain ranges are known for their granite spires, glacial cirques, and pristine alpine lakes. Spanning across multiple counties, the area is primarily managed by the Custer Gallatin National Forest.

How The Crazy Mountains Got Their Name

There are several legends about how the mountains got their name, some “crazier” than others. The story that’s most widely repeated is of a woman who lost her family in a tragic conflict with Native Americans. Driven by her grief, she wandered through the mountains alone, and was said to have gone insane. The range was then referred to as the “Crazy Woman Mountains”, later shortened to “Crazy Mountains”.


Other versions connect the name to translation errors from the Crow language, or the unpredictable patterns the mountains produce. Whatever the case, the name adds to the overall sense of mystery that surrounds the area.

Person hikes with two dogs on a rocky path beside a rushing stream in a forest.

Things To Do In The Crazy Mountains

You’ll find plenty of ways to explore the Crazies, including:


  • Hiking and Backpacking: Trails like the Big Timber Canyon, Cottonwood Lake, and even the hike to Blue Lake are very popular for both day hikers and backpackers. Even though the climbs are rather steep, the meadows and crystal-clear lakes more than make up for it.
  • Fishing: Nearby lakes are stocked to the brim with trout, offering excellent fishing conditions for anglers of all types in a quiet and peaceful surrounding. 
  • Hunting: During the fall, hunters will be drawn to the Crazy Mountains pursuing elk, mule deer, and other game. 
  • Camping: There are several nearby campsites, such as the Old West RV Park in Reed Point, perfect for sleeping under the stars.
  • Photography and Wildlife Viewing: Mountain goats, black bears, elk, and countless bird species can be spotted throughout the land. Bring your camera for some dramatic sunrise and sunset photo ops as well.

The Crazy Mountains’ history is wrapped in stories and myths. The Crow People often told tales of spirits that resided up in the peaks, many still considering the area to be sacred grounds. Locals have whispered about accounts of strange lights, sudden storms, and even a lost gold mine hidden deep in the range, but those are stories for another time.


Whether you believe it or not, the Crazies just have a way of making an impression. Their isolated and spiritual history give them a mysterious atmosphere that is hard to find elsewhere.


Tips for Your Visit


Before you venture out into our neck of the woods, consider the following:


  • Be Prepared: Weather conditions change frequently in the mountains, so make sure you always pack layers.
  • Respect Private Land: Much of the land around the base of the Crazy Mountains is privately owned, so stick to designated areas and trails.
  • Bring Maps: When you’re up in the mountains, it’s all too common to not have any service. Have some form of paper map or offline navigation to ensure you find your way.
  • Travel Light: Hiking in higher elevations is bound to make you tired, and packing light (but smart) will go a long way. Bring plenty of water, food, and bear spray.

Legends and Lore

Stay at Old West RV Park 

As you travel on I-90, the mountains found in Stillwater County will amaze you. Their sharp ridges rise unexpectedly, demanding a closer look. Spending a day or two among the Crazies is a refreshing break from reality, and a way to experience the wilder side of Montana. Looking for a place to stay nearby? Plan your trip around Old West RV Park in Reed Point, the perfect basecamp for all your outdoor adventures.


We offer easy access to the mountains, along with the comfort of full RV hookups and friendly hosts. So whether you’re chasing the trails, the trout, or the tales, come on out to Montana and experience the Crazy Mountains firsthand. It’ll be an experience you won’t soon forget.