Humbug Spires Wilderness

Updated: August 20, 2020

At the Humbug Spires, come see 50 rock towers dramatically eroding along Moose Creek. Nine spires rise 300 to 600 feet over the surrounding terrain. It is 26 miles south of Butte and has 11,175 acres. You can go rock climbing, hiking, fishing, cross country skiing and horseback riding!

Humbug Spires has Douglas fir and lodgepole pine trees emphasized by the awesome granite spires. Lush meadows, dense forests and grassy flats are found throughout the area.

Humbug Spires Wilderness supports a variety of wildlife such as black bears, moose, elk, mule deer and bighorn sheep. Other mammals include mountain lions, coyotes, foxes, bobcats, weasels, chipmunks, red squirrels, porcupines, cottontail and snowshoe hare. There are also several species of small rodents. Birds include blue and ruffed grouse and raptors.

Rock climbing routes can be found for climbers of all abilities from beginner to expert, but the majority of climbs are difficult. The spire walls are frequently smooth, almost featureless surfaces with only limited spots where climbers can place protection as they climb. Vertical crack systems make the best routes.

The most popular trail winds easily along Moose Creek, passing through stands of Douglas fir trees more than 250 years old. The path is headed for the rock spires. During the winter season, bring your snowshoes or skis.

Moose Creek is a stream from the Big Hole River and has brook, rainbow, and cutthroat trout in its lower reaches, and cutthroat. Steep waterfalls form a barrier separating the trout in the lower reaches from the cutthroat in the upper parts of the stream. The fish are small, rarely exceeding 10 inches, but good tasting and fun.

Updated: August 20, 2020