About Sweet Grass Hills
The Sweet Grass Hills have been a prominent landmark of northern Montana since the buffalo days. They rise nearly 3000 feet above the surrounding prairie and are visible for miles. The “Hills” were created by an igneous intrusion through older sedimentary rocks during the Eocene, about 50 million years ago. The Hills average 18-20 inches of annual precipitation or about double what falls on the surrounding prairie. This provides an island of mountainous, forested habitat for elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer and a few moose. The Sweet Grass Hills produced minor amounts of gold and silver as well as other minerals in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Federal minerals in the Hills are now withdrawn from mineral entry to protect other resource values. Several American Indian Tribes have spiritual and historic associations with the Sweet Grass Hills and they have been determined eligible to the National Register of Historic Places. Please respect this historic legacy by preventing disturbance and reporting vandalism to this special place. Camping on undeveloped BLM-administered lands Camping is limited to 16 consecutive days at any one location Use only certified weed-free forage Pack out all refuse unless trash cans are provided Dispose of sewage and petroleum products properly All vehicles, including OHVs, must stay on roads and trails Use only down and dead firewood for campfires
How to Get There
Public access is available on the north side of East Butte. From US HWY 2, about 2 miles west of Chester, turn north onto Whitlash Road. In Whitlash, turn east onto Black Jack Road, in about 9 miles turn right (south) and park on public lands marked by a sign at the base of the Butte. It is a steep, but beautiful walk from this point.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Sweet Grass Hills
Heading to Sweet Grass Hills? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Sweet Grass Hills?
No central reservation system listed for Sweet Grass Hills. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/16651) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Sweet Grass Hills?
Public access is available on the north side of East Butte. From US HWY 2, about 2 miles west of Chester, turn north onto Whitlash Road. In Whitlash, turn east onto Black Jack Road, in about 9 miles turn right (south) and park on public lands marked by a sign at the base of the Butte. It is a steep, but beautiful walk from this point.
How do I contact Sweet Grass Hills?
You can reach the park at phone: 1 (406) 262-2820 or email: BLM_MT_Havre_FO@blm.gov.
References & Official Resources
