Sleeping Giant Wilderness Study Area - Helena

The Sleeping Giant Wilderness Study Area is a non-motorized recreation area located on the west side of the Missouri River and Holter Lake, 30 miles north of Helena, Montana. The rock formation is a well-known landmark, readily visible from Helena. This natural and scenic area provides evergreen forests, sedimentary rock ledges and about 12 miles of shoreline. There is about seven miles of ridge line hiking routes offering spectacular panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains. About 40 primitive campsites are available along the Holter Lake shoreline. The sites are easily accessible by boat. Wildlife in the area includes mountain goat, elk, big horn sheep, deer, osprey, bald eagles and waterfowl. A portion of the Sleeping Giant Area is also part of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. Several deteriorating structures near the river evoke the lifestyles of early settlers. The Bureau of Land Management advises against taking pets into this area.