Chinese Wall Loop

The Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex is 1.5 million acres of untouched Rocky Mountain terrain in Montana! The area is easily accessed one hour west of Great Falls.

The highpoint of the Bob is the Chinese Wall: a massive limestone outcropping. The Chinese Wall is about 1,000 feet tall and extends for 22 miles. This trail features the giant wall but seeing it is not an easy conquest.

The trail is stunning and offers encounters with numerous waterfalls, lakes, dense forests, and wildlife species. It takes anywhere from 5 to 8 days to complete this loop. The climb is long and strenuous, but mostly it's too beautiful not to take your time completing it.

The hike begins at the Benchmark Trailhead. You'll cross the Sun River on a wooden bridge. After about two miles, you'll reach a fork in the trail. Take a right and follow the South Fork of the Sun River.

On this extensive hike, you'll encounter vastly different landscapes, one of them being old charred forest. The burnt landscape offers excellent views but provides little shade from the sun. Bringing sunscreen and layers is smart.

There are several river crossings on the trail, so prepare to have wet feet and ford carefully!

The route goes past Gibson Reservoir and continues for approximately 20 miles (or about two to three days of hiking). The elevation gain is gradual here.

The loop heads west on Trail 131, following Moose Creek for 10 miles. The creek delivers you to an east-facing view of the Chinese Wall. You made it!

There are about two miles of no-camping area along Moose Creek.

It's about 16 miles from the end of the no-camping area back to the original fork in the trail to complete the loop.

This is a lengthy and sometimes grueling trail, but it's beautiful and loved by those who have dared to complete it.

We recommend intentional preparation before venturing out.