In the late 1800s, Anaconda earned its start as the ‘Smelter City.’ At the time, Butte had gained prominence with its incredible copper deposits and Marcus Daly seized the opportunity to open the Anaconda Copper Mine with smelting operations in the Anaconda area. Anaconda sits at the base of the Pintler Mountains in the Beaverhead-Deer Lodge National Forest. In such a beautiful location, Anaconda offers access to incredible recreation, from downhill skiing to lakes, waterfalls, and state parks. For those interested in history, there is plenty of that to explore as well! Consider exploring the Washoe Theater, Smelter City Brewing, the Copper Village Museum, Lost Creek State Park, and Washoe Park.
How to Access the Continental Divide Trail From Anaconda
Anaconda is one of four Montana Communities designated as Continental Divide Gateway Communities. Each of these communities provides easy access to the CDT whether that is for thru-hikers looking for respite from their demanding hike or for visitors to the community interested in exploring a section of the trail. Learn more about the different segments and access below.
Gateway Community
Access Point
Trailheads
The Anaconda Cutoff
The Anaconda Cutoff is a popular alternative route that takes hikers directly through the community of Anaconda, Montana. This route cuts out about 60 miles of the trail, taking hikers along a paved road. Don’t discount this cutoff though, the scenery is incredible and Anaconda is a great hiker town! When the Continental Divide Trail crosses Montana Highway 569, follow the road north to Anaconda.
CDT via Twin Lakes Trailhead
Although it is the closest trailhead to Anaconda, the Twin Lakes trailhead will take trail users to a CDT access trail, not the CDT itself. It can be accessed via MT-1 N and Twin Lakes Creek Road. From the trail head, it is about a 10 mile hike to the Continental Divide Trail.
CDT via Seymour Lake
The Seymour Lake trailhead is the closest trailhead to Anaconda with direct access to the CDT. It is accessible by MT-1 S and Seymour Lake Road. This is a lightly trafficked area of the trail and several miles follow Seymour Creek. At about 4.5 miles in, the trail begins to ascend, though there is not a dramatic increase in difficulty.
Visiting Anaconda, Montana
As you plan your trip to Anaconda, Montana get to know the community through the visitor guide and explore your options for accommodations in the area. There's so much to explore in the area.
Things to do While Visiting Anaconda, Montana
Anaconda is best known as the Smelter City, founded largely by Copper King, Marcus Daly. As such the community has a rich history to explore, and even a penchant for the peculiar that attracts paranormal investigators, but there is no shortage of recreation and adventure to take part in. The Montana Zip Line is gaining popularity in the community, there are a number of hiking and walking trails in town, and Georgetown Lake is just a short drive from town along Montana Highway 1, the Pintler Veterans' Memorial Scenic Highway.
Anaconda Weather
Anaconda Information for Thru Hikers
The Anaconda cut off is popular among thru hikers on the Continental Divide Trail. One of the biggest reasons for the popularity is that the cut off takes hikers directly through the community of Anaconda, Montana. As a self-selected Gateway Community to the CDT, Anaconda offers a variety of services to hikers and is home to a popular hostel: Pintler's Portal.
Where to Resupply
Sven’s Bicycles
106 E Commercial Ave.
406-563-7988
Hardward Hank
216 Park Ave.
406-563-7851
Albertsons
1300 E Park Ave.
406-463-5238
Where to Send Packages
Anaconda Post Office
218 Main St, MT 59711
800-275-8777
Motherlode Gifts and Mailing
822 E Park Ave, MT 59711
406-563-8006
Places to Stay
Pintler's Portal Hostel
218 W Park St, Anaconda, MT 59711
406-563-4555
Other Useful Information
For Internet
Hearst Free Library
401 Main St.
406-563-6932
Various establishments throughout town also offer free wifi to patrons, including the Anaconda Visitor Center
