Camp Misery Trailhead is the most popular trailhead for the Jewel Basin Hiking Area and parking area can fill up quickly on weekends. Beat the crowds and plan on hiking weekdays or arrive early on Saturday or later on Sundays.

Trail Distance

4 - 6 miles depending on chosen route

Trail Vertical Gain or Loss

1,800 feet gain

Trail Condition Report

Click HERE for current trail condition reports from the United States Forest Service. These are updated at least bi-weekly June to October.

Know Before You Go

• There a vault toilet only at Camp Misery Trailhead.
• Bring water, layers and food.
• You are in bear country! Always bring bear spray and be aware of your surroundings.

ADVENTURE SMART

If getting out into the great outdoors is a new endeavor we welcome you and ask you to learn about Leave No Trace Principles and Recreate Responsibly before heading out. Also, we recommend checking out Adventure Smart for tips on how to explore safely. If you're a seasoned adventurer it never hurts to brush up on proper practices too.

Driving Directions from Nearest Town or Landmark

From Bigfork, Montana take Hwy 35 north to Hwy 83. Head east on Hwy 83 to the junction of the Echo Lake Road. Head north on Echo Lake Road about 3 miles to junction with the Jewel Basin Road (No. 5392). Follow this road approximalty 7 miles to the trailhead. CAUTION: The last 5 miles are steep. Use headlights for safety. Caution advised for low clearance vehicles. Trailers not recommended.

From Camp Misery Trailhead, go to gated dirt road and begin hike up Trail #717. It will be an easy ascent to the first ridge where the road transitions into a trail about 0.8 miles in. At trail fork take the middle trail (Trail #717) and ascend up to next ridge. Continue about a mile up long switchbacks to the top of ridge. Follow ridge trail to the south to Mount Aeneas Summit.

Opt to hike a loop and continue on Trail #717 down north side of Mount Aeneas to Picnic Lakes (take Trail #392 from Picnic Lakes to return to Camp Misery Trailhead) or retrace your steps back to Camp Misery Trailhead via Trail #717.