GREAT FALLS — Nestled just outside of Lewistown, Montana, lies a hidden gem that many outdoor enthusiasts may not know about—the Ice Caves.

These natural wonders are a must-see for anyone looking for a unique and challenging hiking experience in the stunning mountain landscapes of central Montana.

Formed over millions of years by water slowly seeping through cracks in the rock, the Ice Caves remain frozen year-round, regardless of the temperature outside.

They’re a fascinating example of nature’s ability to preserve cold air in a manner that defies the warmth of the summer sun. The caves are perched high in the mountains, and getting there is no easy feat.

Hikers have a couple of options when it comes to exploring the Ice Caves. There are campsites available at Crystal Lake, which lies at the base of the trail.

Although the lake itself dries up later in the summer, it’s a great spot to cool off early in the season.

For those looking to tackle the caves as part of a longer adventure, there’s a 12-mile loop trail, or you can opt for a shorter five-mile out-and-back trek.

The trail is not for the faint of heart. With more than 2,000 feet of elevation gain in the first 2.5 miles, it’s a steep climb, so make sure you’re in good shape and wearing sturdy hiking shoes.

The journey takes you through changing landscapes—from lush forests to jagged shale—offering the chance to spot wildlife and immerse yourself in the wilderness.

One crucial piece of advice: bring plenty of water. There’s no water available on the trail, so it’s essential to pack at least two liters per person, and more if you’re planning to camp.

The Ice Caves are about midway along the trail, so they make for a rewarding stop before continuing on your journey.

The caves themselves are an awe-inspiring sight. The narrow opening leads to a cool, icy interior that remains frozen even when it’s 90 degrees outside. This is due to the heavy cold air being trapped inside, making the caves a natural refrigerator.

As you descend from the caves, you’ll be treated to some of the most breathtaking views in the region. On a clear day, you can see as far as Canada and Wyoming, making the effort to reach the caves all the more worthwhile. Even on a smoky day, the vistas are impressive.

For those up for the challenge, the Ice Caves trail is one of Montana’s most rewarding hikes. It’s a favorite for many, and if you’re able to tackle it, you’ll undoubtedly find it to be one of your most memorable outdoor adventures.

So pack your gear, lace up your boots, and head out to discover the Ice Caves—an unforgettable experience awaits.

GRAND FORKS — The UND football program broke out its legends Saturday night in the 2024 home opener against No. 4 Montana.

Minnesota Vikings veteran Jim Kleinsasser flipped the coin toss. Canadian Football League Hall of Famer Weston Dressler was recognized at a first-half timeout.

In the second half against the Griz, UND’s current roster turned in a performance befitting of the decorated guests.

UND rattled off 20 unanswered second-half points and C.J. Elrichs’ 40-yard field goal with 2 minutes, 16 seconds left gave the No. 23 Fighting Hawks a 27-24 win over No. 4 Montana.

UND won a national-best 38th consecutive home opener.

“Great win for our guys and our program,” UND coach Bubba Schweigert said. “I was really proud of our guys. We did not play well in the first half. We came out and responded. Our offensive line took control of the game.”

UND trailed 24-7 at halftime and Simon Romfo, making his first Grand Forks start, was just 5-for-14 for 54 yards and an interception.

The Griz, meanwhile, had 286 yards of offense at halftime and freshman quarterback Keali’i Ah Yat had 151 passing yards on 17-for-22 passing.

“We just kept it together as a team,” said UND nose guard Craig Orlando, who had two quarterback sacks. “First half, we came out slow. Second half, we knew we had to achieve greatness.”

The UND comeback started quick in the second half.

The Hawks opened with a scoring drive, jump-started by a Simon Romfo 17-yard run and a defensive pass interference in the end zone. Gaven Ziebarth capped the drive with a 2-yard run to trim the lead to 24-14.

After a quick three-and-out thanks to a third down breakup from corner Devin Hembry, UND scored a second time in the quarter on just five plays. On the scoring play, Romfo fumbled the snap, picked it up in the backfield and buried ahead for a 19-yard touchdown run in which he carried a defender the final few yards into the end zone. Romfo’s touchdown run cut the Griz lead to 24-21.

The Griz countered with another three-and-out thanks to a Josh Navratil sack on third down.

UND again went on a long drive, a staple through two weeks of the season. On the 17th play of the drive, Schweigert elected to kick a short field goal on fourth-and-goal from the 2 to tie the game at 24.

Once again, UND’s defense turned in a three-and-out. This time, UND linebacker Dylan Boecker broke through the line of scrimmage on third down to force an incompletion.

UND then chewed up more than seven minutes of clock as an inexperienced offensive line once again went to work.

On fourth-and-3 from the 24, Elrichs, who missed a kick last week at Iowa State, nailed the 40-yarder to take the lead.

“I knew there was a really good chance to go to a field goal,” Elrichs said. “Great snap by David. Great hold by Simon. The line was blocking great. It was a really cool moment.”

The Griz, however, had plenty of time to respond. Montana started its drive at its own 29.

On fourth-and-1 from the Griz 39, Ah Yat broke through the line for a 31-yard scamper to put pressure on the UND defense.

After an incompletion on first down, UND linebacker Wyatt Pedigo sacked Ah Yat. On third down, UND busted up a screen pass.

On fourth-and17, Montana attempted a 54-yard field goal with 39 seconds left and missed.

“Great job by (Schweigert) and what a great win for their program,” Montana coach Bobby Hauck said. “Obviously, not very good job by us. Can’t do what we did in the second half and hope to hold on to a big lead or win whatsoever. That starts with me. I have to do a better job figuring out how to get a first down.”

GRAND FORKS — UND came back from a 24-7 halftime deficit to stun No. 4 Montana 27-24 on Saturday night at the Alerus Center.

Here are five things you might’ve missed during the game.

Montana wide receiver/returner Junior Bergen didn’t play against the Fighting Hawks.

The All-American, who didn’t play in Week 1 in a Montana win over Missouri State, dressed and made the trip.

Bergen warmed up on the field before the game but didn’t see any action.

UND’s passing game struggled to get off the ground against Montana, specifically an effort to involve All-American wide receiver Bo Belquist.

Belquist was targeted 10 times with four catches for 33 yards and a long of 17 yards.

All 33 of Belquist’s yards came in the first half.

Nate DeMontagnac came up with the clutch plays late for UND in the passing game.

UND picked up a third-and-11 on the drive that ended with Elrichs’ game-winning kick when Simon Romfo connected with the Canadian wide receiver on a 14-yard slant pass.

Early against Montana, Griz quarterback Keali’i Ah Yat was able to escape UND’s defensive pressure.

His ability to elude a cornerback blitz from Antonio Bluiett led to Ah Yat’s 37-yard touchdown pass to Xavier Harris to open the scoring in the first quarter.

But UND’s defensive pressure eventually got to Ah Yat and backup quarterback Logan Fife.

Ah Yat was sacked five times.

Craig Orlando, Josh Navratil and Wyatt Pedigo were each credited with two sacks.

For the first time in his two-game tenure as offensive coordinator, Isaac Fruechte turned to tight end Quincy Vaughn to handle a short-yardage situation.

After not using Vaughn on third-and-1 to start the fourth quarter, a play in which Gaven Ziebarth picked up 3 yards, Fruechte went to Vaughn, a former quarterback, in the next situation.

With the game tied at 24, UND faced a fourth-and-1 from the Griz 44.

Vaughn entered the game and easily picked up the needed yard on a plunge up the middle.

UND’s home crowd made a difference in the second half.

The announced attendance was 11,595 — the most for a home opener since 2017 against Missouri State.

The game was a 6 p.m. kickoff — the first Saturday night kick at UND in 10 years.