The Land of The Shining Mountains. The current route largely shares the footbed of The Continental Divide and Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trails. Hikers will enter into the Eastern Rockies near present day Helena, home of Last Chance Gulch. From here the route turns north towards Glacier National Park. The Northern Rockies have a major Wildlife Highway. This is essential for the long term health of several mammals that call these mountains home. The APTC seeks not only to provide a conservation corridor for people but for wildlife. The Rockies are home to the Yukon to Yellowstone Conservation Initiative. This seeks to keep open a wide and long corridor for successful animal migration and to reduce human contact issues.
The Rocky Mountain section is among the most rugged and remote regions of The APT. Expect to see sign of elk, moose, black bear, grizzly bear, bighorn sheep, cougar, and mountain goats.
