The relatively short hike to Mount Aeneas is a great way to spend a summer day exploring the Jewel Basin.
The trail to the 7,500-foot summit begins at the parking lot for Camp Misery, which is the primary access point to Jewel Basin and is reached by following U.S. Highway 83 to Echo Lake Road. Head north from there and follow the signs. The last few miles of the road are gravel.
Once you set off to Aeneas, you can enjoy views of the Flathead Valley within 1 mile of the trip. The trail then meanders past a microwave tower and, from there, it’s about a half mile to the summit with incredible views in every direction.
From the summit, you can turn around for an out-and-back or, I would recommend, continue down the other side of the summit and loop back past Picnic Lakes en route back to Camp Misery. Make sure to pack a map, plenty of water and bear spray. And bring a camera. There are a lot of mountain goats in the area.
Dogs are allowed in the area, but make sure they are leashed at all times.