Zortman was named for another early-day prospector who hunted gold here in the late 1880s and early 1900s. Out of Zortman there are roads and trails that will enable you to climb up high into the hills to enjoy some great views of the prairie country spread out before you to the east.
Following US Highway 191 north from the Zortman road, you'll be traversing the former Circle C Ranch range, one of the first big cattle operations in these parts. The same area was also a segment of the trail of the legendary 'Long-Drives' of longhorn cattle up 1,800 miles from Texas to winter in Montana. With the passing of the bison, the land became cattle country and still is today.
Visitors to this eastern Montana town can enjoy the nearby Little Rocky Mountains and the UL Bend National Wildlife Refuge. Together with the surrounding C. M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge, the UL Bend is the only place in Montana where elk still occupy their native prairie year-round. Other inhabitants are deer, pronghorn antelope, birds and small animals. Consult weather conditions before traveling from Zortman to the refuge.
Zortman is located in northeastern Montana, southwest of Malta off US Highway 191.