SW MT rides

[yeahman]

Huh. Was thinking about a family backpacking trip to the upper lake over Labor Day weekend but that trail sounds like a mess. I guess we could approach it from the Storm Lake side but I don't think the grade is as kid friendly. Oh well.

[Bunion 2020]

The trees that were down were the smaller Lodgepole variety. Pretty easy to get over and around unless you had a 28 lb bike to wrestle with.

[hick]

good news.



I'm hoping to do a bike packing trip from there to Sula first week of Sept, fingers crossed buddy doesn't have to stay home and watch his dogs. Do you know who a good contact would be for CDT trail conditions? Don't mind some deadfall, but hopefully not 100 miles of climbing over downed trees.

I would call the Beaverhead national Forest and probably check with each districts recreation person. They should know, but don’t be surprised if they haven’t a clue also. Check trail forks also and message @lemhi_mtn_ryder on instagram. That dude gets after it and has knowledge on most of the CDT on the BVRD. Hope that helps a little.


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[rideit]

We did the Mile Creek to Targhee Pass section of the CDT on Tuesday, and the four miles out to Two Tops on Monday. All 100% cleared (and some even recently brushcut).
Not sure if you are inquiring about that area, but hope the info helps someone.

[hick]

Seymour Lake trail west of Anaconda. AFAICT it is not yet connected to the trails east. It was a well built and laid out trail in serious danger of disappearing due to lack of use.

We rode about 7 miles out and then back and I lost count of the number of downed trees after about 50.

Bunion, you referring to the CDT section that starts at Seymour Lake trailhead and heads toward Grassy Mountain Lookout outside Anaconda? If so it is connected now. I believe 16 miles to ride through. The Grassy section is accessed from the old two track that goes beyond the lookout. Sucks that we build that shit then it never ever gets maintained.


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[Bunion 2020]

Bunion, you referring to the CDT section that starts at Seymour Lake trailhead and heads toward Grassy Mountain Lookout outside Anaconda? If so it is connected now. I believe 16 miles to ride through. The Grassy section is accessed from the old two track that goes beyond the lookout. Sucks that we build that shit then it never ever gets maintained.


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Probably, I was riding with Will the Mapmaker on an exploratory that began at the Wilderness Area trailhead right by the lake. You go up the trail a bit and it heads away from the W and climbs in dense timber. If you were one of the operators that did the work, kudos, it has a great pace and only a couple of crushers as far as we went.

It looked like it had been cut out earlier this summer (no sawdust around the swamped trees) and had another blow down in the weeks before the ride.

[hick]

Probably, I was riding with Will the Mapmaker on an exploratory that began at the Wilderness Area trailhead right by the lake. You go up the trail a bit and it heads away from the W and climbs in dense timber. If you were one of the operators that did the work, kudos, it has a great pace and only a couple of crushers as far as we went.

It looked like it had been cut out earlier this summer (no sawdust around the swamped trees) and had another blow down in the weeks before the ride.

That section was built a quite a few years back by Full Moon or Half Moon Trails (can’t remember their names), out of Missoula. Land Tech built the opposite end you were on. We tied it in last fall. Some fun sections in the opposite end. Very rocky, curious how it looks now.
Another trail I found while working back there was the Ten Mile Lake trail, now that looked sweet! Needs some love though for sure. So much potential around Anaconda.


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[LeeLau]

For evdog others here is a list of MT rides; some alpine some not. Culled from various people on TGR and outside TGR.

I just cut and pasted a Word doc so the formatting is off. Sorry about that.

Website is down so here's the word doc if this link works hopefully https://lookaside.fbsbx.com/file/Mon...pDqvP3aFqxd-Nq


Montana trail list


Hamilton Camping - 3 nights

Blodgett
Blodgett Campground consists of 5 campsites, 1 walk-in site, plus 1 host site, complete with picnic tables, fire rings, and a vault toilet. There are two accessible campsites. The campground rests under the towering cliff faces of Blodgett Canyon which are very popular to rock climbers. Blodgett Canyon Picnic Area is across Blodgett Creek. Campground can accommodate RV's or trailers to 45 feet.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/bitt...a/?recid=60306

Friday Aug 10 Como
The campground, a.k.a. Lower Como, is a single loop through a stand of mixed pine and fir trees and one of three campgrounds in the Lake Como Recreation Area. It is located below Lake Como. The understory is grass with good privacy between campsites. Lake Como Lower Campground is paved and features a host site and ten 125' pull through recreational vehicle (RV) sites (with electrical and water hookups) water, and garbage services. Three sites are handicap accessible, and there are 4 handicap accessible vault toilets located throughout the campground. This is bear country; practice safe food storage techniques. Lake Como is 913 acres. The beach is large and sandy. The boat ramp is located at the south side of dam.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/bitt...a/?recid=60264

Bitterroot 313 - Hamilton

Notes - probably best with local to get best portions

https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/700...rail-south-313
https://www.trailforks.com/trails/bi...ide-trail-313/

“A remote singletrack trail along the Sapphire Crest. ”
— Lance Pysher

The trail is rarely ridden for its full length. The trail is consistently challenging , and given the variable maintenance of the more remote sections, riding the full length can take more than one day, and require a multi hour shuttle. Instead, sections are usually used for creating loops, such as between Weasel Creek Trail and Railroad Creek, or the Critical Mistakes ride.

For those interested in a bike pack adventure, this trail can be combined with the rest of the Bitterroot - Rock Creek Divide Trail (313) and some back roads for nearly 100 miles of solitude from Missoula to the headwaters of the East Fork of the Bitterroot River.

At the south end of the trail, but sure not to ride past Hole in the Wall or you'll end up in the Anaconda - Pintler Wilderness.

Saturday
Bitterroot Razorback Ridge - Hamilton

Notes - check if big drive in 50miles from Hamilton, Hour and a half to get there. How long to set up shuttle?

https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/700...azorback-ridge
https://www.trailforks.com/trails/ra...-ridge-137662/

“A high ridgetop trail with great views. ”
— Lance Pysher

Of all the trails in the Blue Joint region, this one is probably my favorite. Rather than following creeks in traces a fantastic ridgeline.

The trailhead is hidden way back on gravel roads that keep getting less and less distinct, but few people park at the trailhead. Most people do the trail from the junction with Little Blue Joint.

After climbing up Little Blue Joint keep climbing for another two miles. Don't be surprised if you need to lean against the occasional tree to rest. The climbing is steep. Along the way, you'll pop out of the forest and onto the ridge, at which point you'll understand where the razorback comes from. Behind you are outstanding views of the Bitterroot mountain rising out of the West Fork Valley. In front of you, into the distance, is the expanse of the Selway and Frank Church Wilderness Areas, the largest contiguous wilderness in the lower 48.

While on top, you can look at the remains of the old fire lookout. Afterward, it's time for a fun working downhill to the junction with Deer Creek Trail.

This trail can be combined with Little Blue Joint, Deer Creek, and Blue Joint for an all day adventure.

Bitterroot - Tolan Ridge
https://www.trailforks.com/trails/tolan-ridge/

Bitteroot - Warm Springs - Sula

Notes: Shuttle - half day?

https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/731...idge-trail-177
https://www.trailforks.com/trails/wa...ngs-ridge-177/


Also
https://www.singletracks.com/bike-tr...ngs-ridge.html (shuttle)
https://www.singletracks.com/bike-tr...il-system.html (full point to point loop)

While generally ridden as the Warm Springs Ridge shuttle, the full network also has options for those with the ambition and ability to earn their turns. Much of the downhill, covering almost 4,000 vertical feet, is wide open, inviting speed while the expansive views inspire gawking.

Sunday
Bitterroot - Rooster Comb

2 cars shuttle - 3 hours - more scenic

https://www.trailforks.com/trails/mosquito-meadows-102/

Sunday?
Bitterroot - Weasel Creek

1.5 hour

DH shuttle https://www.trailforks.com/trails/weasel-creek/
https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/625...el-creek-trail

As loop - https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/602...sel-creek-loop

Sunday? 4-5hr drive from Hamilton
Bitterroot - Railroad Creek

1.5 hour

DH shuttle https://www.trailforks.com/trails/railroad-creek/
https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/6531143/railroad-creek

Bitterroot - Ward Mountain

Hike - a - bike

https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/7000393/ward-mountain
Sunday Drive to Lionhead camping

Lionhead Camping - 2 nights


Cliff Point - blue lake - no reserve - no cell
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/bdnf...ea/?recid=5705


Wade Lake - no reserve - no cell
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/bdnf...ea/?recid=5714

There's about 6 campgrounds along and above the Madison River, just west of the Sheep Creek trailhead (West Fork, Riverview, Madison, Wade Lake, Hilltop, Cliff Point)

Monday
CDT Lionhead - Custer Gallatin National Forest - Bozeman

Notes - longish

https://www.trailforks.com/trails/lionhead/

Mile Creek to Sheep Creek - Big Loop
https://www.trailforks.com/route/mile-to-sheep/ (Lionhead Big Loop)

https://www.singletracks.com/bike-tr...eek-trail.html

Little Loop - https://www.visitmt.com/things-to-do...tain-loop.html

Complete with 50 switchbacks up to 10,000 feet and flow before the term existed. Altogether, the 35-mile loop includes 7,000 feet of climbing and some of the best views in Montana.

Mile to Sheep is a classic Montana backcountry ride. It is best ridden counter-clockwise, such that you climb the many switchbacks on Mile Creek Trail and enjoy the flow down Sheep Creek.

Tuesday
CDT - Centennial Range

It's best to go to Keg Springs, just to the east of Taylor Creek. From there the entire CDT to Monida Pass is open. East of Keg Springs bikes can be used the short distance to Blair and Lillian Lakes. I'm told a great loop ride is from Taylor Creek up and over Mt Taylor on the CDT, then off the east end down past Keg Springs back to a vehicle.

[LeeLau]

Continued -


Red Lodge Camping (2 nights)

Just drive up Glacier Lake Road (same road as Greenough Campground starts at). Lots of primitive sites along there

(All below have reservations) - have not made them

• https://www.recreation.gov/camping/p...O&parkId=71536
• https://www.recreation.gov/camping/l...O&parkId=71535
• http://gallatincampgrounds.com/greenough.html

Line Creek Plateau - Red Lodge (E of Bozeman)

https://www.singletracks.com/bike-tr...k-plateau.html
https://www.trailforks.com/trails/line-creek-plateau/

What’s more, you get to complete the ride with a screaming 3,200 vertical-foot descent in just 4.5 miles! It’s hard to imagine a ride that embodies the spirit of mountain biking any better than this one. Then there’s the very cool town of Red Lodge waiting at the bottom with a cold brew and one of the best-stocked candy stores in the country.

Friday night - Lewiston (probably just motel) - 1 night

Big Snowies - Lewiston

https://www.singletracks.com/bike-tr...tain-loop.html

One of Montana’s “island ranges” (mountain ranges that pop up at seemingly random points out of the prairie), the Big Snowys harbor one of my all time favorites, generally called the Big Snowy Loop. Although totally unknown outside the local area, this gem combines a sequence of trails for the most epic 12 miles you will ever find. 2,500 feet of vertical climb up a dozen switchbacks takes you to the top of the world, by a year-round ice cave, and finishes with a positively bomber descent. The current Lewis & Clark National Forest brochure still lists this area as open to mountain biking, but it has been recommended for consideration as Wilderness, so hurry up and get it while you can!



Wednesday - Yellowstone - Rest day things to do


Fyi not sure how much tourism you'll have time for in Yellowstone but below is my word Salas tips and tricks for the park (safe travels...)

head into the park via Silver Gate entrance (NE corner) and drive through the Lamar Valley.

Before too long you will see big red cliff bands on the right where people are usually pulled over with binocs/spotting scopes watching Mtn Goats.

After that (somewhere before Pebble Creek Campground) you may see a bunch of birders with binocs/scopes pulled over to the LEFT checking out an Osprey nest with hatchling.

The Lamar Valley in general is your best chance to see wolves (1 out of every 6 trips or so) bears (1 out of 4 trips) and herds of bison (every time)

A few miles (2?) before the Tower-Roosevelt Junction, you will come across a bridge. We've spotted Big Horn Sheep in that general area almost every trip.

For a fun (off trail/unadvertised shortish) hike in the park there is an unofficial hike to a petrified ceder grove near Specimen Ridge (which is before Tower-Roosevelt,)

The one pager from Park Service attached, but this link gives you some pixels as well:

https://www.hike734.com/trip/petrifi...pecimen-ridge/

From that junction continue on to Canyon Village to check out the falls.

If you want a vertigo inducing and atypical view of the lower falls from closer to the river hike down the 300+ steps to that overlook on the NORTH side of the road, and then continue on to get the traditional falls view from Lookout Point. And then drive to get the south side views from Artist Point.


(info re: Old Faithful)


Before you get to Old Faithful, stop by Fountain Paint Pots to look at gurgling mudpots.

For Old Faithful, I recommend ignoring the parking lot directions, and parking at the OF Lodge. Enter the OF Lodge to marvel at the architecture and check to see when the next eruption is scheduled to go off.

If you just missed it (and have an hour or so) take a walk (right) around the boardwalk around OF, for a short counter-clockwise loop to some geysers, and then return to the 2nd floor of the OF Lodge to sip microbrews and watch the show above the hoard of the unwashed masses.

On your way out, stop to take a picture of your sweetie eating ice cream on the "Knotty Porch" which is on the other side of OF Lodge away from the geyser basin, back towards the road/gas station...

[LeeLau]

Continued

Other MT trails

Curly Highline - (W of Bozeman)

https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/7007961/curly-lake

https://www.singletracks.com/bike-tr...-highline.html

https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/700...rly-lake-trail

This is a huge ride with a total of 5K feet of climbing over its 25 miles. The first five are on the road heading south then it forks -- veer right on 107. Stay right as the road gets rougher and steeper. At 7.2 miles take the Curly Lake trail 7159 to the right. At 10.3 miles is Curly Lake. The Curly Creek Trail 7151 plummets back to the road if you need to bail. Otherwise, continue on what will be a very strenuous climb on 7159. The high point is at about 13.5 miles and the trail disappears in the tundra, but there are cairns. Continue to follow trail 7159, passing a few more bailiouts, to mile 20.6 and turn right on the Rock Creek Trail 7089 and plummet back down to your starting point.

Bangtail Divide - Bozeman

IMBA EPIC - https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/846...vide-imba-epic
https://www.trailforks.com/region/ba...-divide-22256/

Built in 2003, the Bangtail Divide Trail (BDT) quickly became the local go-to trail for those looking for a long ride without a long drive. The BDT offers easy access to a ridgeline traverse with stellar views of multiple mountain ranges, fields of wildflowers and well-crafted singletrack sections guaranteed to satisfy.

Highlights include: switchbacks, ridgetop singletrack, and flowing downhill.

Like any Montana trail, the Bangtail Divide serves up miles upon miles of fantastic scenery. This doesn’t come easy as there’s over 3,000 vertical feet of climbing, but once upon the ridge, there are 360-degree views of a dozen surrounding ranges, from gentle rounded ones, to jagged rocky ones, to snow capped above tree line ones. The trail is 22 miles and can be done as a point to point shuttle, or completed with another eight miles of relatively easy pavement. For those not up for the full route, a partial version known as the Grassy Mountain Loop is available. No matter how you do it, you’ll remember it vividly. But you’ll still want to bring your camera!

https://www.singletracks.com/bike-tr...il-divide.html

Partial https://www.singletracks.com/bike-tr...tain-loop.html

Helena Ridge to Show Me the Horse
- Helena MT

https://www.trailforks.com/route/fre...-me-the-horse/

East Fork McCllellan - Casey - Teepee Creek - Main (South) fork McClellan aka Casey Peak

Looking for a big day in the mountains, with primitive trails and commanding views of the Helena region? Look no farther than Casey Peak! It's hard to believe a backcountry ride like this can be found only a few miles from Helena, but here it is. Expect some hike-a-bike on the spur trail leading to the Casey Peak summit. Take the McClellan Creek Road southeast from Montana City, and park near the confluence with East Fork McClellan Creek.

https://www.trailforks.com/route/casey-peak/

https://www.trailforks.com/trails/casey-meadows/
https://www.trailforks.com/trails/te...eek-trail-301/

Windy Mountain - Great Falls

https://www.singletracks.com/bike-tr...tain-loop.html

https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/702...-mountain-loop

Another “island range” classic, this time serving up big, isolated terrain in the Highwood Mountains east of Great Falls.
The Windy Mountain loop is an alpine experience with pine forests and big meadows in the Highwood Mountains.
Description
Start this ride on Windy Mountain (#454), just off of Thain Creek (#411) on the north side of Thain Creek campground. The route climbs steadily up the Thane Creek drainage before turning toward the southern flanks of Windy Mountain. The trail itself isn't overly technical, with a bit of loose rock mixed with hard-packed soil.

The route steepens as it climbs to just below the craggy peak and then traverses around the southeast side before turning south. There are great views of the surrounding Highwood Mountains as well as beautiful wildflowers in season.

From here, there are two gradual descents punctuated by a short, steep climb before reaching Marie Springs trail.

Settle in for another high climb and descent through a mix of pine forest and open meadows. Take a right on Kirby Creek and then right again on North Fork Highwood Creek.

Descend steeply into the North Fork Highwood Creek drainage and then bear left on Center Ridge. The route climbs gradually here to contour through high sage meadows, looping to the south and then back north towards the North Fork Highwood Creek.

Another steep descent brings you to Thain Creek (#411) for a gradual climb through pine forest. The last bit of the ride is a quick, fast descent, bringing you back to the trailhead.


Reid Divide Trail - Whitefish

https://www.trailforks.com/trails/reid-divide/
https://www.singletracks.com/bike-tr...trail-801.html

The most famous of this singletrack is Reid Divide, generally ridden as a 21-mile loop from Tally Lake southwest of town. Starting with 10 miles of dirt road climbing over 3,000 vertical feet isn’t everybody’s idea of a must ride, but the payoff is so high, the inauspicious start is soon forgotten. For those looking for even more adventure, Reid Divide can be combined with other area trails starting at Ashley Mountain in a point-to-point shuttle covering 25 miles of continuously gorgeous deep forest singletrack.


Shafthouse Lollipop - Bozeman N

https://www.trailforks.com/trails/shafthouse/
https://www.owenhousecycling.com/trail/shafthouse/

Epic out and back ride with incredible views. Trail begins with the tight single track through wide open grassy fields. It has a couple of up-down sections before it turns into a long climb that takes you through everything the Bridgers have to offer. Finally peaking out above the tree-line the upper part of the trail is steep and rocky. Undoubtedly one of the areas best rides.

Little Blue Joint - Hamilton MT

https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/700...tle-blue-joint

The trail starts out pleasantly enough, following the valley bottom for the first couple of miles. It will then ascend through several steep switchbacks that will probably require hiking. Eventually, you'll find yourself out on the ridge and an old burn before returning to the forest and meeting up Razorback Ridge.


CDT (Homestake Pass to Pipestone) near Butte MT

Notes - short half day

https://www.trailforks.com/trails/cd...tonehomestake/
https://www.singletracks.com/bike-tr...tone-pass.html
https://bikebutte.blogspot.com/2013/...tone-pass.html



Italian Peaks (Beaverhead - Deerlodge)

Notes - poach

https://backcountrypost.com/threads/...an-creek.6567/
A spectacular loop above treeline that got closed to bikes in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge forest plan because it fell within an RWA


Chain of Lakes

https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/7003229/chain-of-lakes

This trail is shared with ATVs and, by Bitterroot standards, is popular. That means that on a weekend, you might see or at least hear a couple of them. Since this is a shared trail, it isn't is always the most aesthetic, and sometimes hammered, but it's still fun.

Once you are out of the trees and on the ridge, the vista is 360 of wonder.

Bridger

https://www.trailforks.com/trails/br...bly-to-truman/

Big Sky

Beehive to North Fork

Portal Creek to Porcupine Creek

Mountain to Meadow

Fish Camp to Ralph’s to Uplands

2nd to 1st Yellowmule

Madison Loop > Ullerys > Moonlight Loop

HMU if you come to Big Sky

Bozeman

Beehive to North Fork

Portal Creek to Porcupine Creek

Mountain to Meadow

Fish Camp to Ralph’s to Uplands

2nd to 1st Yellowmule

Madison Loop > Ullerys > Moonlight Loop

[panchosdad]

Lucky dog says Hi!

[406]

Italian Peaks (Beaverhead - Deerlodge)

Notes - poach

https://backcountrypost.com/threads/...an-creek.6567/
A spectacular loop above treeline that got closed to bikes in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge forest plan because it fell within an RWA

photo from 2009 on the Italian Peaks loop, it was an epic:


FWIR, mostly above tree line, so shouldn't be an issue with downed trees, trail faint on west side of deadman pass.

[LeeLau]

FWIR, mostly above tree line, so shouldn't be an issue with downed trees, trail faint on west side of deadman pass.

I looked at maps for the area. Bagloads of alpine up there. But I'd already killed Sharon with the riding above 2800m and didn't want to get my ass kicked for suggesting yet another high-alpine ride

[hick]

Huh. Was thinking about a family backpacking trip to the upper lake over Labor Day weekend but that trail sounds like a mess. I guess we could approach it from the Storm Lake side but I don't think the grade is as kid friendly. Oh well.

It’s much shorter from Storm lake over Goat Flats. Trail was very good when I was last up there 2 years ago. We retreaded and blasted a lot of rock on the Seymour side up to Goat Flats. Waaay more scenic way into Seymour imo. Do it!

[hick]

photo from 2009 on the Italian Peaks loop, it was an epic:


FWIR, mostly above tree line, so shouldn't be an issue with downed trees, trail faint on west side of deadman pass.

Still one of the more rad rides in my life! Saw a mega bull moose then shortly there after rode among 50+ head of Elk. Incredible ride with no people. Top 10 in my book for its uniqueness!

[406]

Did CDT Targhee pass to Targhee Cr today, Lionhead views and trails sure are awesome.

[Kopi_Red]

Did CDT Targhee pass to Targhee Cr today, Lionhead views and trails sure are awesome.

Nice!!! Way to get after it dood!!!

[406]

Evdog and I are planning Gravelly Mtns Wolverine Basin ride tomorrow 9/12. Loop in Bridgers from Fairy lake on Th, and Casey peak in elkhorns for Fr. ..if anyone is free and wants to ride.

[Bunion 2020]

A quick PSA.

https://www.facebook.com/savemontanatrails/?rc=p

or http://www.savemontanatrails.com/

Please click, please read, please comment.

We stand to lose another 400+ miles of trails here if Plan D is adopted.

Even if you will never ride in Montana, help.

[2FUNKY]

Damn.

[LeeLau]

To keep it simple here is the Massive Forest plan

https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/hlcnf...d=fseprd574977

Comment via this form https://cara.ecosystem-management.or...?Project=44589

My comment

"I am a visitor to the area from Canada. I enjoy Montana's superb biking trails and outdoors. I support Alternative C to allow biking on Montana trails.

BUT specifically ask that Alternative C be amended to specifically allow biking in the Helena MT forest service area in the Elkhorn mountains. I suggest amendment by dropping the Elkhorns area from the DEIS proposal"