Montana Trails
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574
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5/5 (15 reviews)
Updated: 07/14/2024
Gravelly Range
Open
/
Cameron, Montana/
47.21 miles/
About 7 hours
From Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, over the Gravelly Range and ending in the Axolotl Wilderness Study Area, Gravelly Range Road is all about the views and hunting access. This trail starts just north of the Red Rock Lakes 28 miles west of Interstate 15 near Monida Idaho, and 30 miles west of Henrys Lake and Highway 287. Beginning at 6670 feet, this trail gradually climbs for the next 30 miles to nearly 9600 feet elevation. This trail is mostly well above tree line offering spectacular views for hundreds of miles in all directions as you travel along the ridge of the Gravelly Range. Gravelly Range Road travels through the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, the largest of the national forests in Montana covering 3.35 million acres. This area is widely known for its hunting, but also offers views of the surrounding mountains and valleys and grassy fields covered in wildflowers for nearly 40 miles. If you have the day to spend on the trail, this is a fantastic route through the mountains with options in all directions for new destinations to explore. Bring the family, bring the pets, there are sights and smells for all to enjoy!
4.3/5 (5 reviews)
Updated: 06/08/2024
Wild Bill - Eagle Mountain Trail aka Blacktail-Wild Bill ORV Trail System
Open
/
Kila, Montana/
5.65 miles/
About 2 hours
Located west of Kalispell, in the Flathead National Forest of northwest Montana, Wild Bill-Eagle Mountain is part of a unique trail system, unlike any other trail system you will find in a National Forest. Designated as a National Recreation Trail in 1979, it was not until the 2000's that members from two local 4-wheel drive clubs were given the "OK" to create numerous manmade "challenge features" along several forest roads that now make up the three legs of the Blacktail-Wild Bill ORV Trail system. Obstacles range from natural rock ledges and deep mud holes to huge tractor tires and giant logs. Wild Bill-Eagle Mountain is the perfect place to take groups of both beginners and hard-core wheelers. Jeep owners from across the country might visit this area mainly in summer, but don't be fooled. Even during the winter, this area is an off-roader's playground. This trail system is the northernmost Jeep Badge of Honor (BOH) trail, and by far the most unique trail system Jeep has recognized.
3/5 (2 reviews)
Updated: 11/27/2023
Blacktail OHV Trail aka Blacktail-Wild Bill ORV Trail System
Open
/
Lakeside, Montana/
3.19 miles/
About an hour
Located near Kalispell, in the Flathead National Forest of northwest Montana, Blacktail OHV Trail is unlike any other trail you will find in a National Forest. Designated as a National Recreation Trail in 1979, it was not until the 2000's that members from two local 4-wheel drive clubs were given the "OK" to create numerous manmade "challenge features" along several forest roads that now make up the three legs of the Blacktail-Wild Bill ORV Trail system. This trail system is the northernmost Jeep Badge of Honor (BOH) trail and by far the most unique trail system in Montana. Jeep owners from across the country might visit this area mainly in summer, but don't be fooled. Even during the winter, this area is a 4-wheeler's paradise.
4/5 (2 reviews)
Updated: 06/16/2023
Original Blacktail OHV Trail
Open
/
Lakeside, Montana/
1.13 miles/
About 20 minutes
As the name suggests, Original Blacktail OHV Trail was the first trail used to create artificial challenge features in the Blacktail-Wildbill ORV Trail system. Rollercoaster-like hills and acrobatic bridges along this route will have you feeling more like you are at an amusement park than in a National Forest.
Located near Kalispell, in the Flathead National Forest and designated as a National Recreation Trail in 1979, it was not until the 2000's that members from two local 4-wheel drive clubs were given the "OK" to create numerous artificial challenge features along several forest roads that now make up the three legs of the Blacktail-Wild Bill ORV Trail system. Original Blacktail is the shortest trail in the ORV system, but combining this with all other trails in the area makes for a fantastic multi-day trip where you get to see the northernmost Jeep Badge of Honor (BOH) Trail.
4/5 (2 reviews)
Updated: 06/16/2023
Upper Dayton Creek OHV Trail aka Blacktail-Wild Bill ORV Trail System
Open
/
Lakeside, Montana/
4.37 miles/
About an hour
Located near Kalispell, in the Flathead National Forest of northwest Montana, Upper Dayton Creek OHV Trail is part of a unique trail system unlike any other one in a National Forest. Designated as a National Recreation Trail in 1979, it was not until the 2000's that members from two local 4-wheel drive clubs were given the "OK" to create numerous manmade "challenge features" along several forest roads that now make up the three legs of the Blacktail-Wild Bill ORV Trail system. This trail system is the northernmost Jeep Badge of Honor (BOH) trail, and by far the most unique trail system Jeep has recognized. Obstacles include natural rock ledges, deep machine cut holes, large tractor tires, and huge logs. Jeep owners from across the country might visit this area mainly in summer, but don't be fooled. Even during the winter, this area is an off-roader's fun house.
2/5 (2 reviews)
Updated: 06/16/2023
Wild Bill - Truman Creek
Open
/
Lakeside, Montana/
5.78 miles/
About an hour
Located in the Flathead National Forest, just south of Kila, Wild Bill-Truman Creek is a lesser know trail within the Blacktail-Wild Bill ORV trail system. This road is a leisurely drive through a narrow, thick forest. Its lack of popularity results in plenty of solitude, with all of the popular trails still within a stone's throw, reachable by one f the many connecting spurs. Use this road to connect the Wild Bill and Blacktail trailheads without running into big groups attempting to take on big obstacles.
4/5 (14 reviews)
Updated: 05/20/2024
West Fork Madison
West Fork Madison is located in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, the largest of the national forests in Montana covering 3.35 million acres. This trail is less than an hours drive from Ennis or West Yellowstone, and just under 2 hours from Big Sky Montana. This trail takes you alongside the Madison River until Waypoint 6. The road turns and follows the West Fork Madison River to the end of the trail for the next 8 miles through hills, forest, and surrounding mountain views. If looking for a campsite near the river, this is the trail to check out. The views are stunning. Willows line the river and stream banks, turning yellow and gold before the trees in mid to late August, the first reminder that fall is just around the corner. The river tumble can be heard almost everywhere along this trail. Wild raspberries and strawberries are scattered through the trail and wildflowers are everywhere. The trail is pretty popular, so be ready for the occasional traffic.
3/5 (13 reviews)
Updated: 05/20/2024
Jackpine Gulch
Jackpine Gulch Trail is located in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, the largest of the national forests in Montana covering 3.35 million acres. This road is less than an hours drive from Ennis or West Yellowstone, and just under 2 hours from Big Sky Montana. The trail begins down in the steep valley floor of the West Madison River Valley surrounded by rocky bluffs, tall trees, and a few slopes of tall grass swaying in the breeze. With the wind hopping through the trees above, you can hear the rumbling sound of the West Fork Madison River while you take in the stunning views of the rocky cliffs up high. Bring your friends and come hungry for the wild strawberries and raspberries that can found along this road.
3/5 (12 reviews)
Updated: 05/31/2024
Cliff Lake Bench
Cliff Lake Bench is a trail that is less frequently traveled than other trails in the area with excellent views of the surrounding mountains. Located in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, this narrow path through the grass is unlike the tree-covered trails you drove on to get to this point. This trail takes you through picture-perfect grass fields that will be full of wildflowers around early June. The view from the top of the hill is definitely worth the drive. In addition to countless cows, you may be lucky enough to observe a herd of elk or a lonely coyote. This trail and all connecting trails are also dog-friendly.
3/5 (12 reviews)
Updated: 05/31/2024
East Bench
East Bench is located in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, the largest of the national forests in Montana covering 3.35 million acres. This road is less than an hours drive from Ennis or West Yellowstone, and just under 2 hours from Big Sky Montana. This road begins high on the mountain and gradually descends towards Goose, Otter, Hidden and Elk lakes. The end of this trail is reminiscent of a movie set, tall dead trees surrounding the open area at the end of the road with glimpses of a green-colored Otter Lake through the trees in the valley below. The wind occasionally breaks small branches, the sharp crack echoing through the trees, making the hair stand up on the back of your neck, you feel as though you're not alone.
3/5 (12 reviews)
Updated: 05/31/2024
Jackknife
Located in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, Jackknife is a short trail that allows you to break out of the surrounding tall trees and get out into the open, grassy fields, overlooking the valleys and enjoy the surrounding mountain views. Once on top of the rolling hills, the mountain views stretch for miles. The tall grass blows like waves through the fields and along the hillsides. This is a popular grazing and watering spot for the cows which can present a roadblock sometimes. The kids will get a kick out of the closeup drivebys, and some good moo's along the way.
4.6/5 (11 reviews)
Updated: 11/14/2024
Elk Lake
Elk Lake is one of those out-of-the-way mountain lakes that many of us know for great fishing and some old-school social distancing. Hidden Lake and Elk Lake below are both spring-fed with crystal clear waters. Whether you're planning a wedding at Elk Lake Resort or want to escape the crowds and enjoy some fishing at these remote lakes, this trail has something for you.
The first part of this trail is located in the Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge. This area is popular for birders and photographers wanting to photograph the once nearly extinct Trumpeter Swans. The remaining half of this trail is in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, the largest national forest in Montana, covering 3.35 million acres.
4.8/5 (11 reviews)
Updated: 07/06/2024
Standard Creek
Standard Creek Road is located in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, the largest of the national forests in Montana covering 3.35 million acres. This trail is less than an hours drive from Ennis or West Yellowstone, and just under 2 hours from Big Sky Montana. The beautiful trail takes you up the mountain through woods, flower-filled picture-perfect meadows, and grassy fields. You have a great chance to encounter moose or deer on the way. There are a few creeks with singing water and several great campsites. The Black Butte Mountain at the end of the trail has snow year-round. Check it out!
3.6/5 (10 reviews)
Updated: 05/20/2024
Flatiron Mountain
Flatiron Mountain Road is located in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, the largest of the national forests in Montana covering 3.35 million acres. This road is less than an hours drive from Ennis or West Yellowstone, and just under 2 hours from Big Sky Montana. This road is the middle of three connecting roads that make up a loop around Flatiron Mountain. The views of the Centennial Mountains to the south are stunning. You are sure to stop several times around Waypoints 4 and 5 and take pictures, and each time be amazed that the view gets better as you wind back and forth up the side of the grassy mountain. These roads are not heavily traveled, increasing your odds of seeing wildlife as well as enjoying that well-earned peace and quiet. Sit back and listen to the birds chirping or the occasional screech of a Red-Tailed Hawk. Watch the tall grass flowing like waves along the hillside below a picturesque scene of the Centennial Mountains to the south. Bring the pets, bring the family, this is a beautiful trail that will not soon be forgotten.
3.9/5 (10 reviews)
Updated: 05/20/2024
Freezeout Creek
Freezout Creek is located in the Beaverhead National Forest just south of Ennis, MT, in the Gravelly Mountain Range. This trail is just under 5 miles long and is one of three trails that make up the 15-mile loop back to Standard Creek Road. This trail, along with many of the surrounding trails, offers incredible views of the surrounding mountain ranges and the valleys below. The sound of the wind through the tall pines and rattling of the Aspen leaves along with the babbling of the creeks will make you want to come back and continue to explore even more of what these mountains have to offer. There are hundreds of miles of dirt roads on this stretch of the Mountain Range from down in the valleys to nearly 10,000 feet up for everyone in the family to enjoy.
4/5 (10 reviews)
Updated: 07/14/2024
Johnny Ridge
Johnny Ridge Road is one of those trails that you do not expect much of and turns out to be excellent. The campsites with the mountain and forest views, picture-perfect woods, great views of the talc mine, old mining structures at the beginning of the trail... You got it all! The trail takes you to the iconic views of Gravelly Range Road offering 40 miles of incredible views at elevations as high as 9600 feet. Keep on going, keep on exploring, keep on enjoying! Johnny Ridge Road is located in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, the largest of the national forests in Montana covering 3.35 million acres. This area is widely known for its hunting, but also offers views of the surrounding mountains and valleys and grassy fields covered in wildflowers.
3.3/5 (10 reviews)
Updated: 05/20/2024
Soap Creek
Flatiron Mountain Road is located in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, the largest of the national forests in Montana covering 3.35 million acres. This road is less than an hours drive from Ennis or West Yellowstone, and just under 2 hours from Big Sky Montana. Soap Creek is the last of three trails making a loop back to Standard Creek Road. If choosing to do the loop, check out the Freezeout Creek and Flatiron Mountain trail guides. Soap Creek Road has beautiful views of the mountains to the north from the trailhead which is also the highest portion of this trail at nearly 8,100 feet elevation. The road gradually descends the mountain surrounded by Lodge Pole Pine, Spruce, and Fir trees occasionally giving way to views of the mountain peaks and the valleys below. Soap Creek is a nice road as you loop back to Standard Creek. The suns not in your eyes, the shadows of the tall mountains behind you creep across the valleys as the sun sets. It's all pretty smooth road back down Standard Creek and West Fork Madison Road to the highway. Stop at the West Fork Cabins on the way back to the highway, grab an ice cream and drive over the Madison River on the Historic Hutchins bridge. Make sure you have the windows down, the sound of the river is beautiful, and the squeaking of the bridge as your tires roll over the old wood planks is sure to be something to talk about!
4.6/5 (10 reviews)
Updated: 05/20/2024
Tepee Creek
Tepee Creek Trail is located in the Custer Gallatin National Forest just 10 minutes north of West Yellowstone and outside the boundary of Yellowstone National Park. Custer Gallatin National Forest is known as one of the most ecologically diverse landscapes in the region and covers more than 3.1 million acres. Tepee Creek Trail is located just 30 minutes south of Big Sky and 10 minutes north of West Yellowstone in the Gallatin National Forest, just outside of the Yellowstone National Park border. This trail is an excellent dirt road most of the summer and provides access to hiking trails and amazing views. Since this trail is not located within Yellowstone National Park dogs are allowed to come and enjoy the forest, beautiful creeks, and amazing views too along with everyone else in the family!
4/5 (10 reviews)
Updated: 05/20/2024
Trapper Bay Road
Trapper Bay Road is a short trail that takes you through a somewhat gloomy-looking woods to a couple of excellent campsites and a great beach/picnic area. The road might require 4X4 with a good clearance since this is a "primitive" road, especially after rains. The views of the lake and the campsites are definitely worth the drive! Make sure to walk south along the shoreline to Trapper Creek. Several logs have been placed to create a couple of beautiful cascading waterfalls. Trapper Bay Road is located in the Custer Gallatin National Forest just 45 minutes west of West Yellowstone and the west entrance to Yellowstone National Park. Custer Gallatin National Forest is known as one of the most ecologically diverse landscapes in the region and covers more than 3.1 million acres.
4.5/5 (9 reviews)
Updated: 10/11/2024
Conklin Lake
Conklin Lake Trail is one of those trails that hardly anyone knows with beautiful views of Hidden Lake and the surrounding mountains. This trail is located in the Beaverhead National Forest near the Continental Divide and the Montana Idaho border, and close to the west entrance to Yellowstone National Park. In July, the wildflowers are in full bloom, making the grassy fields full of color and swaying like ocean waves in the wind. Over the fields are snow-capped mountain peaks, birds, grasshoppers, and the famous Montana "Big Sky."
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