Nickle Creek – Sunset Run (Easy)
Overview
For those arriving on Thursday – We kick off the Summer Safari with an epic sunset run along a
short, scenic loop with spectacular views of Twin Buttes and the North Tongue valley. Open
meadows with crystal clear streams provide the perfect habitat for large game to congregate at
sunset. A short trip back to camp ensures a reasonable bed time.
Getting There
Our closest destination, the trailhead is located only about a mile from camp. Due to the close
proximity, tire pressure adjustments will be made at camp prior to departing. Restroom facilities
are not available along this route.
Trail Details
The Nickle Creek trail starts immediately after turning off the highway and winds through a
dense lodgepole forest. The trail eventually opens up to the North Tongue River to reveal the
river below and Skull Ridge above. After winding back to the west, a viewpoint of Twin Buttes
is a great place to stop for photos of the sunset. From there, the trail descends into and crosses
shallow Nickle Creek before a moderate climb back into to the timber. A couple of spur trails
leave the main loop and may also be explored if time allows. After eventually closing the loop, a
well trained eye can spot an abandoned nickel mine site atop the rock outcrop to the East.
Rating
Easy - Suitable for stock four-wheel drive vehicles. Low range may be helpful but not necessary
when dry. Shallow mud holes and creek crossings are expected until late summer.
Stats
Trail: 7.4mi.
Round Trip: 9.2mi.
Max Elevation: 7,808ft.
Time: 1-2 Hours
Max Vehicles: N/A
Highway to Heaven (Easy)
Overview
Variety is the strong point of this route which begins with a scenic ascent from Burgess Junction
to Freeze Out Point. Then, a 1,500ft decent down the face of the mountain reveals massive
views of the entire Tongue River Valley below. Highway to Heaven offers the best view of
Montana from Wyoming.
Getting There
From camp, our group must travel about 4 miles of highway while maintaining a speed of
55mph. From there, 3 miles of improved dirt road leads to the trailhead. Your Trail Leader will
stop at North Tongue River Campground to air down and offer the restroom facilities.
Trail Details
The Highway to Heaven trail starts by climbing quickly out of the valley where impressive views
over the Burgess area are seen almost immediately. The trail turns off to follow the Hay Creek
drainage which is under constant conflict between erosion and repair. The Fool Creek crossing
is a great place for a splash before a steep climb back to the main road again. The trail continues
to climb as the improved road worsens on the ascent to Freeze Out Point. At over 8,200ft, a
nearly 360° view of the Bighorn landscape can be enjoyed. The route then descends the face of
the mountain where lunch can be enjoyed with an unobstructed view of the entire Tongue River
Valley including Parkman, WY and parts of Montana to the North. Once the main trail has been
rejoined, the route then follows rugged Sheep Creek back to the improved road.
Rating
Easy - Suitable for stock four-wheel drive vehicles. Low range may be helpful but not necessary
when dry. Remnants of spring snow storms may create more difficult conditions than outlined
here.
Stats
Trail: 18.9mi.
Round Trip: 38.6mi.
Max Elevation: 8,231ft.
Time: 4-6 Hours
Max Vehicles: 30
Wagon Box (Easy)
Overview
A relaxing and scenic trail that follows the Half-Ounce Creek drainage into the bottom of Wagon
Box Canyon and back. Enjoy spectacular views of Boyd Ridge, Bald Mountain and Little Baldy.
Getting There
From camp, our group must travel about 22 miles of highway while maintaining a speed of
55mph. Another half-mile of improved dirt road leads to the trailhead nearby. Your trail leader
will stop here to air down. Restroom facilities are not available along this route.
Trail Details
The Wagon Box Trail starts at an elevation of 9,200ft. and descends over 2,300ft. into Wagon
Box Canyon by way of Half-Ounce Creek. The scenery is the highlight of the day and begins
long before 4-Wheel Drive is needed. The Bald Mountain and Boyd Ridge area of the Bighorn
National Forest offers some of the best big-game hunting in North America. As such, the
likelihood of spotting Rocky Mountain Elk and Moose is as great here as anywhere. A Lunch
stop near the confluence of Wagon Box Creek and the Little Big Horn River, provide plenty of
opportunity for site seeing and even wetting a line.
Rating
Easy - Suitable for stock four-wheel drive vehicles. Low range may be helpful but not necessary
when dry. Remnants of spring snow storms may create more difficult conditions than outlined
here.
Stats
Trail: 16.9mi.
Round Trip: 69.6mi.
Max Elevation: 9,623ft.
Time: 4-6 Hours
Max Vehicles: 30
Woodchuck Pass (Moderate)
Overview
A local favorite, Woodchuck pass combines a steep technical ascent with high alpine views for
the ultimate day trip. This high altitude trail serves as the cutoff between Shell Creek and Red
Grade Road. Woodchuck Pass itself exceeds 9,600ft in elevation. Anyone looking for a
moderate challenge and high mountain scenery will enjoy a day on Woodchuck Pass.
Getting There
From camp, our group must travel almost 20 miles of highway while maintaining a speed of
55mph. From there, 3 miles of improved dirt road lead to the trailhead. Your Trail Leader will
stop at Ranger Creek Campground to air down and offer the restroom facilities.
Trail Details
The trailhead is located near the Shell Creek Ranger Station and rapidly ascends a rocky hillside
where erosion and loose rocks require careful tire placement. Farther up the trail, a recent blow
down area has narrowed the trail enough drivers of full size vehicles should pay close attention.
A series of water crossings at Willett Creek provide a great opportunity for photo opportunities as
the depth is generally over 24” deep. As the trail climbs out of the valley, the high alpine rock
formations of Cloud Peak Wilderness begin to appear and soon after the trail climbs above the
tree line at 9,000ft. Woodchuck Pass makes for a great place to stop for lunch and explore the
area between Bruce Mountain and Dome Peak. A stop at the historic Tie Flume on the way back
to camp offers a chance for more exploration and fun.
Rating
Moderate - Suitable for some stock, high clearance four-wheel drive vehicles. Low range is
required and aggressive tires are preferred. Willett Creek can exceed 30” deep during heavy
runoff.
Stats
Trail: 10.5mi.
Round Trip: 51.6mi.
Max Elevation: 9,615ft.
Time: 4-6 Hours
Max Vehicles: 30
Prospector Trail (Moderate)
Overview
This route tours an area of the Bighorns originally developed for mineral exploration as early as
1891. Much of the route chosen follows the original wagon tracks to the Taylor and Walker
Mine sites. Although few remnants remain today, it is easy to visualize the mining camps where
so much of our local folklore occurred.
Getting There
From camp, our group will travel 6 miles of highway while maintaining a speed of 55mph.
Another 6 miles of dirt road lead to the first trailhead. Your trail leader will stop here to air
down. Restroom facilities are not available along this route.
Trail Details
Once off the highway, the trail enters the densely wooded area along Black Mountain Road.
When breaks in the timber do occur, views of Black Mountain, Big Mountain and Lookout
Mountain in the distance may be enjoyed. After leaving the comfort of the improved road, the
trail climbs a rocky ascent toward Lookout Mountain and our first stop of the day. Participants
should expect short hikes to get the full benefit of the tour. Backtracking down, the second stop
is located at the original Taylor Mine site. From there, our group will set out on the final leg of
the trail enroute to the Walker Mine site and our lunch spot for the day. Time for short hikes and
exploration will be provided before returning to camp.
Rating
Moderate - Suitable for some stock, high clearance four-wheel drive vehicles. Low range is
required and aggressive tires are preferred. Expect a loose, rocky climb with a few small ledges.
Stats
Trail: 20.0mi.
Round Trip: 45.0mi.
Max Elevation: 9,418ft.
Time: 4-6 Hours
Max Vehicles: 30
Westin Reservoir & Game Creek (More Difficult)
Overview
This route combines our two favorite trails off Red Grade for a great day of 4Wheeling. The
Westin Reservoir trail is tight and windy with rugged terrain just technical enough to be
interesting, but not overwhelming. The second section follows Game Creek down a steep, rocky
decent into Walker Prairie.
Getting There
From camp, our group must travel about 8 miles of highway while maintaining a speed of
55mph. From there, another 23 miles of improved dirt road must be traversed before the fun
begins. Your Trail Leader will stop at Tie Flume Campground to air down and offer the
restroom facilities.
Trail Details
The Westin Reservoir trail begins as a well maintained logging road and changes quickly after
the first creek crossing. As the trail narrows, exposed tree roots and mossy granite add to the
technicality making tire placement critical to avoid damage. Tree limbs threaten shiny paint
throughout the trail. Although no major obstacles are present on Westin, the likelihood of
standing water and snowpack through the summer creates challenging conditions for most.
Game Creek trail departs Red Grade in the opposite direction and descends the mountain face
steeply into Walker Prairie. The trail is under the constant conflict of erosion and repair but
always offers a challenge in the last half-mile before arriving at the West Fork of Big Goose
Creek for lunch. After arriving at the foot bridge, visitors are rewarded with spectacular views of
She-Bear and Walker Mountain.
Rating
More Difficult - Suitable for modified four-wheel drive vehicles. At least one locking
differential and aggressive tires may be necessary. Tire placement is critical to avoid sections of
sharp granite rocks and exposed roots.
Stats
Trail: 18.4mi.
Round Trip: 81.5mi.
Max Elevation: 9,321ft.
Time: 4-6 Hours
Max Vehicles: 20
Boulder Basin (More Difficult)
Overview
Well known as the toughest trail on the Bighorn, Boulder Basin is a challenging trail that tours
the high mountain lakes at the base of the Cloud Peak Wilderness area. Featuring spectacular
alpine views and rocky terrain, Boulder Basin is sure to scratch your rock-crawling itch and
maybe even your 4x4.
Getting There
From camp, our group must travel almost 20 miles of highway while maintaining a speed of
55mph. Another 9 miles of improved dirt road must be traversed before the challenge begins.
Your Trail Leader will stop at Ranger Creek Campground to air down and offer the restroom
facilities.
Trail Details
The trail begins with a bumpy decent into Shell Reservoir where conditions begin to deteriorate.
After climbing again to 9,200ft., we pass Adelaide Lake and Mud Lake where breaks in the
timber reveal spectacular views of alpine rock formations in every direction.
The first obstacle, The Chute offers two difficult lines. The harder of the two demands rocker
protection and a near perfect exit line to avoid winching. This obstacle will also serve as our
lunch spot to ensure everyone has a chance to explore and enjoy the scenery. After lunch, we
cross Buckley Creek and tip-toe along the Cloud Peak Wilderness boundary to over 9,800ft.
Numerous rocky sections including an optional Ledge obstacle will challenge the entire group
before returning to camp.
Rating
More Difficult - Suitable for modified four-wheel drive vehicles. At least one locking
differential and aggressive tires may be necessary. Two optional obstacles demand the best
equipment and a very skilled driver. Shell Creek can exceed 30” deep during heavy runoff.
Stats
Trail: 12.1mi.
Round Trip: 70.10mi.
Max Elevation: 9,867ft.
Time: 6-8 Hours
Max Vehicles: 20
BMC Trail Ratings
Easy
Suitable for stock four-wheel drive vehicles. Low range may be helpful but not necessary when
dry. Minimal erosion may require careful tire placement in some areas.
Moderate
Suitable for some stock, high clearance four-wheel drive vehicles. Low range is required and
aggressive tires are preferred. Mild erosion, loose rocks and water crossings may exist.
More Difficult
Suitable for modified four-wheel drive vehicles. At least one locking differential and aggressive
tires may be necessary. Larger rocks and deep water crossings may be impassable during runoff.
Most Difficult*
Highly modified four-wheel drive vehicles only. Locking differentials, tall tires and body/skid
protection is mandatory. Significant erosion, large rocks and deep water crossings are likely.
*Not currently offered as part of the BMC Summer Safari.
Overview
For those arriving on Thursday – We kick off the Summer Safari with an epic sunset run along a
short, scenic loop with spectacular views of Twin Buttes and the North Tongue valley. Open
meadows with crystal clear streams provide the perfect habitat for large game to congregate at
sunset. A short trip back to camp ensures a reasonable bed time.
Getting There
Our closest destination, the trailhead is located only about a mile from camp. Due to the close
proximity, tire pressure adjustments will be made at camp prior to departing. Restroom facilities
are not available along this route.
Trail Details
The Nickle Creek trail starts immediately after turning off the highway and winds through a
dense lodgepole forest. The trail eventually opens up to the North Tongue River to reveal the
river below and Skull Ridge above. After winding back to the west, a viewpoint of Twin Buttes
is a great place to stop for photos of the sunset. From there, the trail descends into and crosses
shallow Nickle Creek before a moderate climb back into to the timber. A couple of spur trails
leave the main loop and may also be explored if time allows. After eventually closing the loop, a
well trained eye can spot an abandoned nickel mine site atop the rock outcrop to the East.
Rating
Easy - Suitable for stock four-wheel drive vehicles. Low range may be helpful but not necessary
when dry. Shallow mud holes and creek crossings are expected until late summer.
Stats
Trail: 7.4mi.
Round Trip: 9.2mi.
Max Elevation: 7,808ft.
Time: 1-2 Hours
Max Vehicles: N/A
Highway to Heaven (Easy)
Overview
Variety is the strong point of this route which begins with a scenic ascent from Burgess Junction
to Freeze Out Point. Then, a 1,500ft decent down the face of the mountain reveals massive
views of the entire Tongue River Valley below. Highway to Heaven offers the best view of
Montana from Wyoming.
Getting There
From camp, our group must travel about 4 miles of highway while maintaining a speed of
55mph. From there, 3 miles of improved dirt road leads to the trailhead. Your Trail Leader will
stop at North Tongue River Campground to air down and offer the restroom facilities.
Trail Details
The Highway to Heaven trail starts by climbing quickly out of the valley where impressive views
over the Burgess area are seen almost immediately. The trail turns off to follow the Hay Creek
drainage which is under constant conflict between erosion and repair. The Fool Creek crossing
is a great place for a splash before a steep climb back to the main road again. The trail continues
to climb as the improved road worsens on the ascent to Freeze Out Point. At over 8,200ft, a
nearly 360° view of the Bighorn landscape can be enjoyed. The route then descends the face of
the mountain where lunch can be enjoyed with an unobstructed view of the entire Tongue River
Valley including Parkman, WY and parts of Montana to the North. Once the main trail has been
rejoined, the route then follows rugged Sheep Creek back to the improved road.
Rating
Easy - Suitable for stock four-wheel drive vehicles. Low range may be helpful but not necessary
when dry. Remnants of spring snow storms may create more difficult conditions than outlined
here.
Stats
Trail: 18.9mi.
Round Trip: 38.6mi.
Max Elevation: 8,231ft.
Time: 4-6 Hours
Max Vehicles: 30
Wagon Box (Easy)
Overview
A relaxing and scenic trail that follows the Half-Ounce Creek drainage into the bottom of Wagon
Box Canyon and back. Enjoy spectacular views of Boyd Ridge, Bald Mountain and Little Baldy.
Getting There
From camp, our group must travel about 22 miles of highway while maintaining a speed of
55mph. Another half-mile of improved dirt road leads to the trailhead nearby. Your trail leader
will stop here to air down. Restroom facilities are not available along this route.
Trail Details
The Wagon Box Trail starts at an elevation of 9,200ft. and descends over 2,300ft. into Wagon
Box Canyon by way of Half-Ounce Creek. The scenery is the highlight of the day and begins
long before 4-Wheel Drive is needed. The Bald Mountain and Boyd Ridge area of the Bighorn
National Forest offers some of the best big-game hunting in North America. As such, the
likelihood of spotting Rocky Mountain Elk and Moose is as great here as anywhere. A Lunch
stop near the confluence of Wagon Box Creek and the Little Big Horn River, provide plenty of
opportunity for site seeing and even wetting a line.
Rating
Easy - Suitable for stock four-wheel drive vehicles. Low range may be helpful but not necessary
when dry. Remnants of spring snow storms may create more difficult conditions than outlined
here.
Stats
Trail: 16.9mi.
Round Trip: 69.6mi.
Max Elevation: 9,623ft.
Time: 4-6 Hours
Max Vehicles: 30
Woodchuck Pass (Moderate)
Overview
A local favorite, Woodchuck pass combines a steep technical ascent with high alpine views for
the ultimate day trip. This high altitude trail serves as the cutoff between Shell Creek and Red
Grade Road. Woodchuck Pass itself exceeds 9,600ft in elevation. Anyone looking for a
moderate challenge and high mountain scenery will enjoy a day on Woodchuck Pass.
Getting There
From camp, our group must travel almost 20 miles of highway while maintaining a speed of
55mph. From there, 3 miles of improved dirt road lead to the trailhead. Your Trail Leader will
stop at Ranger Creek Campground to air down and offer the restroom facilities.
Trail Details
The trailhead is located near the Shell Creek Ranger Station and rapidly ascends a rocky hillside
where erosion and loose rocks require careful tire placement. Farther up the trail, a recent blow
down area has narrowed the trail enough drivers of full size vehicles should pay close attention.
A series of water crossings at Willett Creek provide a great opportunity for photo opportunities as
the depth is generally over 24” deep. As the trail climbs out of the valley, the high alpine rock
formations of Cloud Peak Wilderness begin to appear and soon after the trail climbs above the
tree line at 9,000ft. Woodchuck Pass makes for a great place to stop for lunch and explore the
area between Bruce Mountain and Dome Peak. A stop at the historic Tie Flume on the way back
to camp offers a chance for more exploration and fun.
Rating
Moderate - Suitable for some stock, high clearance four-wheel drive vehicles. Low range is
required and aggressive tires are preferred. Willett Creek can exceed 30” deep during heavy
runoff.
Stats
Trail: 10.5mi.
Round Trip: 51.6mi.
Max Elevation: 9,615ft.
Time: 4-6 Hours
Max Vehicles: 30
Prospector Trail (Moderate)
Overview
This route tours an area of the Bighorns originally developed for mineral exploration as early as
1891. Much of the route chosen follows the original wagon tracks to the Taylor and Walker
Mine sites. Although few remnants remain today, it is easy to visualize the mining camps where
so much of our local folklore occurred.
Getting There
From camp, our group will travel 6 miles of highway while maintaining a speed of 55mph.
Another 6 miles of dirt road lead to the first trailhead. Your trail leader will stop here to air
down. Restroom facilities are not available along this route.
Trail Details
Once off the highway, the trail enters the densely wooded area along Black Mountain Road.
When breaks in the timber do occur, views of Black Mountain, Big Mountain and Lookout
Mountain in the distance may be enjoyed. After leaving the comfort of the improved road, the
trail climbs a rocky ascent toward Lookout Mountain and our first stop of the day. Participants
should expect short hikes to get the full benefit of the tour. Backtracking down, the second stop
is located at the original Taylor Mine site. From there, our group will set out on the final leg of
the trail enroute to the Walker Mine site and our lunch spot for the day. Time for short hikes and
exploration will be provided before returning to camp.
Rating
Moderate - Suitable for some stock, high clearance four-wheel drive vehicles. Low range is
required and aggressive tires are preferred. Expect a loose, rocky climb with a few small ledges.
Stats
Trail: 20.0mi.
Round Trip: 45.0mi.
Max Elevation: 9,418ft.
Time: 4-6 Hours
Max Vehicles: 30
Westin Reservoir & Game Creek (More Difficult)
Overview
This route combines our two favorite trails off Red Grade for a great day of 4Wheeling. The
Westin Reservoir trail is tight and windy with rugged terrain just technical enough to be
interesting, but not overwhelming. The second section follows Game Creek down a steep, rocky
decent into Walker Prairie.
Getting There
From camp, our group must travel about 8 miles of highway while maintaining a speed of
55mph. From there, another 23 miles of improved dirt road must be traversed before the fun
begins. Your Trail Leader will stop at Tie Flume Campground to air down and offer the
restroom facilities.
Trail Details
The Westin Reservoir trail begins as a well maintained logging road and changes quickly after
the first creek crossing. As the trail narrows, exposed tree roots and mossy granite add to the
technicality making tire placement critical to avoid damage. Tree limbs threaten shiny paint
throughout the trail. Although no major obstacles are present on Westin, the likelihood of
standing water and snowpack through the summer creates challenging conditions for most.
Game Creek trail departs Red Grade in the opposite direction and descends the mountain face
steeply into Walker Prairie. The trail is under the constant conflict of erosion and repair but
always offers a challenge in the last half-mile before arriving at the West Fork of Big Goose
Creek for lunch. After arriving at the foot bridge, visitors are rewarded with spectacular views of
She-Bear and Walker Mountain.
Rating
More Difficult - Suitable for modified four-wheel drive vehicles. At least one locking
differential and aggressive tires may be necessary. Tire placement is critical to avoid sections of
sharp granite rocks and exposed roots.
Stats
Trail: 18.4mi.
Round Trip: 81.5mi.
Max Elevation: 9,321ft.
Time: 4-6 Hours
Max Vehicles: 20
Boulder Basin (More Difficult)
Overview
Well known as the toughest trail on the Bighorn, Boulder Basin is a challenging trail that tours
the high mountain lakes at the base of the Cloud Peak Wilderness area. Featuring spectacular
alpine views and rocky terrain, Boulder Basin is sure to scratch your rock-crawling itch and
maybe even your 4x4.
Getting There
From camp, our group must travel almost 20 miles of highway while maintaining a speed of
55mph. Another 9 miles of improved dirt road must be traversed before the challenge begins.
Your Trail Leader will stop at Ranger Creek Campground to air down and offer the restroom
facilities.
Trail Details
The trail begins with a bumpy decent into Shell Reservoir where conditions begin to deteriorate.
After climbing again to 9,200ft., we pass Adelaide Lake and Mud Lake where breaks in the
timber reveal spectacular views of alpine rock formations in every direction.
The first obstacle, The Chute offers two difficult lines. The harder of the two demands rocker
protection and a near perfect exit line to avoid winching. This obstacle will also serve as our
lunch spot to ensure everyone has a chance to explore and enjoy the scenery. After lunch, we
cross Buckley Creek and tip-toe along the Cloud Peak Wilderness boundary to over 9,800ft.
Numerous rocky sections including an optional Ledge obstacle will challenge the entire group
before returning to camp.
Rating
More Difficult - Suitable for modified four-wheel drive vehicles. At least one locking
differential and aggressive tires may be necessary. Two optional obstacles demand the best
equipment and a very skilled driver. Shell Creek can exceed 30” deep during heavy runoff.
Stats
Trail: 12.1mi.
Round Trip: 70.10mi.
Max Elevation: 9,867ft.
Time: 6-8 Hours
Max Vehicles: 20
BMC Trail Ratings
Easy
Suitable for stock four-wheel drive vehicles. Low range may be helpful but not necessary when
dry. Minimal erosion may require careful tire placement in some areas.
Moderate
Suitable for some stock, high clearance four-wheel drive vehicles. Low range is required and
aggressive tires are preferred. Mild erosion, loose rocks and water crossings may exist.
More Difficult
Suitable for modified four-wheel drive vehicles. At least one locking differential and aggressive
tires may be necessary. Larger rocks and deep water crossings may be impassable during runoff.
Most Difficult*
Highly modified four-wheel drive vehicles only. Locking differentials, tall tires and body/skid
protection is mandatory. Significant erosion, large rocks and deep water crossings are likely.
*Not currently offered as part of the BMC Summer Safari.