Nickle Creek
Overview
A short, scenic loop with spectacular views of Twin Buttes and the North Tongue valley.
Getting There
Nickle Creek Trailhead is located right off US-14, 2.5 miles from Burgess Junction.
Trail Details
The Nickle Creek trail starts immediately after turning off the highway and winds through a lodgepole forest before opening up to reveal the river below and Skull Ridge above. Farther on, the trail provides multiple vantage points of Twin Buttes and eventually 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 under dry conditions. Low range may be helpful but not necessary when dry. Undergoes regular maintenance but may require careful tire placement in some areas. Water crossings are generally shallow but may be impassable during periods of heavy runoff.
Stats
Type: Loop | Trail: 7.4mi. | Round Trip: 12.4 mi. | Max Elevation: 7,808ft. | Time: 1-2 Hours | Max Vehicles: 20 | Restrooms: None
Wagon Box
Overview
A relaxing trail that follows Half-Ounce Creek into the bottom of Wagon Box Canyon and back.
Getting There
The Wagon Box Trailhead is located off US-14, about 19 miles West of Burgess Junction.
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 area is rich with large game and likelihood of spotting Rocky Mountain Elk and Moose is as great here as anywhere. A Lunch stop at the Little Big Horn River, is a great place for site seeing and even wetting a line.
Rating
Easy - Suitable for stock four-wheel drive vehicles under dry conditions. Low range may be helpful but not necessary when dry. Undergoes regular maintenance but may require careful tire placement in some areas. Water crossings are generally shallow but may be impassable during periods of heavy runoff.
Stats
Type: Out and Back | Trail: 16.9mi. | Round Trip: 52.9mi. | Max Elevation: 9,623ft. | Time: 4-6 Hours | Max Vehicles: 20 | Restrooms: None
Highway to Heaven (Hell if it raining)
Overview
Variety is the strong point of this route which offers the best view of Montana from Wyoming.
Getting There
The Highway to Heaven Trailhead is located off Freeze-out Road, 3 miles North of Burgess Junction.
Trail Details
The Highway to Heaven trail starts by climbing quickly out of the valley where impressive views over the Burgess area are seen immediately. The Fool Creek crossing is a great place for a splash before a steep climb to Freeze Out Point. 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 under dry conditions. Low range may be helpful but not necessary when dry. Undergoes regular maintenance but may require careful tire placement in some areas. Water crossings are generally shallow but may be impassable during periods of heavy runoff.
Stats
Type: Loop | Trail: 18.9mi. | Round Trip: 31.6mi. | Max Elevation: 8,231ft. | Time: 4-6 Hours | Max Vehicles: 20 | Restrooms: North Tongue Campground
Horse Creek Mesa
Overview
Details to Come
Getting There
Details to Come
Trail Details
Details to Come
Rating
Easy - Suitable for stock four-wheel drive vehicles under dry conditions. Low range may be helpful but not necessary when dry. Undergoes regular maintenance but may require careful tire placement in some areas. Water crossings are generally shallow but may be impassable during periods of heavy runoff.
Stats
Out and Back | Trail: 11.6 mi. | Round Trip: 46.4mi. | Max Elevation: 7,950 ft. | Time: 4-6 Hours | Max Vehicles: 20 | Restrooms: None
Riley Point
Overview
A fun climb up the Dry Fork Ridge that offers one of the biggest views on the Bighorn Mountains.
Getting There
The Riley Point Trailhead is located off Freeze-out Road, about 11 miles North of Burgess Junction.
Details
The trail to Riley Point starts with an intimidating look up at the first mile which happens to be the most challenging. Impassable when wet, the initial climb is steep with some loose rocks and ruts early in the year. The steep ascent levels off once into the trees and then joins the rim of Dry Fork Ridge at Riley Point where a panoramic view of of Black Mountain, Cloud Peak, Black Tooth and Bomber Mountains in the distance with West Pass immediately below await. The route loops back to the main road by way of muddy Sawmill Flats.
Rating
Moderate - Suitable for some stock, high clearance four-wheel drive vehicles under dry conditions. Low range is required and oversized (33”+) tires are preferred. Occasional maintenance ensures that no significant obstacles are present. Water crossings may be impassable during periods of heavy runoff.
Stats
Type: Through | Trail: 11.9mi. | Round Trip: 36.4mi. | Max Elevation: 8,585ft. | Time: 2-4 Hours | Max Vehicles: 20 | Restrooms: None
Woodchuck Pass
Overview
Woodchuck pass combines steep ascents, water crossings and high alpine views for the ultimate day trip.
Getting There
The Woodchuck Pass Trailhead is located at Ranger Creek, 19 miles South of Burgess Junction.
Trail Details
The trail starts with a rocky ascent through a fresh blowdown where erosion and loose rocks require careful tire placement. A series of water crossings at Willett Creek provide great opportunities for photos as the depth is generally over 24”. As the trail climbs out of the valley
and above 9,000ft, the high alpine rock formations of Cloud Peak Wilderness Area begin to appear. Woodchuck Pass makes for a great place to stop for lunch and explore the area between Bruce Mountain and Dome Peak before returning to camp.
Rating
Moderate - Suitable for some stock, high clearance four-wheel drive vehicles under dry conditions. Low range is required and oversized (33”+) tires are preferred. Occasional maintenance ensures that no significant obstacles are present. Water crossings may be impassable During periods of heavy runoff.
Stats
Type: Through | Trail: 10.5mi. | Round Trip: 51.6mi. | Max Elevation: 9,615ft. | Time: 4-6 Hours |Max Vehicles: 20 | Restrooms: Shell Creek Campground
Cutler Creek
Overview
Cutler Creek is a short, rocky decent into the Tongue River and ends at the Rockwood townsite.
Getting There
The Cutler Creek Trailhead is located off US-14, 10 miles East of Burgess Junction.
Trail Details
Also called Rockwood locally, the trail departs from a gravel parking area overlooking Steamboat Point. The trail quickly enters the trees and crosses shallow Cutler Creek multiple times along the decent. The trail steepens and worsens farther down before joining the Tongue River. From there, the trail meanders up river through the Rockwood townsite. Although no structures remain, remnants of the Tie Flume can be found on foot in this area. The trail returns out the same way which can require a careful line for stock vehicles.
Rating
Moderate - Suitable for some stock, high clearance four-wheel drive vehicles under dry conditions. Low range is required and oversized (33”+) tires are preferred. Occasional maintenance ensures that no significant obstacles are present. Water crossings may be impassable during periods of heavy runoff.
Stats
Type: Out and Back | Trail: 3.7mi. | Round Trip: 23.1mi. | Max Elevation: 7,950 ft. | Time: 1-2 Hours | Max Vehicles: 20 | Restrooms: None
Game Creek
Overview
A short, fun out and back trail with a steep decent down to the West Fork of Little Goose Creek.
Getting There
Game Creek Trail is located off Red Grade Road, about 28 miles from Burgess Junction.
Trail Details
Game Creek leaves Red Grade Road and begins as a gradual climb that steepens and becomes more rocky before descending most of the way. Nearby springs mean that some sections of this trail stay muddy throughout the year however the worst holes may easily be avoided. Farther on, the route passes through several open meadows that allow for views of Walker Prairie and She-Bear Mountain ahead. 4 miles into the trail, the difficulty is turned up a notch while descending steeply down a rocky and off-camber section before arriving at the West Fork for lunch. The climb out can be an exceptional challenge for some vehicles, especially when wet.
Rating
Moderate - Suitable for some stock, high clearance four-wheel drive vehicles under dry conditions. Low range is required and oversized (33”+) tires are preferred. Occasional maintenance ensures that no significant obstacles are present. Water crossings may be impassable during periods of heavy runoff.
Stats
Type: Out and Back | Trail: 9.5mi. | Round Trip: 63.5mi. | Max Elevation: 9,337ft. | Time: 6-8 Hours | Max Vehicles: 20 | Restrooms: Coney Creek Trailhead
Little Goose Falls
Overview
Little Goose Falls is the destination while a rocky loop with spectacular scenery is the adventure.
Getting There
The Little Goose Falls Trailhead is located off Red Grade Road, 35 miles Southeast of Burgess Junction
Trail Details
Little Goose Falls is a natural waterfall on the East Fork of Little Goose Creek and serves as our primary destination and lunch spot. A steep 0.3 mile hike from the trail is required to see the falls. The trailhead starts after traversing over 35 miles of scenic Red Grade Road. From there, the trail gradually worsens and crosses notorious Little Goose Creek before climbing into picturesque Granite Park. If time and snowmelt allow, we will ascend the steep boulder field to the Stockwell Mine following lunch. The trail narrows and joins the Cross Creek drainage passing Park Reservoir before returning to the improved road.
Rating
Moderate - Suitable for some stock, high clearance four-wheel drive vehicles under dry conditions. Low range is required and oversized (33”+) tires are preferred. Occasional maintenance ensures that no significant obstacles are present. Water crossings may be impassable during periods of heavy runoff.
Stats
Type: Loop | Trail: 20.8mi. | Round Trip: 85.3mi. | Max Elevation: 9,335ft. | Time: 6-8 Hours | Max Vehicles: 20 | Restrooms: Coney Creek Trailhead
Boulder Basin
Overview
Known as the toughest in the Bighorns, Boulder Basin is a challenging trail that tours the high mountain lakes and boulder fields beneath Cloud Peak Wilderness area.
Getting There
Boulder Basin Trailhead is located about 26 miles South of Burgess Junction off Paintrock Road.
Trail Details
The trail begins with a bumpy decent into Shell Reservoir where conditions begin to deteriorate. The trail passes Adelaide Lake where views of alpine rock formations are in every direction.
The first obstacle 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 and a few more optional obstacles will challenge the entire group.
Rating
Difficult - Suitable for modified, high clearance four-wheel drive vehicles. Large (35”+) tires and differential lockers are recommended but may not be necessary for skilled drivers. Rare trail maintenance provides large ledges and rock obstacles which may not be legally bypassed. Vehicle damage is possible and drivers must be prepared to self-recover.
Stats
Type: Loop | Trail: 12.1mi. | Round Trip: 64.1mi. | Max Elevation: 9,867ft. | Time: 6-8 Hours |Max Vehicles: 20 | Restrooms: Shell Creek Campground
Overview
A short, scenic loop with spectacular views of Twin Buttes and the North Tongue valley.
Getting There
Nickle Creek Trailhead is located right off US-14, 2.5 miles from Burgess Junction.
Trail Details
The Nickle Creek trail starts immediately after turning off the highway and winds through a lodgepole forest before opening up to reveal the river below and Skull Ridge above. Farther on, the trail provides multiple vantage points of Twin Buttes and eventually 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 under dry conditions. Low range may be helpful but not necessary when dry. Undergoes regular maintenance but may require careful tire placement in some areas. Water crossings are generally shallow but may be impassable during periods of heavy runoff.
Stats
Type: Loop | Trail: 7.4mi. | Round Trip: 12.4 mi. | Max Elevation: 7,808ft. | Time: 1-2 Hours | Max Vehicles: 20 | Restrooms: None
Wagon Box
Overview
A relaxing trail that follows Half-Ounce Creek into the bottom of Wagon Box Canyon and back.
Getting There
The Wagon Box Trailhead is located off US-14, about 19 miles West of Burgess Junction.
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 area is rich with large game and likelihood of spotting Rocky Mountain Elk and Moose is as great here as anywhere. A Lunch stop at the Little Big Horn River, is a great place for site seeing and even wetting a line.
Rating
Easy - Suitable for stock four-wheel drive vehicles under dry conditions. Low range may be helpful but not necessary when dry. Undergoes regular maintenance but may require careful tire placement in some areas. Water crossings are generally shallow but may be impassable during periods of heavy runoff.
Stats
Type: Out and Back | Trail: 16.9mi. | Round Trip: 52.9mi. | Max Elevation: 9,623ft. | Time: 4-6 Hours | Max Vehicles: 20 | Restrooms: None
Highway to Heaven (Hell if it raining)
Overview
Variety is the strong point of this route which offers the best view of Montana from Wyoming.
Getting There
The Highway to Heaven Trailhead is located off Freeze-out Road, 3 miles North of Burgess Junction.
Trail Details
The Highway to Heaven trail starts by climbing quickly out of the valley where impressive views over the Burgess area are seen immediately. The Fool Creek crossing is a great place for a splash before a steep climb to Freeze Out Point. 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 under dry conditions. Low range may be helpful but not necessary when dry. Undergoes regular maintenance but may require careful tire placement in some areas. Water crossings are generally shallow but may be impassable during periods of heavy runoff.
Stats
Type: Loop | Trail: 18.9mi. | Round Trip: 31.6mi. | Max Elevation: 8,231ft. | Time: 4-6 Hours | Max Vehicles: 20 | Restrooms: North Tongue Campground
Horse Creek Mesa
Overview
Details to Come
Getting There
Details to Come
Trail Details
Details to Come
Rating
Easy - Suitable for stock four-wheel drive vehicles under dry conditions. Low range may be helpful but not necessary when dry. Undergoes regular maintenance but may require careful tire placement in some areas. Water crossings are generally shallow but may be impassable during periods of heavy runoff.
Stats
Out and Back | Trail: 11.6 mi. | Round Trip: 46.4mi. | Max Elevation: 7,950 ft. | Time: 4-6 Hours | Max Vehicles: 20 | Restrooms: None
Riley Point
Overview
A fun climb up the Dry Fork Ridge that offers one of the biggest views on the Bighorn Mountains.
Getting There
The Riley Point Trailhead is located off Freeze-out Road, about 11 miles North of Burgess Junction.
Details
The trail to Riley Point starts with an intimidating look up at the first mile which happens to be the most challenging. Impassable when wet, the initial climb is steep with some loose rocks and ruts early in the year. The steep ascent levels off once into the trees and then joins the rim of Dry Fork Ridge at Riley Point where a panoramic view of of Black Mountain, Cloud Peak, Black Tooth and Bomber Mountains in the distance with West Pass immediately below await. The route loops back to the main road by way of muddy Sawmill Flats.
Rating
Moderate - Suitable for some stock, high clearance four-wheel drive vehicles under dry conditions. Low range is required and oversized (33”+) tires are preferred. Occasional maintenance ensures that no significant obstacles are present. Water crossings may be impassable during periods of heavy runoff.
Stats
Type: Through | Trail: 11.9mi. | Round Trip: 36.4mi. | Max Elevation: 8,585ft. | Time: 2-4 Hours | Max Vehicles: 20 | Restrooms: None
Woodchuck Pass
Overview
Woodchuck pass combines steep ascents, water crossings and high alpine views for the ultimate day trip.
Getting There
The Woodchuck Pass Trailhead is located at Ranger Creek, 19 miles South of Burgess Junction.
Trail Details
The trail starts with a rocky ascent through a fresh blowdown where erosion and loose rocks require careful tire placement. A series of water crossings at Willett Creek provide great opportunities for photos as the depth is generally over 24”. As the trail climbs out of the valley
and above 9,000ft, the high alpine rock formations of Cloud Peak Wilderness Area begin to appear. Woodchuck Pass makes for a great place to stop for lunch and explore the area between Bruce Mountain and Dome Peak before returning to camp.
Rating
Moderate - Suitable for some stock, high clearance four-wheel drive vehicles under dry conditions. Low range is required and oversized (33”+) tires are preferred. Occasional maintenance ensures that no significant obstacles are present. Water crossings may be impassable During periods of heavy runoff.
Stats
Type: Through | Trail: 10.5mi. | Round Trip: 51.6mi. | Max Elevation: 9,615ft. | Time: 4-6 Hours |Max Vehicles: 20 | Restrooms: Shell Creek Campground
Cutler Creek
Overview
Cutler Creek is a short, rocky decent into the Tongue River and ends at the Rockwood townsite.
Getting There
The Cutler Creek Trailhead is located off US-14, 10 miles East of Burgess Junction.
Trail Details
Also called Rockwood locally, the trail departs from a gravel parking area overlooking Steamboat Point. The trail quickly enters the trees and crosses shallow Cutler Creek multiple times along the decent. The trail steepens and worsens farther down before joining the Tongue River. From there, the trail meanders up river through the Rockwood townsite. Although no structures remain, remnants of the Tie Flume can be found on foot in this area. The trail returns out the same way which can require a careful line for stock vehicles.
Rating
Moderate - Suitable for some stock, high clearance four-wheel drive vehicles under dry conditions. Low range is required and oversized (33”+) tires are preferred. Occasional maintenance ensures that no significant obstacles are present. Water crossings may be impassable during periods of heavy runoff.
Stats
Type: Out and Back | Trail: 3.7mi. | Round Trip: 23.1mi. | Max Elevation: 7,950 ft. | Time: 1-2 Hours | Max Vehicles: 20 | Restrooms: None
Game Creek
Overview
A short, fun out and back trail with a steep decent down to the West Fork of Little Goose Creek.
Getting There
Game Creek Trail is located off Red Grade Road, about 28 miles from Burgess Junction.
Trail Details
Game Creek leaves Red Grade Road and begins as a gradual climb that steepens and becomes more rocky before descending most of the way. Nearby springs mean that some sections of this trail stay muddy throughout the year however the worst holes may easily be avoided. Farther on, the route passes through several open meadows that allow for views of Walker Prairie and She-Bear Mountain ahead. 4 miles into the trail, the difficulty is turned up a notch while descending steeply down a rocky and off-camber section before arriving at the West Fork for lunch. The climb out can be an exceptional challenge for some vehicles, especially when wet.
Rating
Moderate - Suitable for some stock, high clearance four-wheel drive vehicles under dry conditions. Low range is required and oversized (33”+) tires are preferred. Occasional maintenance ensures that no significant obstacles are present. Water crossings may be impassable during periods of heavy runoff.
Stats
Type: Out and Back | Trail: 9.5mi. | Round Trip: 63.5mi. | Max Elevation: 9,337ft. | Time: 6-8 Hours | Max Vehicles: 20 | Restrooms: Coney Creek Trailhead
Little Goose Falls
Overview
Little Goose Falls is the destination while a rocky loop with spectacular scenery is the adventure.
Getting There
The Little Goose Falls Trailhead is located off Red Grade Road, 35 miles Southeast of Burgess Junction
Trail Details
Little Goose Falls is a natural waterfall on the East Fork of Little Goose Creek and serves as our primary destination and lunch spot. A steep 0.3 mile hike from the trail is required to see the falls. The trailhead starts after traversing over 35 miles of scenic Red Grade Road. From there, the trail gradually worsens and crosses notorious Little Goose Creek before climbing into picturesque Granite Park. If time and snowmelt allow, we will ascend the steep boulder field to the Stockwell Mine following lunch. The trail narrows and joins the Cross Creek drainage passing Park Reservoir before returning to the improved road.
Rating
Moderate - Suitable for some stock, high clearance four-wheel drive vehicles under dry conditions. Low range is required and oversized (33”+) tires are preferred. Occasional maintenance ensures that no significant obstacles are present. Water crossings may be impassable during periods of heavy runoff.
Stats
Type: Loop | Trail: 20.8mi. | Round Trip: 85.3mi. | Max Elevation: 9,335ft. | Time: 6-8 Hours | Max Vehicles: 20 | Restrooms: Coney Creek Trailhead
Boulder Basin
Overview
Known as the toughest in the Bighorns, Boulder Basin is a challenging trail that tours the high mountain lakes and boulder fields beneath Cloud Peak Wilderness area.
Getting There
Boulder Basin Trailhead is located about 26 miles South of Burgess Junction off Paintrock Road.
Trail Details
The trail begins with a bumpy decent into Shell Reservoir where conditions begin to deteriorate. The trail passes Adelaide Lake where views of alpine rock formations are in every direction.
The first obstacle 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 and a few more optional obstacles will challenge the entire group.
Rating
Difficult - Suitable for modified, high clearance four-wheel drive vehicles. Large (35”+) tires and differential lockers are recommended but may not be necessary for skilled drivers. Rare trail maintenance provides large ledges and rock obstacles which may not be legally bypassed. Vehicle damage is possible and drivers must be prepared to self-recover.
Stats
Type: Loop | Trail: 12.1mi. | Round Trip: 64.1mi. | Max Elevation: 9,867ft. | Time: 6-8 Hours |Max Vehicles: 20 | Restrooms: Shell Creek Campground