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.
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.
Thursday--Evening Sunset Run
Riley Point (Moderate)
Overview
A fun climb up the Dry Fork Ridge that offers one of the biggest views on the Bighorn Mountains and an opportunity to view the best Sunset in the West.
Getting There
The Riley Point Trailhead is located off Freeze-out Road, about 11 miles North of Burgess Junction.
Trail 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: Loop
Trail: 11.9mi.
Round Trip: 36.4mi.
Max Elevation: 8,585ft
Time: 2-4 Hours
Restrooms: North Tongue Campground
Friday Trails
Prospector Trail (Moderate)
Overview
Explores areas originally developed for mining exploration in the early 1890’s. This trail is meant to help participants experience the history of mining in the Bighorn Mountains. Several underground mine sites will be visited, which requires short hikes. This will provide many opportunities for photos and finding mineral samples.
Getting There
The Prospector Trailhead is located off Black Mountain Road 12 miles from Burgess Junction.
Trail Details
This route tours the trail system interconnecting the Taylor and Walker Mines by leaving and rejoining Black Mountain Road several times along the way. When breaks in the timber do occur, drivers are awarded with views of Black Mountain, Big Mountain and Lookout Mountain in the distance. Participants should come prepared for short hikes to get the full benefit of the tour. The Walker Mine Townsite makes a great place to stop for lunch and and explore the remains of the sites where so much of our local folklore occurred. As an added bonus, the trail leader will teach participants how to gather samples and how to properly use a gold pan.
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: 12.1mi.
Round Trip: 24.1mi.
Max Elevation: 9,418ft.
Time: 4-6 Hours
Max Vehicles: 20
Restrooms: None
Woodchuck Pass (Moderate)
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: 8,231ft.
Time: 4-6 Hours
Max Vehicles: 20
Restrooms: Shell Creek Campground, Tie Flume Picnic Are
Weston Reservoir & Game Creek (Moderate to Difficult)
Overview
This route combines our two favorite trails off Red Grade for a great day of 4Wheeling
Getting There
The Weston Reservoir & Game Creek Trailheads are located off Red Grade Road, about 28 miles from Burgess Junction.
Trail Details
The Weston 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 make 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 this season has been a doozy. The last half-mile before arriving at the West Fork of Big Goose Creek will get your attention! Once we're at the creek, we'll stop for lunch
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.
Difficult (Bottom of Game Creek)- 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: Out and Back
Trail: 18.4mi.
Round Trip: 75.0mi.
Max Elevation: 9,321ft.
Time: 6-8 Hours
Max Vehicles: 20
Restrooms: Coney Creek Trailhead
Saturday Trails
Highway to Heaven (Easy)
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
Little Goose Falls (Moderate)
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 (Difficult)
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
Sunday Trail
GeoCaching Run (Easy)
Overview
End your Summer Safari experience with an easy drive through picturesque scenery & use your GPS to find a prize.
Getting There
Take US14A West from Bear Lodge 22.8 miles to the start of Dayton Gulch (USFS 15) trail.
Trail Details
This run is optional for everyone. But anyone wanting to extend the safari by a day with a self guided trail & chance at geocache prizes is encouraged to try it out. You'll be given GPS coordinates of a location, which could be up to 4 miles off of the Dayton Gulch loop. Your job will be to figure out which trail gets you to the cache, where one of our trail guides will be handing out prizes. Then the route home will be along Dayton Gulch road back to Burgess Junction/Bear Lodge.
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: 41.0 mi.
Round Trip: 48.0 mi.
Max Elevation: 8,200ft.
Time: 3-4 Hours
Restrooms: None
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.
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.
Thursday--Evening Sunset Run
Riley Point (Moderate)
Overview
A fun climb up the Dry Fork Ridge that offers one of the biggest views on the Bighorn Mountains and an opportunity to view the best Sunset in the West.
Getting There
The Riley Point Trailhead is located off Freeze-out Road, about 11 miles North of Burgess Junction.
Trail 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: Loop
Trail: 11.9mi.
Round Trip: 36.4mi.
Max Elevation: 8,585ft
Time: 2-4 Hours
Restrooms: North Tongue Campground
Friday Trails
Prospector Trail (Moderate)
Overview
Explores areas originally developed for mining exploration in the early 1890’s. This trail is meant to help participants experience the history of mining in the Bighorn Mountains. Several underground mine sites will be visited, which requires short hikes. This will provide many opportunities for photos and finding mineral samples.
Getting There
The Prospector Trailhead is located off Black Mountain Road 12 miles from Burgess Junction.
Trail Details
This route tours the trail system interconnecting the Taylor and Walker Mines by leaving and rejoining Black Mountain Road several times along the way. When breaks in the timber do occur, drivers are awarded with views of Black Mountain, Big Mountain and Lookout Mountain in the distance. Participants should come prepared for short hikes to get the full benefit of the tour. The Walker Mine Townsite makes a great place to stop for lunch and and explore the remains of the sites where so much of our local folklore occurred. As an added bonus, the trail leader will teach participants how to gather samples and how to properly use a gold pan.
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: 12.1mi.
Round Trip: 24.1mi.
Max Elevation: 9,418ft.
Time: 4-6 Hours
Max Vehicles: 20
Restrooms: None
Woodchuck Pass (Moderate)
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: 8,231ft.
Time: 4-6 Hours
Max Vehicles: 20
Restrooms: Shell Creek Campground, Tie Flume Picnic Are
Weston Reservoir & Game Creek (Moderate to Difficult)
Overview
This route combines our two favorite trails off Red Grade for a great day of 4Wheeling
Getting There
The Weston Reservoir & Game Creek Trailheads are located off Red Grade Road, about 28 miles from Burgess Junction.
Trail Details
The Weston 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 make 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 this season has been a doozy. The last half-mile before arriving at the West Fork of Big Goose Creek will get your attention! Once we're at the creek, we'll stop for lunch
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.
Difficult (Bottom of Game Creek)- 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: Out and Back
Trail: 18.4mi.
Round Trip: 75.0mi.
Max Elevation: 9,321ft.
Time: 6-8 Hours
Max Vehicles: 20
Restrooms: Coney Creek Trailhead
Saturday Trails
Highway to Heaven (Easy)
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
Little Goose Falls (Moderate)
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 (Difficult)
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
Sunday Trail
GeoCaching Run (Easy)
Overview
End your Summer Safari experience with an easy drive through picturesque scenery & use your GPS to find a prize.
Getting There
Take US14A West from Bear Lodge 22.8 miles to the start of Dayton Gulch (USFS 15) trail.
Trail Details
This run is optional for everyone. But anyone wanting to extend the safari by a day with a self guided trail & chance at geocache prizes is encouraged to try it out. You'll be given GPS coordinates of a location, which could be up to 4 miles off of the Dayton Gulch loop. Your job will be to figure out which trail gets you to the cache, where one of our trail guides will be handing out prizes. Then the route home will be along Dayton Gulch road back to Burgess Junction/Bear Lodge.
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: 41.0 mi.
Round Trip: 48.0 mi.
Max Elevation: 8,200ft.
Time: 3-4 Hours
Restrooms: None