Nickle Creek – Sunset Run (Easy)
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
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
Wagon Box (Easy)
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 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 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: 69.6mi.
Max Elevation: 9,623ft.
Time: 4-6 Hours
Max Vehicles: 20
Restrooms: None
Prospector Trail (Easy)
Overview
Explores an area originally developed for mining exploration in the early 1890’s.
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.
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: 12.1mi.
Round Trip: 24.1mi.
Max Elevation: 9,418ft.
Time: 4-6 Hours
Max Vehicles: 20
Restrooms: None
Riley Point (Moderate)
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.
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
Max Vehicles: 20
Restrooms: North Tongue Campground
Cutler Creek (Moderate)
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 former townsite of Rockwood. 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
Time: 1-2 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)
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 repair but always offers a challenge in the last half-mile before arriving at the West Fork of Big Goose Creek 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.
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
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
Cattle Drive (Difficult)
Overview
Stay tuned....details to come!
Getting There
Trail Details
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
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.
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
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
Wagon Box (Easy)
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 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 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: 69.6mi.
Max Elevation: 9,623ft.
Time: 4-6 Hours
Max Vehicles: 20
Restrooms: None
Prospector Trail (Easy)
Overview
Explores an area originally developed for mining exploration in the early 1890’s.
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.
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: 12.1mi.
Round Trip: 24.1mi.
Max Elevation: 9,418ft.
Time: 4-6 Hours
Max Vehicles: 20
Restrooms: None
Riley Point (Moderate)
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.
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
Max Vehicles: 20
Restrooms: North Tongue Campground
Cutler Creek (Moderate)
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 former townsite of Rockwood. 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
Time: 1-2 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)
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 repair but always offers a challenge in the last half-mile before arriving at the West Fork of Big Goose Creek 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.
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
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
Cattle Drive (Difficult)
Overview
Stay tuned....details to come!
Getting There
Trail Details
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
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.