Montana Off-Road Trails

Located near Kalispell, in the Flathead National Forest of northwest Montana, Blacktail OHV Trail is unlike any other trail you will find in a National Forest. Designated as a National Recreation Trail in 1979, it was not until the 2000's that members from two local 4-wheel drive clubs were given the "OK" to create numerous manmade "challenge features" along several forest roads that now make up the three legs of the Blacktail-Wild Bill ORV Trail system. This trail system is the northernmost Jeep Badge of Honor (BOH) trail and by far the most unique trail system in Montana. Jeep owners from across the country might visit this area mainly in summer, but don't be fooled. Even during the winter, this area is a 4-wheeler's paradise.

Located west of Kalispell, in the Flathead National Forest of northwest Montana, Wild Bill-Eagle Mountain is part of a unique trail system, unlike any other trail system you will find in a National Forest. Designated as a National Recreation Trail in 1979, it was not until the 2000's that members from two local 4-wheel drive clubs were given the "OK" to create numerous manmade "challenge features" along several forest roads that now make up the three legs of the Blacktail-Wild Bill ORV Trail system. Obstacles range from natural rock ledges and deep mud holes to huge tractor tires and giant logs. Wild Bill-Eagle Mountain is the perfect place to take groups of both beginners and hard-core wheelers. Jeep owners from across the country might visit this area mainly in summer, but don't be fooled. Even during the winter, this area is an off-roader's playground. This trail system is the northernmost Jeep Badge of Honor (BOH) trail, and by far the most unique trail system Jeep has recognized.

Located in the Boulder Hills, about 30 minutes south of Helena, Wickes Road takes travelers down a historic stretch of road showcasing the rich mining history and railroad history that helped build western Montana. The trail offers a rare opportunity to traverse a 130-plus-year-old abandoned train tunnel, pass through once booming mining towns, and traverse open grassy hillsides now populated chiefly by cattle. If making a trip between Butte and Helena, be sure to make a slight detour down a road that is definitely an adventure of a lifetime that won't be around forever.

Located near Kalispell, in the Flathead National Forest of northwest Montana, Upper Dayton Creek OHV Trail is part of a unique trail system unlike any other one in a National Forest. Designated as a National Recreation Trail in 1979, it was not until the 2000's that members from two local 4-wheel drive clubs were given the "OK" to create numerous manmade "challenge features" along several forest roads that now make up the three legs of the Blacktail-Wild Bill ORV Trail system. This trail system is the northernmost Jeep Badge of Honor (BOH) trail, and by far the most unique trail system Jeep has recognized. Obstacles include natural rock ledges, deep machine cut holes, large tractor tires, and huge logs. Jeep owners from across the country might visit this area mainly in summer, but don't be fooled. Even during the winter, this area is an off-roader's fun house.

Elk Lake is one of those out-of-the-way mountain lakes that many of us know for great fishing and some old-school social distancing. Hidden Lake and Elk Lake below are both spring-fed with crystal clear waters. Whether you're planning a wedding at Elk Lake Resort or want to escape the crowds and enjoy some fishing at these remote lakes, this trail has something for you.

The first part of this trail is located in the Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge. This area is popular for birders and photographers wanting to photograph the once nearly extinct Trumpeter Swans. The remaining half of this trail is in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, the largest national forest in Montana, covering 3.35 million acres.

Conklin Lake Trail is one of those trails that hardly anyone knows with beautiful views of Hidden Lake and the surrounding mountains. This trail is located in the Beaverhead National Forest near the Continental Divide and the Montana Idaho border, and close to the west entrance to Yellowstone National Park. In July, the wildflowers are in full bloom, making the grassy fields full of color and swaying like ocean waves in the wind. Over the fields are snow-capped mountain peaks, birds, grasshoppers, and the famous Montana "Big Sky."

Located in the Flathead National Forest, just south of Kila, Wild Bill-Truman Creek is a lesser know trail within the Blacktail-Wild Bill ORV trail system. This road is a leisurely drive through a narrow, thick forest. Its lack of popularity results in plenty of solitude, with all of the popular trails still within a stone's throw, reachable by one f the many connecting spurs. Use this road to connect the Wild Bill and Blacktail trailheads without running into big groups attempting to take on big obstacles.

Contour Road is located in the Custer Gallatin National Forest just 20 minutes west of West Yellowstone, Montana, and the west entrance to Yellowstone National Park. Custer Gallatin National Forest is one of the most ecologically diverse landscapes in the region and covers more than 3.1 million acres. This road does as the name implies, climbing nearly 1500 feet along the mountain's contours for six miles. Contour Road ends near the 7900 feet elevation mark and offers incredible views from 1500 feet above Hebgen Lake, the highest vantage point of Hebgen Lake accessible by vehicle. Contour Road is not often traveled. The only noises you're going to hear up high on this trail are the bugling of elk, the screeching of birds, and the wind whispering through the treetops.

Big Bear Lake Road is a short but rewarding high-clearance 4WD trail in the Gallatin Range south of Bozeman that offers a rocky, steadily climbing route through the forest to a peaceful alpine lake. Though not especially long, the trail feels more rugged than a typical forest road, with rougher, steeper sections as you gain elevation, making it a good fit for drivers looking for a moderate off-road outing with a scenic destination. At the halfway point, Big Bear Lake provides opportunities for fishing, relaxing by the shoreline, camping at nearby dispersed sites, and enjoying quiet mountain scenery, making this a great choice for a half-day or overnight adventure during the summer and fall seasons.

West Fork Denny Creek Trail is located near West Yellowstone, Montana, in the Custer Gallatin National Forest. This trail offers access to the popular hiking trail to Lionshead Peak, six excellent campsites just feet from the West Fork Denny Creek, and the highest vantage point accessible by a stock SUV overlooking Yellowstone National Park and Hebgen Lake. This area offers something for everyone, including views of the stars without the city lights, stunning wildflowers, fresh mountain air, and crystal clear streams.