Montana Off-Road Trails

Lima Dam Road takes you through the picturesque Centennial Valley, stretching from Lima on I-15 to the junction of North Valley Road and Blacktail Road. This easy trail offers pleasant scenery. Although the water in Lima Reservoir may not be suitable for swimming, remnants of cabins built around the same time as the dam in 1934, transport you back in time and ignite curiosity about life in this area a century ago. While camping is not available along this road, it serves as a gateway to numerous fantastic getaways along the Gravelly Range Road.

Cave Gulch Road is a narrow, steep point to point connector shelf road accessible May into December. If you have an oversized vehicle, proceed with caution. It is also part of Montana's Historic Garnet Mining Region. Rocky with small washouts in places, watch for sharp switchbacks and limited turnouts. Camping is allowed but challenging along this trail due to the shelf road. There is one nice camp spot with tremendous views in a large turn out with several existing fire rings.

Ultimately this trail ends in Garnet, Montana's best preserved Ghost Town also on the National Register of Historic Places. It is maintained by the Bureau of Land Management so there will be a small fee to explore if you choose to do so.

Deer Mountain Trail takes you through lush green fields adorned with seasonal wildflowers and intermittent sections of eerie forests before ascending to the summit at an elevation of 8399 feet. Offering offroaders fantastic vistas, this trail provides the highest viewpoint looking south and west towards the Centennial Mountains and Valley. A short hike off the main trail leads to Deer Mountain Peak, where visitors are greeted with postcard-worthy views of the towering Centennial Mountains against the backdrop of a brilliant blue sky. In the northern ravines, snow lingers throughout the year, adding to the allure of the landscape.

Looking westward, the trail offers excellent views of the Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge. The tranquil lakes mirror the sky and fluffy clouds, harmoniously set amidst grassy fields and meandering streams that wind through the valley.

While dispersed camping is allowed on USFS Lands, it's important to note that no obvious campsites are found along this trail. Half of the trail lies within Montana State Land, where camping regulations are not clearly posted. For the best camping options in the area, consider Waypoint 9 on Conklin Lake Trail or along Elk Lake in the valley below.

1700 is an out-and-back trail running 13 miles south of West Yellowstone along the western edge of Yellowstone National Park. The northern half has about a dozen campsites, all easy to access from the road. Most sites are suitable for one or two vehicles, with a larger one farther south that's perfect for a big group.

Near the southern end of the trail is the Yellowstone Obsidian Outcrop, a neat little geological spot.

About two-thirds down the trail, at the western end of the only meadow this trail overlooks, you'll find Whitman's Cabin. There isn't any info on this place besides a mention on a 1960s topo map.

Overall, 1700 is an easy trail for those looking for camping access, cool geology, and a touch of history.

Little Bear B Road runs 1 mile into the Gallatin Mountain Range connecting to Little Bear Road. The trail is moderately difficult. However, the trail becomes more difficult after significant rain. The trail is bumpy, with deep ruts requiring high ground clearance.

This trail has nice views and a large meadow full of flowers with several campsites, one of which is near a small pond. There's plenty of wildlife in the wooded area of the trail, where there are two additional campsites, one at the end of the trail right next to a large stream with a small waterfall.

Overall this trail is good for someone willing to take a harder route for nice views or a quieter camping location.

Two main dirt roads cross through the Red Rock Lake National Wildlife Refuge, with North Valley Road being less traveled. The road offers several connecting trails to extend the time away from blacktop and "civilization" as long as one would like.  While North Valley Road is most often used as a connector trail, the endless views make it a great drive on its own.  

Camping is prohibited along this trail, but many campsites and Forest Service cabins are available on connecting trails. On the east side are campsites along Elk Lake and Elk Lake Road. To the north are endless camping possibilities once atop Gravelly Range Drive.

Garnet Range Road takes you to historic Garnet, Montana's best-preserved ghost town listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is accessible by vehicle from May through December. On this simple, dusty gravel trail, you will encounter historical markers and viewpoints as you make your way up the mountain. There is no camping along this trail.

The South Fork Madison Trail is part of the 4,455-mile Great Western Trail and connects West Yellowstone, Montana, to Island Park, Idaho, via Reas Pass. This beautiful trail is an easy drive, following a section of the historic Union Pacific Rail Line, which began bringing passengers by steam locomotive to West Yellowstone and Yellowstone National Park in 1906. The tracks and sleepers were removed in 1981, leaving only the elevated path above the South Fork Madison River and the cut alongside the mountainside. In the fall of 2023, the Yellowstone Shortline Trail, a non-motorized hiking and biking trail, was completed, closing the upper portion of the original route of the South Fork Madison Trail. Now, bicyclists silently zip by along the paved 9 miles of the old train bed from West Yellowstone to the Idaho border, paralleling this trail across the river.

As you travel, it's incredible to imagine a steam train chugging through these canyons, with passengers gazing at the tall pines and enjoying views of the crystal-clear waters of the South Fork Madison River. The steep canyons amplify the sounds of the river, and the occasional crunch of loose rocks beneath your tires echoes through the landscape, enhancing the sense of adventure.

Due to frequent bear activity, camping in the West Yellowstone area is mainly limited to designated dispersed sites. There are no designated sites directly along this trail. For those looking to camp near Yellowstone National Park, the Forest Service lists designated camping areas at this link.

Centennial Divide is a well-traveled route that provides access to numerous trails and activities in the area. This road connects to several spurs and trails, leading east into the Gravelly Range, west into the Ruby Range, and south into the Red Rocks Wilderness area. Whether you're interested in prospecting and exploring gold mining history, fishing, hunting, camping, or simply soaking in the natural beauty, this road offers a gateway to countless outdoor adventures. It's a great starting point for exploring the diverse landscapes and opportunities that the Centennial Divide offers. The road is generally well-maintained, except for the section just south of the Eureka Basin intersection, which is rutted and can be slippery, like a slot car track when wet.

The southernmost 13 miles of the road do not have campsites. Once north of Eureka Basin 347, however, there are many dispersed campsites, such as Cottonwood Campground, which has a vault toilet, and Vigilante Cabin, built in the early 1920s and available for rent.

Cooper Pass, officially known as National Forest Road 7623, is a scenic mountain backroad that winds its way through thick forest, climbing steadily along a series of narrow, twisting switchbacks. As you gain elevation, the trees begin to part, revealing sweeping views of the surrounding peaks and valleys, a classic Idaho-Montana panorama that never gets old.

Though the road is considered easy by backroad standards and suitable for most 2WD vehicles with decent clearance, it’s not without its quirks. The Idaho side, in particular, throws in some rough patches and exposed rock, so it’s best to take your time and enjoy the ride.

While there aren't any campsites directly off the main route, numerous spur roads and trails branch off, offering tucked-away spots perfect for dispersed camping. Whether you're chasing solitude, starry skies, or a peaceful forest retreat, you'll find a place to pull over and settle in.

You can approach Cooper Pass from either end, via I-90 through Wallace, Idaho, or off Thompson Pass Road from Montana. Both directions serve up a laid-back, character-filled drive through beautiful high-country terrain. And at the end of the journey lies Burke, Idaho: a hauntingly cool, long-abandoned mining town steeped in history and perched in a narrow canyon, its buildings still whispering stories of a bygone era.

Keep in mind that snow and ice can linger well into June, so the pass typically doesn’t open until early to mid-summer. But once it does, Cooper Pass is a rewarding adventure for those craving forested climbs, ghost town exploration, and a slice of wild Idaho-Montana borderland beauty.

Cottonwood Creek Road and Stone Creek Road are scenic dirt roads connecting the Ruby Valley with Dillon. While campsites along these roads are few, the incredible views and the many connecting trails will surely provide that perfect campsite. Along the trail are great views of the Treasure Mine, a talc strip mine. Plus, there are great views of distant mountain ranges, grassy fields, and tall trees while passing over the Ruby Range just shy of 8,000 feet. Near the top are several spurs and trails winding around the higher elevations of the mountain range that are worth exploring.

Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of this must-see trail connecting Highway 87 and Highway 287. 932 offers a brief but unforgettable journey through nature's splendor and echoes of the past. The trails highlights include the historic Three Dollar Bridge crossing over the Madison River, intriguing remnants of the ghost town of Wade, breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, vibrant green fields in spring, and remarkable wildlife encounters, including bald eagles, osprey and elk herds.

The area surrounding the trail is almost all private property with no spots to camp. There are, however, many campsites near the lakes, including Wade Lake Campground, Cliff Point Campground, and Hilltop Campground. There is also lodging at Wade Lake Resort and Wilderness Edge on the southern half of Cliff Lake. In addition, there is a day-use area with a restroom at Three Dollar Bridge for those that want to stop and see the Madison River.

There is little to no cell service along the trail. Weather can change the trail conditions instantly.

Embark on a scenic adventure along the trail to Wade and Cliff Lakes, where natural beauty awaits at every turn. Immerse yourself in the serenity of whispering pines while enjoying panoramic views of the mountains and the tranquil, spring-fed blue waters of the lakes below. Wade Lake boasts the state record for a massive 29-pound brown trout, making it a paradise for fishing enthusiasts. The area offers a range of amenities, including campsites, a boat launch, paddleboard, kayak rentals, and hiking trails. Or, find a spot along the shoreline nestled under the shade of the pines and watch a bobber...or not.

Upper Ruby Road primarily passes through private property while offering options for exploration to the east and west. While the road may not be the destination, it is often a key route on your adventure. Whether you're delving into the mining history around Virginia City, exploring the Gravelly and Ruby Mountain Ranges, or heading south to the Red Rock Lakes Wildlife Refuge, I-15, or Henrys Lake, Upper Ruby Road will likely be a part of your journey.

There is no camping along this trail, but south on Centennial Divide is a campground, several campsites, and many trails with dispersed camping opportunities.

Tucked just inside the Montana border, Lionhead Road is an easy, packed-dirt trail providing alternate access to the Lionhead hiking trail and the FS 1791 ATV trail. The trail has no significant obstacles, but minor washouts are common with the passing afternoon thunderstorms. The trail has a few campsites, although none of which are overly large or attractive compared to other campsites in the neighboring forests.

Corrette Ridge Road was reopened in 2022 after a section of the 478 South Fork Madison trail was repurposed for a hike and bike trail. This allowed those of us in vehicles over 50 inches wide to connect Island Park and West Yellowstone by dirt. This dusty dirt road is an easy connector trail with only a few ruts and rocks along the way. It travels through a forest of conifer trees with grassy undergrowth. Be aware of oncoming traffic. There are blind turns, and the road is not much more than one lane.

Due to bear activity, camping is restricted to designated sites, and no designated sites are along this trail. For those looking to camp, check out Madison Arm, which offers camping near the shore of Hebgen Lake.

Stone Creek Road and Cottonwood Creek Road make for a beautiful drive over the Ruby Range. Easily accessible off Highway 41 just outside Dillon, the road starts by winding through grassy fields dotted with a few old homestead cabins. It's easy to get lost in thought, imagining what life was like when these cabins were occupied while enjoying the surrounding scenery.

Stone Creek Road is a straightforward, easy trail that eventually turns into Cottonwood Creek Road. While Stone Creek Road doesn't have many spurs, once you reach Cottonwood Creek Road, there are multiple connecting spurs to explore for those looking for a bit more adventure. If you're traveling between Dillon and the Ruby Valley near Alder, these roads offer an excellent alternative to pavement, allowing you to enjoy the landscape at your own pace.

Most of Stone Creek Road is bordered by private property, so views are mostly enjoyed from the vehicle, and camping spots are limited. However, once you reach the top of the mountain, you'll find better opportunities for camping, along with fantastic views that make the drive worthwhile.

This is an easy, short, curving dirt road that winds its way from Lemhi Pass to a parking lot with several picnic areas, informative signage, a vault toilet, and a hiking trail leading to a spring named "The Most Distant Fountain." This spring is part of a small memorial to Sacajawea, the Shoshone woman who was instrumental in the success of the Lewis and Clark expedition.

Although there are picnic tables and fire rings, this is a day-use-only area.

As history recalls, the Lewis and Clark expedition had followed the mighty Missouri River for months. On August 11, 1805, Lewis led a small advance party towards Lemhi Pass following the ever-diminishing water flow. He recorded in his journal, "The road took us to the most distant fountain of the waters of the mighty Missouri in search of which we have spent so many toilsome days and wristless nights. Thus far, I had accomplished one of those great objects on which my mind has been unalterably fixed for many years, judge then of the pleasure I felt in allying my thirst with this pure and ice cold water." Hugh McNeal, a member of the advance party, stood with one foot on each side of the run-off of the spring and "thanked his god that he had lived to bestride the mighty and heretofore deemed endless Missouri."

Visitors can still "bestride" the Missouri headwaters by standing on two large stones at the end of the hike.