Trail Descriptions

Trails subject to change depending on accessibility and weather conditions come the time of our event. With the help of Frontier, Magic City, Rim Rockers, Mountaineers, and Continental Four Wheel Drive Clubs all these trails were pre-run, and the enthusiasm after- wards was exciting. This area has some rough and tough trails that don’t see a lot of use. Even the trail ratings don’t do justice to the area as you will see at Divide Ride 08. Many trails crisscross but no two are the same and each has its own challenges. Pre select the 5 trails you wish to run using the description and ratings to help decide, and we will try to get you on 4 trails of your choice.

(1) Level 2, Old Milwaukee (available Thursday only) — As the name implies, this trail travels along an abandoned Milwaukee route, starting south of town it leads across the prairie then cuts a path into the mountain side and ends at a 100 ft tunnel a short distance from there is the site where the bridge used to be, overlooking deep ravine.

(2) Level 2.5, Halfway Creek — This route north west of town is one of the many in the mountain range between Whitehall and Butte. It is described by the Forest Service as primitive, it is rough in spots and ends at the Whitetail Reservoir, on the way back you can visit the Ringing Rock formation.

(3) Level 4, Spring Creek — This route splits off of the Halfway trail after that point it climbs steeply to drop down to a boulder strewn river like bed. Very technical rough terrain, you will sleep well after this route.

(4) Level 3, Sheep Camp — This is a whole different path into the same mountain range a rough route that twists through the beautiful terrain. Experience driving the beaver slide up or down. This one is steep.

(5) Level 3, Hay Canyon — Heading directly north of town Hay canyon crosses over to the Spire rock route. Rough terrain and beautiful views make this an excellent route.

(6) Level 3, Park Creek — This is one of the trails in the Tobacco Root Mountains just southeast of town, out of Harrison Montana. The trail is very scenic and travels on rarely used routes and across private land coming out at South Boulder.

(7) Level 3.5, Potosi — This trail is also in the Tobacco Roots, and travels past an old hot springs. Once you leave the main road the trail get very difficult climbing and twisting up the hill side. Once you summit the trail becomes easier, if time permits then the group could go to Twin Lakes. For some a rocky ride. This route is the longest at 120 miles coming out at Ennis lake before returning to town.

(8) Level 2.5, Bone Basin — According to the locals this trail is super hard and were amazed that it didn’t even faze our group. Upon leaving the canyon you will be taken to Amish country to check out their homemade wares, like cheese. Bring some money for this excursion.

(9) Level 3.5, Gold Hill — Thanks to local rancher John Kuntz we get to drive an area that few have seen. Climbing the first mountain you can see the Madison Valley and the Jefferson River below.

(10) Level 3, Fish Creek — This Trail is west of Whitehall and will take you through the mountains coming out just east of Butte. The return route is the old highway or Pipestone pass from butte, very beautiful road.

(11) Level 3, Rock Creek - NEW! From Whitehall to the Rock Creek turn off at Bernice is 40 miles of Interstate driving. Rigs can be trailered to the trail head if desired. It begins with several water crossings, a few miles of tight trails through the trees, then miles of large rocks climbing higher and higher through the trees. The toughest part is over when you arrive in the old mining outpost of Leadville. This is a great place to stop for lunch, take pictures, and check for missing parts. After lunch we head up a steep grade to the top of the mountain, green meadows and a relaxing ride with incredible vistas. Skirting the ridge tops we work our way over to Blizzard Mountain to a weather station for a view of both the town of Anaconda and Deer Lodge in the distance. From there its an easy drive down to the trail head without having to back track. This is a cool run for those hot summer days. Plenty of water, shade, and high elevations keep the temperature down. I rate this trail a 3 only because of the rocky steep part of the trail which only last a couple of miles.

(12) Level 5, To Be Named — New! This route is on private land so we are still discussing terms of usage. If you are interested in a level 5 ride be sure to fill out your registration form completely with the tech information and if we are successful in securing the area’s you may be chosen for that trail.

Trail Level Rating

Difficulty 1: Passable by stock and 2WD vehicles, improved dirt, gravel etc.

Difficulty 2: Scenic, touring trail ride; four wheel drive required occasionally, some mud holes or rocks that would stop most other vehicles are traveled easily in 4WD.

Difficulty 3: For novice and experienced drivers alike; the most fun four wheeling you can expect to have in a stock four wheeler; low range may be required often; vehicle damage is a possibility.

Difficulty 4: Not advisable for novice drivers; potentially dangerous situations; maximum ground clearance, low- est gears, and minimum tire size of 33 inches required; lockers, limited slips, winches, and jacks advised due to moderate to large rocks and obstacles, vehicle damage is likely. Full size vehicles limited to specific trails at this rating.

Difficulty 4+: Not advisable for novice drivers; potentially dangerous situations; maximum ground clearance, lowest gears, and minimum tire size of 33 inches and one locker or two limited slips required; jacks and winches indispensable due to large boulders, steep inclines; vehicle damage is very likely. Full size vehicles limited to specific trails at this rating.

Difficulty 5: No novice drivers; dangerous situations; maximum ground clearance, lowest gears, minimum tire size of 35 inches and two lockers or limited slips required; jacks and winches indispensable due to large boulders, steep inclines; vehicle damage assured. Full size vehicles limited to specific trails at this rating.

Difficulty 5+: For the hard core experienced driver; extremely dangerous situations; maximum ground clearance, lowest gears, minimum tire size of 35 inches, two lockers, and winch are required. Full size vehicles limited to specific trails at this rating.