SW Montana backcountry scenic trails?

I'm heading out to SW Montana this Sept with 3 other Jeeps from the Philly area. We have 2 cabins reserved, one outside Dillon in Beaverhead-Deerlodge NF and the other outside Bozeman in Gallatin NF.

Other than fishing and visiting Yellowstone/Teton's we are looking to explore backcountry areas in the Bitterroots,Eastern ID and Gallatin areas. So far Nez Perce is on the potential list.

I'm hoping some of the locals can turn me on to areas if interest such as ghost towns, nice scenic drives and the like. Were also looking for an outfitter for a day in the backcountry by horseback and a guide for a float trip on the Madison River. Anyone have a favorite outfit to recommend?

I'm looking at a Montana Gazateer and Google Earth and the area looks littered with roads and such, but do you have a favorite area that you'd suggest that is a must see? Any input would be much appreciated!

Sounds like a good time John. I have a buddy that now works for Orvis but prior to that he guided on a number of rivers. I asked him for reputable guides on the Madison. I'll let you know what I find out.

-Chris

Here ya go:

http://www.mt.blm.gov/dfo/pages/Recreation/bigsheep.html
http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/gallatin/?page=recreation/beartooth_byway

These are two scenic rides that you should take if you get a chance. Don't be surprised if some roads or trails are closed due to snow...It can snow pretty hard in the Yellowstown area even in early September.

mtnxj said:

Here ya go:

http://www.mt.blm.gov/dfo/pages/Recreation/bigsheep.html
http://www.fs.fed.us/r1/gallatin/?page=recreation/beartooth_byway

These are two scenic rides that you should take if you get a chance. Don't be surprised if some roads or trails are closed due to snow...It can snow pretty hard in the Yellowstown area even in early September.

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Yep, both of those are on the list. Thanks much!

Anyone care to turn me onto some real scenic "local secret" favorites?

Are you by chance going to be around Missoula?

DrMoab said:

Are you by chance going to be around Missoula?

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South of it in the Bitterroots....whatcha got?

I lived in Clinton which is about 20 miles east of Missoula. Its been a lot of years but the drive up Rock Creek was beautiful. Nothing challenging(nothing is in Mt) but the scenery was top notch.

DrMoab said:

I lived in Clinton which is about 20 miles east of Missoula. Its been a lot of years but the drive up Rock Creek was beautiful. Nothing challenging(nothing is in Mt) but the scenery was top notch.

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If we get that far north we'll check it out...thanks for the tip. :cheers:

Here's another site for you to check out:

http://travel.state.mt.us/tripplanner/wheretogo/drive.htm

As far as trails go, some of the forest service roads are somewhat challenging. I can give directions to a few in the Basin/Boulder area (south of Helena) back channel if you are going to be in that area. Depending on when you're coming out, I could probably arrange to show you a few.

Independance trail is outside of Big Timber on the Boulder Area (West IIRC) but not sure how that fits in with where you are at.

You should definately check out Virginia City, gorgeous old mining town, a majority of the old buildings are still standing and still being used. I'm currently living in Bozeman and from what i've seen its a lot of mellow forest service roads around, havent found anything to exciting.

frybread4life said:

You should definately check out Virginia City, gorgeous old mining town, a majority of the old buildings are still standing and still being used. I'm currently living in Bozeman and from what i've seen its a lot of mellow forest service roads around, havent found anything to exciting.

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You live in Bozeman? Cool my sister lives there.