AE7AP's blog

(0.2 miles, + 155 feet)

This summit is on USFS land & is covered by the Beaverhead-Deerlodge-Central map.  The area is open to motorized vehicles on designated routes Dec.3 – Oct. 14.

The trailhead may be approached either from the north (Moose Creek / Maiden Rock I-15 exit), or the south (Melrose I-15 exit).  The northern road has two stream crossings that could be problematic during high runoff.  The road from the Melrose exit (Trapper Creek Road) is better. 

(0.6 miles, + 560 feet)

This summit is on USFS land & is covered by the Beaverhead-Deerlodge-Central map.  The area is open to motorized vehicles on designated routes Dec.3 – Oct. 14.

(1.2 miles, + 1,100 feet)

From I-15:  Take Exit-99 (Moose Creek) & head east up the Moose Creek Road towards the Humbug Spires Wilderness Study Area.  Drive 2.9 miles up the Moose Creek Road (gravel) & park on the left side of the road near the fenced culvert that conveys flow for the drainage to the north under the road. 

(1.5 miles, + 930 feet)

From I-15:  Take Exit-99 (Moose Creek) & head east up the Moose Creek Road towards the Humbug Spires Wilderness Study Area.  Drive 2.9 miles up the Moose Creek Road (gravel) & park on the left side of the road near the fenced culvert that conveys flow for the drainage to the north under the road.  It is likely best to climb directly up this drainage.  I will describe the route that I took, which is a bit more circuitous, but still quite nice.

(0.6 miles, 500 feet)

This is a short climb that is located immediately adjacent to I-15 south of Great Falls.  It was first climbed by Merriweather Lewis on July 16, 1805.  Lewis described it as follows:

(1.3 miles, 970 ft)

(3.6 miles, +1,650 ft, -510 ft)

0.9 miles, +980 ft

From the Town of Elkhorn:

Drive up the main street to the “T” intersection.  Turn left and follow the 4wd road up until it crests out.  There is a private road that “T’s” in from the right.  Park before (to the south) of this private road.  The 4wd road is fairly rough & boney, but not too difficult, but probably not a good idea for low-clearance vehicles.  A stock 1987 4-Runner made it with few difficulties.

1.6 miles, +930 ft

From the Town of Elkhorn:

2.8 miles, +1,200, -830 ft from Edith-Baldy saddle

4.8 miles, +2,600, -830 ft from TH