Montana Mountain Loop

Completed this trail counter clockwise in about 3 hours. Not much traffic but on the switchbacks and ridge there’s like no room or much opportunity to pass. Switchbacks were tight but overall nothing too steep or challenging. Only real little obstacle was along the ridge where there was a rutted rocky spot and I used my rear locker. The views at the top were amazing! The descent was easy with just one steep corner that got my adrenaline going. On the way back to the road, the area around Byous Butte was amazing!

Fun spur of the moment trip to get out for a couple hours. Bit bumpy and technical in a couple spots but fun drive!

Montana Mountain Loop is comprised of 3 trails: Hewitt Canyon Trail, Rogers Trough & Happy Camp Rd and is about 30 miles total. US-60 east to Queen Valley Rd, just past AZ-79. You can run the loop in either direction.We started on Hewitt Canyon Trail (FS 172) after airing down at the staging area. This part of the loop is full-width & mostly a gravel dirt road until you start gaining elevation. The trail connects to Rogers Trough (172A), which is somewhat rocky and connects to Happy Camp Rd (650). Expect sandy washes at lower elevations and rocky switchbacks up and down the trails. Elevation tops out a little over 5,000'. There are some washouts & some tight turns along shelf roads. A few off-camber spots with minor rock obstacles. With a lunch stop at the start of the third section we spent about 6 hours on trail. Scenery is pretty amazing; be sure to stop to view Montana Mtn Arch and take note of sections where the Arizona Trail crosses your path. Happy Camp Rd empties to US-60 near Boyce Thompson.

Trail S 1000, 28" tires, 62" wide. Beautiful ride with never ending views. For our unit, we rate this trail a 5/6 only because there area few technical boulder climbs and washouts with sticky ledges. While riding, there is a small view of the top of the large mine that is located in Miami. Overall, it's not a complicated trail except the few obstacles. Ride time about 5 hrs with stops