Alpine Lake

Trail Overview

Albicaulis Lake and Alpine Lakes have quickly become two of my favorite spots in Montana this year. I managed to catch five trout in less than half an hour when we visited in the first week of June 2025. The views were absolutely stunning, and we ended up at the bottom of the Race Track Peak basin. Even in June, the alpine lake still had some ice lingering on its surface. The route begins at the Racetrack exit off Highway 90, passing the Racetrack Campground and Picnic Area. Along the way, you'll find several dispersed camping spots. The trail itself is quite adventurous, with some fun obstacles, including one particularly tricky section where you'll need a spotter to help guide the tires. A recent washout on part of the trail has been repaired, and I was able to navigate it with the help of a friend. The rest of the trail features a few rocks to climb over, adding to the challenge. I hiked this trail on a dry, sunny June day, but I would definitely avoid it in snow or heavy rain. A few key things to keep in mind: bring a chainsaw, ensure your vehicle has a winch, and have at least 33" tires for the best experience. The total time to complete this trail is a full day, 8 hours, including lunch & snack stops and time to fish.

Photos of Alpine Lake

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Difficulty

The trail features two steep turns and several rocks or boulders that either need to be climbed over or navigated around. The first turn is particularly tricky, requiring a four-door Jeep to back up three times before successfully making the left-hand turn. There's also a recently repaired washout, which presents an interesting challenge. To pass it, the driver must keep the tires perfectly aligned, avoiding any drift in either direction. It's a tight squeeze that really tests your courage. Throughout the trail, you'll encounter a number of rocks that demand advanced off-roading skills and a solid understanding of your vehicle's capabilities.

Technical Rating

Alpine Lake can be accessed by the following ride types:

• High-Clearance 4x4
• SUV
• SxS (60")
• ATV (50")
• Dirt Bike