Axolotl Lakes Road

Total Miles 11.8
Technical Rating
3 Easy
Best Time Summer, Fall
Trail Type Full-Width Road
Accessible By
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Trail Overview

Axolotl Lakes Road is like a fine sampling of the beauty Montana has to offer. It begins in one of the state's charming towns, Virginia City, complete with weathered wooden buildings and small restaurants and bars loaded with character. It then climbs into the hills, giving you a taste of its lonely backroads and byways before diving into the trees. Through the dense forests, the trail narrows, and may be tight for larger vehicles. Your reward for navigating this section is a grand view of the mountains, and if you look for them, a collection of pristine lakes. Please be sure to treat these areas with care, and keep your vehicle at a distance from the water's edge to ensure preservation for future generations. There is little in the way of technical terrain on this route, but mud and downed trees may be an issue, and washouts could pose problems for lower vehicles.

Photos of Axolotl Lakes Road

Difficulty

The trail is easy, however snow or rain could cause the road to become slippery and certain sections are narrow, making them difficult to navigate.

Technical Rating

3

Status Reports

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Dave Ohhhh
Aug 09, 2025
Open
Just me and some cows between Virginia City and Grassy Lake. As others have noted, big holes and the exposed culvert are still present on the north section. The water was gone from the holes. Watch out for cows as well. The south section is just a wide open dusty gravel road.
Rick Nickolaus
Aug 05, 2024
Open
You don’t have much to look at from the road was told that the lake to see is about a 2-3 mile hike in. Did not have the right pack with us for that long of a hike.
James Kegyes
Jun 07, 2024
Open
Great trail. Started from Virginia City side and trail was dry and with minor rocks and occasional mud holes around 12” deep. The only potentially significant obstacle was a mud hole beside a cattle guard at the transition from BLM to private ranch, which was deep enough for us to slam our receiver hitch on the cattle guard upon exit.
Rory Edwards
Feb 18, 2023
Open

Axolotl Lakes Road Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

  • Single Track
  • 50 Inch
  • 60 Inch
  • High Clearance
  • Full Width

Axolotl Lakes Road Map

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