Benbow Jeep Trail

Total Miles 8.5
Technical Rating
5 Moderate
Best Time Summer
Trail Type High-Clearance 4x4 Trail
Accessible By
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Trail Overview

Benbow Jeep Trail is a 4x4 trail located in the Custer National Forest in Montana. It is 8.5 miles long and travel time is about 2 hours from parking to the mine site. The trail is rated as moderate to difficult and is best suited for experienced off-road drivers. It is open from May to October. The trail is Forest Service Road 2415 and is open to all vehicle types. The Motor Vehicle Use Map for this area is Custer Gallatin National Forest North Beartooth Front. The trail begins at the Benbow Jeep Trail trailhead off of Benbow Road (Forest Service road 2414 or NF-1414 on Google Maps) and winds its way through the mountains. The trail passes through a variety of terrain, including forests, meadows, and rocky hillsides. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Along the way, there are several opportunities to stop and explore. The payoff is the Benbow Mine Headframe at the end of the trail. The Headframe is the structure above the underground mine shaft that supports the hoisting equipment used to raise and lower miners, materials, and equipment. The Magic City 4x4 club is a local organization that helps to maintain the Benbow Jeep Trail. They do this by organizing conservation runs, where members of the club work together to improve the trail by clearing debris and repairing washouts. Though I am not a member, thank you to the Magic City 4x4 club for your hard work in maintaining the Benbow Jeep Trail. Your efforts help to keep the trail safe and enjoyable for all users.

Photos of Benbow Jeep Trail

Difficulty

This trail will remind you how the Rocky Mountains got their name, they're made of rock and you'll keep seeing them in your dreams after completing this trail.

History

The old Benbow Mine site is an abandoned mine located in Stillwater County, Montana. It was active on and off from 1916 to 1942 and produced chromium, a valuable metal used in a variety of applications, including stainless steel, paints, and batteries. The mine is now closed but is still a popular destination for hikers, off-roaders and history buffs. Visitors can explore the site, which is now home to a variety of wildlife, but should be aware of the dangers of abandoned mines, such as cave-ins, unstable ground, and toxic materials.

Technical Rating

5

Status Reports

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Tyler Tkach
Aug 02, 2025
Open
We tackled this trail in a 87 Ford Ranger and a 99 Cherokee XJ, both with their respective mods. I believe the technical rating hits the mark perfect. I wouldn't recommend a stock vehicle attempt this trail. Weather conditions were phenomenal. Mid to low 70's in early August with spits of rain here and there. The view at the top was breathtaking and the cherry on top is the abandoned mine shaft.
Cody Nelson
Jun 08, 2025
Open
Trail is clear of (most) snow and passable. 1 4 door commander and 3 atvs made the loop. Not a great trail for unskilled riders but the trail is definitely open for the season. Small snow banks at the top of the trail, but easily passable.
Richard Somers
Oct 09, 2024
Open
The coordinates given to start this trail are spot on. This was an amazing trail. I'm an experienced wheeler and this trail pushed my skills a bit since I'm driving a Ram 2500 on 37'. With a full size rig expecte "trail pin stipping". Camped at the mine and wish there was driving access to chrome lake.
Chris Heddins
Jul 27, 2024
Open
It got a little western. Took about three hours to mine. Fun afternoon
Russell Young
Jul 20, 2024
Open
Very rocky trail, as in large boulders. My boys hard a difficult time on their dirt bikes because of this. You need to have a good machine to make it up, half the ride was in low with front locker engaged. No water crossings.
Justin Kiner
Jun 03, 2024
Open
Pushed to the end of the trail but the return road was impassible without a lot more winching; doubled back instead. 35’s and full lockers.
Kyle Gauthier
May 11, 2024
Open
made it to almost 8,000 ft in elevation before the snow got too deep to get through. about 100 yd away from breaking fresh tracks. a little muddy at the bottom not too bad.

Benbow Jeep Trail Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

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

Benbow Jeep Trail Map

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