Trail Overview
Bigfoot Creek to Hay Creek is an 18.6-mile point-to-point trail through the eastern slopes of Deer Lodge National Forest that offers scenic mountain views and a mild technical challenge for four-wheel-drive vehicles and SxSs. Running just east of Whitetail Road (State Route 399) near Boulder, Montana, this unpaved route climbs from a low elevation of 4,822 feet to a high of 5,842 feet, accumulating over 2,160 feet of elevation gain along the way. While much of the trail is relatively straightforward, approximately 30 percent of the path is tight and narrow, requiring careful tire placement for full-size trucks squeezing between the trees. The trail features various mild obstacles, including scattered small boulders and minor erosion from seasonal snowmelt, giving it a technical rating of 3.
The most notable obstacle on the route lies approximately 4.75 miles in when traveling south from Boulder, where a small section of the trail has been washed out, creating a muddy hazard that requires finesse to cross. Drivers should carry traction boards or a winch to navigate this muddy washout without causing additional rutting or erosion to the soft road surface. Because of the higher elevation and seasonal snowmelt, this trail is best visited from late spring through fall when the path is mostly clear of deep snow drifts. Nearby recreation opportunities include camping and exploring additional forest service roads within the surrounding Deer Lodge National Forest, making it an excellent weekend destination for offroaders seeking a scenic mountain escape.
Difficulty
About 30% of the trail is tight for larger vehicles, there are some smaller boulders here and there, there is some snowmelt erosion on most of the road, and there is the one washed out spot traction boards or a winch are recommended to prevent damage to the soft road surface.
Access Description
The route is located within the Deer Lodge National Forest on public land. No entry fees or special permits are required for recreation, but vehicles must be highway-legal or registered off-highway vehicles (OHVs). Due to high-elevation snowpack, the route may be impassable or seasonally closed during winter and early spring.
