Ettien Ridge

Total Miles
12.0

Elevation

2,310.07 ft

Duration

2 Hours

Technical Rating

5

Moderate

Best Time

Summer, Fall

Trail Overview

Open May 16 - Nov 30. The 2020 Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest MVUM indicates the East portion of the trail is open May 16 - Nov 30, and the West portion of the trail is open year-round. I did not notice signage at any point indicating where the open dates change. The East end of the trail starts near Judith Guard Station. Ettien Ridge is a nice ride with some steep rocky climbs heading West, impressive overlooks of the Lost Fork Judith River, Burris Creek, and the remains of Burris Cabin. You may catch limited cellular service at some of the overlooks. The West end of the trail ends near a junction where you can connect to multiple other trails. Much of the trail is easy and smooth; however, there are also some challenging rocky sections. Also, there are numerous puddles after rain. Cellular service is very limited here, so plan ahead with offline maps before your trip.

Difficulty

Intermediate dirt trail with loose rocks, erosion, and washes. Potential water crossings up to 18" deep, numerous mud holes, and obstacles up to 12", including ledges and, steep grades on loose rock. Roads are barely one vehicle wide with occasional places to pass.

History

From an overlook near the Western end of the trail, look for the remains of Burris Cabin in the valley below.

Technical Rating

5

Status Reports

Nathan Church
Sep 23, 2023
SxS
Open
Normal
Rory Edwards
Jul 03, 2023
4x4
Open
Jeremy Boeckel
Jun 30, 2023
4x4
Permanently Closed
Officially Closed Sign

Access Description

Ettien Ridge FS J821 is in the Little Belt Mountains, located in the Lewis and Clark National Forest, Southeast of Great Falls and Northwest of Harlowton, Montana. Use Google Maps to navigate to Judith Guard Station. Access this area of the Little Belt Mountains from the South via Harlowton, US Hwy 12, turn north at Spring Creek Rd, route 274 and continue to join route 487. Or from the North via US Hwy 87, at either Hobson or Windham take Utica Hwy toward Utica, continue South through Utica and Saphire Village, taking what becomes S Fork Rd. When you come to Judith Guard Station, continue about 300ft, just around the corner to parking and a picnic area near a creek crossing and the start of the trail.

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