North Meadow - McKelvey

Progressively harder trail that winds along North Meadow Creek for the first 2 miles before climbing to over 9,000 feet to access McKelvy Lake, Mine Lake, and Cliff Lake (Note the final segment to Cliff is designated as a 50"). Obstacles of note are the gatekeeper 50 yards in as a preview of what you'll find as you progress to the lakes and the final climb, which begins at the old mining cabin sites. From there, the trail gets a bit more technical. Tire placement planning for vehicle rock becomes important, with the final side cut section changing continuously between a difficulty of a 4 and a 7 depending on the year and the movement of the larger boulders the day prior. The trail is generally passable just after the 4th of July each year and technically closes to non-tracked vehicles on December 1st, although the snow can be feet deep by that date. This trail is cared for and maintained by the Montana 4x4 Association in conjunction with the US Forest Service Madison Ranger District, supported by the surrounding local clubs.