Revenue Flats BLM

Trail Overview

Tucked into the Madison Valley just west of Norris, Revenue Flats is one of southwestern Montana's best-kept secrets -- a sprawling BLM playground offering free dispersed camping, rock climbing, mountain biking, and wide-open riding just 36 miles from Bozeman. Sweeping views of the Tobacco Root and Madison Ranges frame the entire area. The main access along Sterling Road is maintained with gravel, wide enough for two lanes with moderate traffic. Expect some washboarding, embedded rocks, and light rutting -- manageable in 2WD under dry conditions. Once you leave the main corridor, the offshoots become progressively rougher, and a high-clearance 4WD is strongly recommended for venturing deeper. Rock climbing is the crown jewel here, with 13+ single-pitch sport and trad routes averaging 30-40 feet on quality gneiss, concentrated in the Aquarium, Nuggets, and Wafers zones. Bouldering, hiking, and mountain biking round out the options. Moose, elk, deer, and antelope are regularly spotted on the flats. This is a true pack-in, pack-out area with no facilities or water on-site. Active mining claims are interspersed throughout the route -- camp and recreate only in designated public areas and respect posted claim boundaries. Cell service is limited and unreliable. No permits required. A short drive east connects you to the Madison River for fishing and floating, and the iconic Norris Hot Springs is just minutes away -- a perfect end to a day on the rocks. For photographers, this is a great location for night photos as the light pollution is low.

Photos of Revenue Flats BLM

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Difficulty

Difficulty rating reflects dry conditions on the main route. While the road is passable in 2WD when dry, any precipitation increases the challenge -- wet conditions may necessitate 4WD as it will be muddy. In winter or periods of heavy snowfall, high winds can create substantial drifting that may render the route entirely impassable. Always check local weather and road conditions before heading out.

Technical Rating

Revenue Flats BLM can be accessed by the following ride types:

• High-Clearance 4x4
• SUV
• SxS (60")
• ATV (50")
• Dirt Bike