Trail Overview

This short 1.4-mile trail is designated by the Bitterroot National Forest for travel by 50-inch ATV and motorcycle vehicles only. This trail is one of the main access points to the Darby Trails Loop 1 route. The trail is closed to all vehicular travel during hunting season (October 15- December 1). The trail follows an old logging road that has been partially brushed in and narrowed by slumps and slides from the cut side of the road. The trail passes through an area recovering from the mega fires of 2000. There are some panoramic views of the surrounding steep terrain and the distant Bitterroot Mountains. Even though this trail is technically available to ATVs and motorcycles after December 1, the trail will be blocked by deep snow until late May or early June.

Photos of Sleeping Child ATV

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Difficulty

While encroaching vegetation and slides narrow the trail, there are no obstacles requiring advanced skills on this trail.

History

The Sleeping Child ATV trail and parking area was created as part of a project started in 2012 that also created the Loop 1 and Loop 2 ATV routes. The larger project included activities to improve the watersheds after the intense wildfires in the year 2000.

Technical Rating