South Baldy Loop

The South Baldy Loop is a moderately challenging, high-elevation trail tailored for high-clearance 4WD vehicles, UTVs, and seasoned offroaders looking to explore the rugged beauty of the Tobacco Root Mountains. Spanning approximately 4.1 miles, this scenic loop climbs from a starting elevation of 7,571 feet up to a peak of 9,127 feet, offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys of southwest Montana. Drivers will negotiate a primary surface of dirt, loose rock, and occasional gravel, with a technical rating of 4 out of 10. The route features steady elevation changes with a total climb of 1,666 feet and maximum gradient angles reaching nearly 20 degrees, demanding careful line choice and consistent traction. Navigating this route requires a vehicle equipped with decent ground clearance and low-range four-wheel drive to confidently handle the steeper switchbacks and rocky sections. The trail is typically accessible from late spring through early autumn, depending on high-country snowpack which can linger late into the summer season. Along the way, offroaders can enjoy the remote alpine scenery, dense evergreen forests, and meadows characteristic of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest.