Trail Overview
This is an excellent single-track trail that allows you to gain 4,800 feet in elevation in the 6.2 miles to the top of Ward Mountain. Fantastic views of the Bitterroot Valley and into the Roaring Lion Creek drainage. This trail has sustained climbs and loose rocks in certain areas. The first third of the trail has nice flow and is mostly sidehill riding. The middle section has longer, steeper climbs between switchbacks, and the top portion becomes increasingly rocky. One of the few legal rides to the top of a mountain accessible from the Bitterroot Valley. Verizon cell phone coverage was available at the start and at the top of Ward Mountain.
Difficulty
The trail is singletrack and contains loose rocks and steep climbs. There is a small water crossing about halfway up the trail, and the top may hold snow drifts into the beginning of July. The entire trail is very steep, loose sandy soil, loose large rocks, and large root and rock ledges. You gain almost 1000' elevation per mile of trail. This trail is a major workout for me and can be sketchy going down with the steep descent and non-stop loose-moving rocks. There's no one obstacle that is extremely difficult but the whole trail is a constant beat down.
