Trail Overview

This 7-mile trail takes you from the Wickes Tunnel: Corbin to Basin Trail up to an elevation of 7500 feet, with fantastic views of Boulder. This route includes steep inclines and declines, as you gain 2300 feet. All private property crossings are allowed if you stay on the trails.

Photos of Wood Chute to Blue Bird Mine

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Difficulty

Steep inclines and declines on this trail and in this area are fun challenges. In the early spring or after a rain, this trail may be snowy and/or muddy.

History

Wickes, MT, was a booming mining camp in the early 1880s, but in '82 a fire destroyed the Alta Company Mill. The Wickes Tunnel is an abandoned railroad tunnel that's over a mile long. The first train through the tunnel was in 1888. It was made up of six coaches, and it carried prominent citizens from Helena, Boulder, and Butte. As late as the 4th of July, it's not uncommon to find the tunnel with snow and ice still present.

Technical Rating

Matt Frazier

Jan 31, 2026

Open

A couple miles from the trailhead it turns extremely icy and snowy. You’re not gonna make it very far unless you’re on a sled. You can still get some riding in but don’t expect to make the entire loop.

Caleb Walsh

Aug 07, 2024

Open

Brian Bossard

Jul 27, 2024

Open

Smokey. Lots of trails to choose from besides loop.