Sawmill Road to Montezuma Mine — Custer National Forest Pryor Mountain Rim via Sage Creek Basin
Wild horses, Bighorn rimrock, and ghost mine ruins.
The Pryor Mountains sit in an odd corner of Montana, tucked between Billings and the Wyoming line, and most people blow straight past them on the way to Yellowstone. That’s their loss. This route climbs out of Sage Creek Basin on rough two-track, gains the limestone plateau where Bureau of Land Management wild horses have run free since 1968, and works west along the rim above the Bighorn River Canyon — some of the most dramatic country you can reach without a helicopter in this part of the state. The Montezuma Mine ruins sit at the north end of the plateau, accessible by a short spur with a steep, loose approach that will separate careful drivers from the rest. Watch for the horses near Big Pryor Mountain — they are genuinely wild and legitimately spectacular.
Moderate to difficult depending on seasonal conditions. The approach roads turn greasy in rain — limestone mud on these benches is no joke, and even short showers can make the flat sections impassable. High-clearance 4WD is the minimum; a locker helps on the mine spur. Fuel in Lovell, Wyoming or Billings, Montana before heading out — there’s nothing on the plateau. Best season is May through June and again September through October; midsummer heat is brutal and winter access closes the plateau roads. No permits. Light dispersed camping allowed on BLM ground. Cell coverage is spotty near the rim, none in the basin.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance, Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Mixed, Rock |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Wildlife |
| Length (miles) | 44 mi / 70.8 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 8786 ft |
| Best season | May-June and September-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Lovell, WY |
| Land manager | BLM Billings Field Office / Custer Gallatin National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | BLM Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range Custer Gallatin National Forest |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle this trail, or does it need a lift?
Stock high-clearance 4WD rigs can make it, but low-range is non-negotiable and rock sections near the rim will test your skid plates hard. A 2-3 inch lift with all-terrain tires gives you real margin — don't bring a leveled-only street truck and expect a clean run.
When does the trail typically open after winter, and is it passable in early spring?
May is the earliest realistic window, and even then snowmelt turns the dirt sections into deep mud that'll swallow axles. June is safer for most years; September and October hit the sweet spot with firm ground, cooler temps, and fewer people.
Do you need a permit to drive through the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range or camp out here?
No permit required to drive the route or disperse camp, but you're crossing BLM and Custer Gallatin National Forest land so standard Leave No Trace rules apply. No fees as of now — check the BLM Billings Field Office if you're going in summer when grazing allotments sometimes affect access.
What's the hardest section of this trail and what should I actually be ready for?
The approach to the Bighorn rimrock above Sage Creek Basin is where it gets real — loose rock ledges, off-camber shelf road, and no guardrails with serious exposure. Articulation and a spotter matter here; it's not just slow-speed crawling, the consequence of a line mistake is steep.
How far is the nearest gas station, and is there water on the trail?
Lovell, WY is your last fuel stop before heading in — top off there, because you're looking at 44 miles of backcountry with zero services. There's no reliable potable water on route, so carry everything you need; treat any creek water you find in Sage Creek Basin before drinking it.
Trail track
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