Elkhorn Mountains Loop

This 45-mile loop through the Elkhorn Mountains strings together some of Montana’s most authentic mining ruins via a network of rough Forest Service roads. Starting from Boulder, the route climbs past Elkhorn’s weathered buildings — including the two-story Fraternity Hall that’s somehow still standing after 130 Montana winters. The track continues through Radersburg and past the massive Bullion Mine headframe before dropping into Crow Creek Canyon. Granite outcrops and talus slopes make for slow going, but every switchback reveals another piece of Montana’s mining heritage.

This is legitimate 4WD country — high clearance mandatory, low range recommended for the steeper pitches. Loose rock, off-camber sections, and seasonal stream crossings keep things interesting. Best tackled June through September when snowpack clears, but afternoon thunderstorms can make things slick fast. Bring recovery gear, extra fuel, and plan on camping — the nearest services are back in Boulder. The reward is solitude in country that looks exactly like it did when hard-rock miners were still blasting holes in these hills.