Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness Access Road (Forest Road 5106)
Mining ruins and alpine granite in the Anaconda Range
This high-country route cuts through old mining claims and ghost camps in the Anaconda Range, starting at Georgetown Lake and climbing toward the Continental Divide. You’ll pass the skeletal remains of the Cable Mine operation before the road turns technical with loose shale switchbacks and granite boulder fields. Storm Lake sits in a cirque at mile 14, where old cabins from the 1890s silver boom still stand against avalanche chutes.
Rated difficult for stock vehicles due to sustained grades over 15% and embedded rock gardens that’ll test your approach angles. High-clearance 4WD minimum, with skid plates strongly recommended for the granite sections above 8,000 feet. July through early October only due to snow—this country gets hammered by weather. Dispersed camping at Storm Lake and Cable Creek, but pack extra water since alpine sources can run dry by late August. The payoff is pure Montana backcountry without the crowds.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 18 mi / 29 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 8400 ft |
| Best season | July-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD with skid plates |
| Nearest town | Anaconda, Montana |
| Land manager | Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jeep Wrangler handle Forest Road 5106?
You'll need significant modifications beyond stock - high clearance, skid plates, and AT tires minimum. The granite slabs and loose rock sections will test your undercarriage and traction.
When does Forest Road 5106 typically open after winter closure?
Usually accessible July through October, but snow can linger at higher elevations into late July. Check with Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest for current conditions before heading up.
Do I need permits to camp along the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness Access Road?
No permits required for dispersed camping along the forest road itself. However, entering the designated wilderness area requires following Leave No Trace principles and wilderness regulations.
What's the most technical section drivers struggle with?
The granite slab climbs around mile 12-14 where you gain significant elevation quickly. Expect steep grades on slick rock with limited traction and exposure on narrow sections.
How many water crossings should I expect on this route?
Several seasonal creek crossings, typically shallow but can be problematic during snowmelt in early season. Most are rock-bottom crossings that become more challenging when wet.