Rock Creek Road to Lake Inez

This backcountry access road punches deep into the Beartooth Mountains from Red Lodge, following Rock Creek through a dramatic granite canyon before climbing above treeline to Lake Inez at 10,300 feet. The final 6 miles turn technical with large granite boulders, water bars, and loose rock switchbacks that demand careful tire placement and momentum management. At mile 12, you’ll cross the outlet of Silver Run Lake where the trail becomes a true 4WD challenge with several mandatory rock steps.

Expert-level terrain requiring lockers or limited-slip differential, aggressive tires, and full skid plate armor. The season is brutally short – mid-July to early September when snow allows access to the upper elevations. No permits required but carry extra fuel as Red Lodge is 45 miles behind you once committed. Lake Inez offers pristine dispersed camping with 12,000-foot peaks reflecting in gin-clear water, making this one of Montana’s most rewarding technical challenges for those with the skills to reach it.