Backcountry Discovery Route – Montana Section 4
Montana BDR's toughest and most rewarding section
Montana’s Section 4 of the Backcountry Discovery Route cuts a legendary path from Dillon through the Tobacco Root Mountains, across the Big Hole Valley, and over the Continental Divide near Bannack. This 300-mile beast throws everything at you – from boulder-strewn creek crossings in Ramshorn Gulch to the technical shelf road descent into the Pioneer Mountains. The route passes through Bannack State Park, Montana’s first territorial capital and one of the best-preserved ghost towns in the West, where 60 original buildings tell the story of the 1860s gold rush.
This is serious backcountry requiring high-clearance 4WD with skid plates and recovery gear. Multiple water crossings, rocky technical sections, and exposed alpine traverses demand respect and preparation. Best tackled June through September when snow clears the high passes. Fuel up in Dillon and carry extra water – services are 100+ miles apart. The payoff is pure Montana wilderness, world-class dispersed camping, and some of the most remote country you’ll find on four wheels.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 300 mi / 482.8 km |
| Duration | 3-4 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 8200 ft |
| Best season | June-September |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD with skid plates |
| Nearest town | Dillon, Montana |
| Land manager | Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | ridebdr.com |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle Section 4, or do I need a built rig?
A stock high-clearance 4WD with skid plates can get through, but you'll be working for it. Lifted rigs with all-terrain tires and underbody protection handle the rocky two-tracks and water crossings with a lot less stress — this is the hardest section of the Montana BDR.
When does Section 4 actually open, and what kills access early or late in the season?
June through September is your window. Snow lingers at higher elevations near the Continental Divide well into June, and early fall storms can close mountain passes fast. Check with Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest before you go if you're running outside mid-July to late August.
Do I need a permit to run this section of the Montana BDR?
No permit required to drive the route. Dispersed camping on Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest land is free and follows standard national forest rules — 14-day stay limit, pack it in, pack it out.
What's the hardest section and what makes it technical?
The high-altitude crossings near the Continental Divide are where rigs get sorted out — loose rock, steep grades, and narrow two-tracks with exposure. Water crossings through the Big Hole Valley area can run fast and deep early in the season, making them the most commitment-heavy obstacle on the route.
How much fuel range do I need, and can I resupply anywhere along the 300 miles?
Plan for serious fuel range — services are extremely limited once you leave Dillon. Carry extra fuel; 50+ miles between any kind of civilization is normal on this stretch, and some gaps are longer. Don't assume a dot on the map means a pump is open.
Trail track
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