Big Hole Valley Pioneer Mountains Loop
Ghost town loop through granite mining country
The Pioneer Mountains above Big Hole Valley hide a network of mining roads that connected boom towns like Elkhorn, Coolidge, and Polaris during Montana’s silver rush. This loop starts near Wise River and climbs through granite outcrops and dense lodgepole to the Elkhorn ghost town, then drops into Bear Creek drainage before hitting the technical climb to Coolidge—where rusted mining machinery still dots the mountainside. The final leg over Badger Pass requires careful navigation through loose rock and tight switchbacks carved into steep granite faces.
Difficult rating due to steep grades, loose surfaces, and technical rock sections that demand low-range 4WD with good ground clearance and skid plates. Summer only—June through September—with afternoon thunderstorms common above timberline. No permits required but respect private mining claims. Fuel and supplies in Wisdom, 25 miles from the trailhead. Dispersed camping available but water sources are seasonal. This is serious backcountry with real consequences for breakdowns, but the mining history and Pioneer Range views reward those willing to commit to the granite.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Rock |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 38 mi / 61.2 km |
| Duration | 2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 8900 ft |
| Best season | June-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Modified 4WD with skid plates |
| Nearest town | Wisdom, Montana |
| Land manager | Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | fs.usda.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner run this loop, or do I need a built rig?
A stock truck will struggle here. The trail requires a modified 4WD with skid plates minimum — think lift, all-terrain tires, and protected underbelly. The granite shelf roads and steep climbs will punish low-clearance rigs and unprotected transfer cases.
When does the loop actually open after winter, and how late can I push it into fall?
June through September is the reliable window. Snow can linger at the higher elevations well into June, and early fall storms can close sections fast above 8,000 feet. Check with Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest before any late-season attempt.
Do I need a permit to run this loop or camp out here?
No permit required to drive the trail. Dispersed camping on Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest land is free and open — standard 14-day stay limit applies. No fees, no reservations.
What's the hardest section of the loop and what makes it sketchy?
The steep granite climbs connecting the ghost town corridors are where people get into trouble — loose rock, narrow shelf roads with exposure, and no bailout if you break something. Approach these sections with a spotter if you're running solo or unfamiliar with the terrain.
Wisdom is the nearest town — is that close enough to fuel up before the loop, and is there any water on trail?
Fuel up in Wisdom before you leave — there's nothing once you're in the Pioneer Mountains. Natural water sources exist on trail but treat everything before drinking. This is a 38-mile technical loop over two days in a dead zone with zero cell service, so carry more water than you think you need.
Trail track
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