Forest Road 297 – Rock Creek to Red Lodge
Beartooth high country at its most demanding.
Forest Road 297 cuts a demanding path through Montana’s Beartooth Range, offering one of the state’s most rewarding high-country adventures. This route links the Rock Creek drainage with Red Lodge through a maze of mining roads that date back to the early 1900s, when prospectors hauled ore down from the Stillwater Complex. You’ll navigate tight switchbacks, loose shale sections, and creek crossings while climbing to over 9,200 feet elevation near Silver Run Plateau.
This is legitimate expert terrain requiring full-size 4WD with aggressive tires, recovery gear, and mechanical confidence. Late June through September offers the best window, but snow can linger on north-facing slopes well into July. Bring extra fuel, tire repair kit, and camping gear since civilization is hours away if something goes sideways. The payoff is unmatched solitude in some of Montana’s most pristine alpine country, with world-class fishing and dispersed camping throughout the drainage.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Expert |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Mixed, Rock |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 47 mi / 75.6 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 9280 ft |
| Best season | June-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Full-size 4WD with aggressive tires |
| Nearest town | Red Lodge, Montana |
| Land manager | Custer Gallatin 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 297?
No, this expert-level trail requires a full-size 4WD with aggressive tires, significant ground clearance, and rock sliders. Stock vehicles will get damaged on the technical rock sections.
When is FR 297 actually passable?
June through September only, with July-August being most reliable. Snow can linger at high elevation well into June and return by early October.
Do I need permits for this Forest Service road?
No permits required, but you must follow Leave No Trace principles and camp only in designated dispersed camping areas. Some sections may have seasonal closures for wildlife protection.
What's the most difficult part of the trail?
The high-altitude rock gardens between miles 15-25 feature loose boulders, steep grades, and narrow shelves with significant exposure. Multiple winch points are common.
How far can I get on one tank of gas?
Most full-size rigs will need 2-3 tanks for the full 47-mile route due to low-range driving and potential backtracking. Carry extra fuel or plan a fuel stop in Red Lodge.