Pryor Mountain Backcountry Loop
Wild horse country and limestone maze
The Pryor Mountains rise like an island from the high plains between the Beartooth and Bighorn ranges, harboring one of America’s most remote backcountry areas. This 45-mile loop starts near Warren and winds through the Pryor Mountain Wild Horse Range, home to free-roaming mustangs that have grazed these ridges for over a century. The route climbs through Commissary Ridge and drops into Mystery Cave country, where limestone formations create a landscape more reminiscent of Utah than Montana.
This is expert-level terrain requiring lockers, armor, and recovery gear. Expect loose rock, steep grades up to 30%, and sections where one wrong move puts you over a cliff. Summer only — typically July through September when snow clears the 8,000-foot ridgelines. No services, no cell coverage, and rescue is a long way off. Pack everything you need and then some. The reward is seeing wild horses in their natural habitat, exploring unmapped caves, and experiencing one of Montana’s last truly wild places where few humans ever venture.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Expert |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | High Altitude, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 45 mi / 72.4 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 8822 ft |
| Best season | July-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Built 4WD with armor and lockers |
| Nearest town | Warren, MT |
| Land manager | Bureau of Land Management |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jeep Wrangler handle the Pryor Mountain Backcountry Loop?
No, this trail requires a built 4WD with armor plating and lockers due to sharp limestone rocks and technical terrain. Stock vehicles will get body damage and likely won't make it through the toughest sections.
Is the trail accessible in early June or late October?
No, the best season is July through September only. Snow blocks high elevation sections before and after these months, and weather can change rapidly at 8,800+ feet.
Do I need permits to run the Pryor Mountain Backcountry Loop?
No permits required since it's on BLM land. However, this area is home to wild horses - maintain distance and never approach or feed them as it's federally protected.
What's the hardest part of this trail?
The limestone ledges and narrow canyon passages with loose rock shelves that can slice tires and puncture oil pans. Sharp limestone is unforgiving and the remoteness means any major breakdown is a serious situation.
How much fuel range do I need for this 45-mile loop?
Plan for at least 150-mile fuel range minimum since Warren, MT has limited services and you're 2-3 days from any help if something goes wrong. Carry extra fuel and water - there's zero cell service out there.