By editor
Wise River Area
Tucked into the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest—the largest national forest in Montana—the Pioneer Mountains offer high-altitude riding with virtually zero crowds. The Beaverhead-Deerlodge contains nearly 4,800 miles of Forest Service roads, providing endless opportunities for gravel and bikepacking loops.
For singletrack, the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway corridor offers access to several high alpine trails. The riding here is old-school backcountry: narrow, root-choked, and frequently interrupted by downed timber or creek crossings. It lacks the polish of purpose-built systems but makes up for it in raw, unvarnished wilderness appeal. The high elevations mean the riding window is short, often not melting out until mid-July.
Must-Ride Experience: The Pioneer Mountains National Scenic Byway provides access to dozens of closed logging roads that climb high into the East and West Pioneer ranges, offering endless exploratory riding.
Visitor Access
- Total Mileage: 200+ miles of mixed trail and road
- Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced
- Season: July through September
Confirm current trail conditions, seasonal closures, and land-manager rules before you ride. Carry bear spray on remote and alpine routes.