10 Best ATV Trails in Montana
- Ashley Lake Trail • This is a 7-mile long trail located just above Ashley Lake and is very popular throughout the summertime. It is usually closed when big game hunting season arrives.
- Blue Mountain Road Trail • This trail includes almost 4 miles of ATV trails as well as motorcycle trails and forms part of the 4,900-acre Blue Mountain Recreation Area.
- Hungry Horse Motocross Track • Challenging natural terrain consisting of gravel, sand, and elevation changes in a short loop circuit.
- Koocanusa Trail • In the north-eastern section of the Koocanusa Reservoir, consisting of 20 miles of trails with large and small sand dunes around the reservoir and woodland.
- Overwhich Falls Trail • Moderate, 8-mile trail with a few rocky and steep stretches. Used by a variety of people for different activities.
- Darby Trails • Two long loops in the Bitterroot National Forest, clearly signposted and arrowed for vehicle type and direction.
- Shepherd Ah Nei SRMA • Around 50 miles of trails used for various purposes, crusty terrain with moderate elevation changes.
- Pipestone OHV Recreation Area • Around 75 miles of smooth terrain that is open all year and facilitates fairly fast riding.
- Blacktail Wild Bill Trail • Varied gravel trail consisting of hardpack and soft soil with a few rocky patches and moderate elevation changes. With some great views!
- Glendive Short Pine Trail • Large area of almost 3,000 acres open to all types of vehicle and consisting of mainly dry, hard-packed trails with a few steep climbs.
The 10 Best ATV Trails in Montana
1. Ashley Lake ATV Trail
Just west of Kalispell, this trail is between May and October, and it gets pretty packed in the summertime. The trail is actually just north of the lake and comprises 7 miles of picturesque and ideal terrain for ATVs. The trailhead is marked with signs, and is open to a variety of off-road vehicles.
You can find the Forest Service-operated trail just a short distance from Ashley Lake, although it is closed during big game hunting season.
2. Blue Mountain Road Trail
Blue Mountain Recreation Area is an ideal spot from which to get some scenic views of the Missoula Valley as it is located SW of Missoula. It comprises 15-odd miles of trails for various types of vehicles, including four just for ATVs.
You’ll need an off-road sticker from the Missoula County Courthouse beforehand. Some tracks are well-maintained and fairly smooth, although you need to look out for other users during busy times like weekends and holidays. The best time to check out the trail is sometime between May and November in the Spring and Fall seasons.
3. Hungry Horse Motocross Track
Hungry Horse is a track of natural terrain to the east of Columbia Falls. This steep track can be fairly challenging by way of its elevation gains. The track is about half a mile down from Colorado Boulevard near the Forest Service Station, and you’ll find campsites and all other manner of outdoor adventures going on around the trail.
The track has been established since 1980, is open all year, and charges no fees. All good!
4. Koocanusa Sand Dunes and Trail System
This is a large, open area that is open all year round, and yes – it has dunes! You can find this trail on the northeast corner of the Koocanusa Reservoir, with 20-odd miles of track covering woodland terrain and surrounding the reservoir.
The water levels are at their lowest between March and June which is obviously the best time to come to this region close to American Indian burial grounds. These grounds are close to the trail but are marked out with various signs. You can access the trail via Sophie Lake Road which will bring you to the lake after about 3.5 miles.
5. Overwhich Falls Trails
This trail comprises a scenic 8-mile to Overwhich Falls. It is a fairly easy ride with the odd steep, rocky section. There may also be a few encounters with horses, hikers, and mountain bikers along the way, as well as some impressive scenery. You can find t