September Trail Ride 9/26-27

[80 Sack]

Howdy 406 Cruisers! Welcome to the new clubhouse. Thanks to bagochips76 for getting it going.

This months trip will be a two day event but with camping at a location easy enough for day trippers to join in on either day. I'll keep you posted on location but mark it on your calendar!

 

[secretasiansam]

throwing out independence, mt/monument peak as a suggestion. south of big timber & McLeod we hit the boulder river road. we pass natural bridge where there is some climbing (TC?!) and a sizeable waterfall. after 32 miles of gravel the road turns to 4x4, with 16 miles ahead to blue lake where there is supposedly some pretty good cutthroat fishing... on our way to the lake, the trail passes through the independence mine ghost town, which is also pretty cool. to top it all off, monument peak (10,995') can be gained from blue lake with a fairly easy (2-3 miles and 1,200'--don't quote me on that) summit hike. the wilderness boundary is right before the lake so it would be up each group whether they want to car camp at the boundary or hike gear a few hundred yards to the lake.

 

[thetoyotaman]

I've been wanting to do this too sometime, but that weekend is pretty booked for me.

 

[ryanundertrees]

throwing out independence, mt/monument peak as a suggestion. south of big timber & McLeod we hit the boulder river road. we pass natural bridge where there is some climbing (TC?!) and a sizeable waterfall. after 32 miles of gravel the road turns to 4x4, with 16 miles ahead to blue lake where there is supposedly some pretty good cutthroat fishing... on our way to the lake, the trail passes through the independence mine ghost town, which is also pretty cool. to top it all off, monument peak (10,995') can be gained from blue lake with a fairly easy (2-3 miles and 1,200'--don't quote me on that) summit hike. the wilderness boundary is right before the lake so it would be up each group whether they want to car camp at the boundary or hike gear a few hundred yards to the lake.

I was just there over Labor day weekend. Trail was in good shape. Lots of fun.

The last mile or so to blue Lake is the most technical.

I'd post a picture, but I don't know how with tapatalk. My Instagram has some pics. @ryanundertrees

 

[80 Sack]

Sounds like fun. Is there a possibility for day trippers to join in? I believe there are a few who can only make one day or the other.

 

[3rdGenTRD]

As of right now I am working but if there is a way to get if off and come on the trip I will do it. If might be just for the Saturday but we'll see what happens as it gets closer. I need to come on these trail rides, I am slacking way to much.

 

[secretasiansam]

I don't actually know anything about the trail. I have not been there. my lady has and she wrote that post for me. it really depends on how long of a day people want. it is 75 miles to McLeod, 10 more miles of pavement to natural bridge then 50ish miles of gravel and dirt to blue lake.

 

[ryanundertrees]

It's a pretty long in and out commitment. A very long day trip, but best experienced as an overnight trip. (especially if you happen to be bringing along young riders)

There are probably better single day/multi-day combos?

 

[TN93LC]

I'm out that weekend because we already have a trip planned to the Jackson area. Referring to the area you're talking about, Chandler and I were down there a couple weeks ago and we met a dual sport rider. he told us the road up Boulder River somehow connects to Swingley Road which is a dirt road that snakes its way along the bottom of the Beartooths and comes out in Livingston. We stopped in Livingston that night for dinner and saw the other end of that road just outside of town. That could be a possibility for day trippers to connect to the same area. I haven't had a chance to check it out yet, but I've been told its just a mild dirt road because some people live back in there, but it should be a pretty good distance through there.

 

[thetoyotaman]

You can take that road over to McLeod. It's just a well maintained gravel road.

 

[80 Sack]

Thanks for all of the input guys. I think there are still some people unsure of their plans. If everyone is in for the overnighter, this sounds fun. What will be the logistical challanges of people coming up on sunday? Is there technical driving both days?

Another option would be two seperate day trips out of Boulder. Both days would have fun technical driving with fun diversions. Camping could be right near boulder so easy in out for day trippers. One of the days would be to the trail we did on labor day. Check out the pics on the webpage.

Now everyone post up your intentions and preferences and we'll go with the majority vote. Either trip should be a blast!!

 

[NyNomad]

How far is this from Great Falls? Depending on my work schedule I could make the trek, and I'm not skeered of camping

 

[secretasiansam]

For monument, it doesn't seem there is a ton of "technical" trail. which is disappointing but oh well. I will be doing that ride either way. there may be some roads to explore on sunday, but I am planning on a hike that day...

 

[MontanaLax]

Unfortunately I have family in town this weekend so I'm out. But have fun, sounds like a good time!

 

[EvkoOffroad]

I could probably make it. The family might come as well if it works out for them. I think this will be a good trail to get my cruiser started on.

 

[NyNomad]

I'll be somewhat early off work on Friday, where's the meet up location!?

 

[80 Sack]

Well gang, lets plan on the monument trip. Should be a great time. We're going to have secretasiansam as the trail leader on this one, so he'll post up soon with meeting place and time.

 

[bagochips76]

So, is there access for day trippers to meet up on Sunday? I can't make it Saturday but was planning on meeting up on Sunday....

 

[secretasiansam]

so my plan is to leave Bozeman at 9 a.m.. not sure if it makes sense to meet in town or maybe at natural bridge. I plan on taking swingley road from Livingston to the junction of boulder river road. should be about 25 miles of gravel road. then onto 298 south which is another 31 miles of gravel then we hit 16 miles of actual trail to blue lake. there are picnic areas and I believe camp grounds with facilities if needed. I figure we will stop and have lunch in independence ghost town or somewhere along the river. sunday I plan on hiking monument peak.
let me know who is for sure in for either day, or if you have questions.

 

[NyNomad]

Where at in Bozeman? If all goes well with the UCA install tomorrow I'll be leaving Great Falls early sat.morning