We’re solidly in Montana now, boondocking by Butte. Neither of has ever ridden here and there is a lot to check out. Our first ride was a figure 8 of sorts that incorporated some of the trails of Thompson Park. Our adventure was 16.7 miles with 2569′ of climbing topping out around 7450′.
We parked right of scenic Highway 2 and after a short spin down the pavement we turned right on Beaver Ponds Trail. This trail climbs back into the lodgepole and aspen forest and crosses a couple meadows where the beaver ponds are supposedly hidden by all the greenery. This is a fairly smooth and fast trail that rolls up and down through interesting rock formations. There are a few scenic overlooks but the haze made them impossible to capture in a picture.
At the intersection with the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) we turned right and continued on. I liked this section of trail especially because it was mostly downhill. It’s dry like Bend riding but it isn’t that dust they get. Once we popped out at the highway we crossed and continued on the other side. This trail is called 8 Miles of Hell. hahaha. This part climbed a lot, but never steeply, just continuously. It’s interesting climbing though because there a GAZILLION rock formations and switchbacks to spice it up. Climb climb climb and then we turned left of Toll Canyon Trail.
Toll Canyon Trail doesn’t seem like it gets as much riders. It is a marvel at how much deadfall is out here and I imagine clearing this trail is no simple act. The trail is more rough and rugged than anything else we rode this day and I loved it. The switchbacks down are all very well built. There are a few rocky sections as the trail descends to Fish Creek. It’s gorgeous back here. Wild and scenic. We popped out back on the highway and took the few mile spin back up to the start.
I really liked the variety on this loop and yet again, we didn’t see any cyclists.
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