Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest · Wisdom, Montana

Side-by-Side & UTV Riding

Hundreds of miles of two-track, forest roads, and mountain routes — all starting just outside the cabin.

The Landscape

The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest is one of the most UTV-friendly landscapes in the Mountain West. With over 2,000 miles of roads and trails across 3.3 million acres, you can ride for days without retracing your tracks. The property sits at the edge of the forest — load up and go.

Trail Map — 20 Miles Around the Cabin

Interactive terrain map centered on Wisdom, MT. Forest Service roads and trails appear in light gray; click and drag to explore. For the official "legal-to-ride" overlay, use the MVUM downloads further down the page.

📍 Cabin marker shown in Wisdom · roughly 20-mile radius visible at this zoom Open full map ↗
🛰️ Satellite View on Google Maps 🗻 Topo View on CalTopo 📲 onX Offroad (MVUM Overlay)

Where to Ride — Named Trail Areas

Within 20 Miles of the Cabin

Roll out of the driveway and you're on these in 30 minutes or less.

Trail Creek Road (FS 1262)

Heads west off Hwy 43 toward the Continental Divide. Open dirt road with spur trails into the Beaverhead Mountains — great for half-day rides.

📍 Open in Google Maps →

Chief Joseph Pass & May Creek

About 18 miles NW on Hwy 43. Network of FS roads off the pass connecting toward Lost Trail. Big views, cool temps.

📍 Open in Google Maps →

Big Hole Pass / Bloody Dick Creek

South toward Jackson, then west on FS 181. Connects to backcountry FS routes along the Continental Divide. Moderate to challenging.

📍 Open in Google Maps →

Jackson & Skinner Meadows

18 miles south to Jackson, then east on FS roads into the Big Hole Range. Quiet, scenic meadows. Pair it with a soak at Jackson Hot Springs.

📍 Open in Google Maps →

Schultz Creek / Pintler Boundary

Northeast of Wisdom — FS roads riding the southern edge of the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness. Higher elevation, late-season melt-out.

📍 Open in Google Maps →

Big Hole Battlefield Loop Roads

The two-track ranch and FS roads ringing the Battlefield NM are open to OHVs (battlefield itself is non-motorized). Mellow, flat, valley riding.

📍 Open in Google Maps →

30–45 Minutes Away — Pioneer Mountains (Worth the Drive)

The Pioneer Mountains east of Wise River are the most celebrated UTV country in southwest Montana. Trailer over for a full day.

Vipond Park Area

South of Wise River. A popular network of OHV roads around Vipond Park with views across the Pioneers. Multiple loop options.

📍 Open in Google Maps →

Canyon Creek

South of Wise River. OHV routes winding through canyon country with creek crossings and mountain scenery.

📍 Open in Google Maps →

Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway Connectors

Two-track spurs off the Scenic Byway connect to ridge roads with panoramic views.

📍 Open in Google Maps →

Kelly Reservoir to Esler Lake

A popular OHV trail linking reservoir to alpine lake. Moderate difficulty.

📍 Open in Google Maps →

Note: Coordinates above are area markers — always cross-check with the current Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) before riding. Trail designations and seasonal closures change.

Rules & Requirements

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Montana OHV Registration Required

All OHVs (ATVs, side-by-sides, UTVs) must have a current Montana OHV Registration Decal to ride on National Forest, BLM, or State lands. Cost is approximately $25–30/year. Buy at: https://fwp.mt.gov/motorvehicle

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Street-Legal for Road Use

To ride on public roads (including two-track forest roads open to traffic), your machine must be street legal with a license plate. Forest roads designated on the MVUM as "open to all vehicles" require this.

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Stick to Designated Routes

You may only operate OHVs on routes designated on the Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM). Off-route travel is prohibited and can result in fines. Download the MVUM before you ride.

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Noise & Speed

Respect posted speed limits on forest roads (typically 15–25 mph). Excessive noise disturbs wildlife and other visitors.

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Stay on the Route

Do not shortcut switchbacks, create new tracks, or travel cross-country. One pass off-trail can create lasting erosion damage.

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Spark Arrestor Required

All OHVs must have a working USFS-approved spark arrestor when operating on National Forest land. This is required year-round.

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Fire Restrictions

Check current fire restrictions before you ride. Smoking while operating is prohibited. During Stage 2 restrictions, motorized travel may be limited to paved and gravel roads only.

Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs)

The USFS publishes free Motor Vehicle Use Maps for the Beaverhead-Deerlodge showing exactly which roads and trails are legally open to motorized vehicles. These are the official maps — if a route isn't on the MVUM, you cannot legally ride it.

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Download Free Maps

Download free PDFs or GeoPDFs (for Avenza Maps app): https://www.fs.usda.gov/r01/beaverhead-deerlodge/maps-guides/travel-management-maps

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Avenza Maps App

Avenza Maps app lets you view GeoPDFs offline on your phone with GPS location — download before you leave cell service. Available at https://www.avenzamaps.com

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Paper Copies

Paper copies available at the Wisdom Ranger District office (right in town): (406) 689-3243 — or Dillon Ranger District: (406) 683-3900

Official Resources

BDNF OHV Riding BDNF Travel Management Maps BDNF Visitor Maps & Guides Montana OHV Registration (FWP) Avenza Maps (Offline GPS Maps) Where2Wheel BDNF Trails onX Offroad — Built-in MVUMs CalTopo — Topo Map, Cabin Area Wisdom Ranger District (USFS Office) Montana Trail Vehicle Riders Assoc.

Local Tips

📱 Download Avenza Maps Before You Leave Home

Download the Avenza Maps app and load the MVUM before you leave home — cell service in the forest is spotty.

🏔️ Best Routes: Pioneer Mountains Area

The Pioneer Mountains area south of Wise River has the best variety of routes — all within 30 minutes of the cabin.

🔥 Check Fire Restrictions

Check fire restriction status at inciweb.nwcg.gov before you go — Stage 2 restrictions limit motorized travel in summer.

🚗 Let Us Know About Your Machine

Let us know you're bringing a side-by-side — we have storage space and can share local route knowledge.

🔧 Pack a Backcountry Kit

Bring a tow strap, basic tools, and a full-size spare — you're in true backcountry out there.

Load Up and Hit the Forest

Book the Cabin