BLM #14

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Allowed

The Pipestone region east of Butte and west of Whitehall is primarily a motorized recreation area managed by both BLM and the USFS. While officially there is non-motorized singletrack, the reality is that dirt bikes will ride every trail here, including making their own. Mountain Biking can still be a rewarding activity here, especially in the early spring and late fall when other areas have snow cover. The network and variety of trails is vast, so it is best to bring GPS, a riding plan, and plenty of gear for mechanicals and body refueling. There are many trails that are sandy, rocky and steep, so riding times may be longer than you expect, and the trails at lower elevations generally have few trees so expect to have little shade.

There are many official trailheads in the area, many along the main Lake Delmoe Rd, and most of these trailheads have a bathroom. You can also park just off the side of the road or trail, and this is possible in many locations.

BLM # 14 is a sandy and rocky ATV trail typical of the Pipestone region, and it is also one of the longer continuous trails. The riding on this trail will not provide many technical challenges, however there are definitely some cardiovascular challenges as it goes up and down some reasonably steep slopes. This trail is not generally ridden by itself, but rather used as part of a loop and/or to connect other trails together. There are many trail/road junctions over its length, and while the major ones will likely be signposted, the minor ones might not be.

The western half of the trail is much hillier and more forested than the eastern side, and begins as a continuation of BLM #23. There is a small stream crossing followed by a steep ascent up to and over an old railway line. The trail follows the railway line for a little bit, before continuing the journey East.

About 3.25 miles along, where the trail crosses Dry Creek, there is an old cabin that can still be used as a very basic shelter from the weather. From here you are mostly in sagebrush meadows, and have only one significant climb left, before a big last final descent down to the Ringing Rocks Access Rd.