CDT: Homestake North

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Not Allowed

There is limited parking directly at the trailhead, but there is a very large parking area just south of the trailhead which includes toilets.

This section of the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) is one of the local mountain biking favorites, although it sees surprisingly little traffic, and it is not quite as popular as the CDT trail heading south from Homestake.

This trail undulates along a ridge and primarily consists of packed granite sand that can be loose in places and prone to rutting after heavy rains. Some sections of the trail are very fast and flowy, while others are rocky and littered with mild technical features that make it an interesting ride. While the ridge is mostly forested, the tree cover can be light which means sun great views, but remember to bring sunscreen.

Starting at an elevation of 6300' at Homestake Pass, the trail climbs to an apex of about 8150' over 7.5 miles. Just over the other side of this Apex you'll have the best views of the trail, looking down over Butte City and the infamous Pit. You'll also look across to see the statue of Our Lady. If you are doing an out-and-back you may consider making this your turn-around point. After this the trail descends down many switchbacks and after 1.5 miles arrives at a saddle at the sign-posted trail junction of Maud-S.

The trail is a good ride in both directions: either as a big uphill effort, or a long exhilarating descent. It can be ridden as an out-and-back, as a one way shuttle ending at either Maud-S or Nez Perce Parking Lots, or as a 20 mile loop that incorporates the abandoned railway line and Maud-S trails.