Dry Creek Loop

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Allowed

Dry Creek is a lovely little valley in the Lower Pipestone Region. On this loop you'll ascend on doubletrack ATV trails, then descend down Dry Creek on fun singletrack. Most of the singletrack is supposed to be non-motorized, however the reality is that it gets used by dirt bikes regardless. The singletrack isn't particularly steep or gnarly, so the bikes don't chew it up too much. GPS is HIGHLY recommended, as you'll see from the route description there are many different trails and junctions.

Parking is found at the "Railway" Parking Lot, just off the main Delmoe Lake Road. There are no services at this parking lot other than a map.

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.

From the parking lot, head north on sandy BLM #13, which is the closest doubletrack to Lake Delmoe Road. BLM #13 has an easy-moderate gradient which is perfect because most of your climbing will happen on this trail. About halfway on the road you must navigate through the junction with BLM #24, and continue to the next junction with BLM #12 where you turn right.

BLM #12 is only 0.3 mile long, and T-junctions with BLM #10 where you turn right and descend down curvy ATV trail with banked turns to the next junction where you turn left onto BLM #8.

Ascend for 0.3 miles on BLM #8 to join BLM #7. You'll have a short descent on BLM #7 followed by a short climb up to BLM #6 where you turn right. Your main descent will start here, and begins with a fast rolling downhill towards Dry Creek. At the lowest point of the trail, just before it starts going up the other side of the valley is where BLM #9 turns off to the right, and this will be the start of the singletrack.

The singletrack is fast and scenic as it alternates over different sides of the valley. There are several times the trail will branch off to the side, but if you just keep choosing the trail that points you downhill to the South, you should end up in the right place. After 1.6 miles down Dry Creek, you'll come to the intersection with BLM #14 where there is an old cabin that can still be used as a shelter from the elements. After checking out the cabin you continue straight another 0.4 miles to the junction with BLM #16 where you turn right.

The Climb up BLM #16 will take you back to your starting point, and although short, it is perhaps the steepest section of climbing on this whole route.