Homestake CDT - Maud-S Loop

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E-Bikes Not Allowed

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This is one of Butte's classic routes that can be ridden in either direction, depending on what kind of ride you want. It involves 2 of Butte's best pieces of singletrack - Maud-S, and the Continental Divide Trail North of Homestake Pass. Butte locals will often ride this loop from home because the starting point is so close to town. Be aware that this is the "sanctioned" variation of the loop. There is a much more popular un-sanctioned route that bypasses the roads by taking the abandoned railway line between Maud S and Homestake Pass. Due to MTB Project policy, the un-sanctioned route has not been posted.

No facilities at the Maud-S parking lot. There are some restrooms at the large Homestake Parking Lot North of I-90

The biggest factor in deciding which direction you want to ride this loop is the steepness of Upper Maud-S Trail. Riding this trail as an ascent is gut-busting, and most riders will find themselves pushing their bikes or stopping to rest at some stage. Some people like the challenge and the workout, and they are then rewarded with a long, flowy descent that undulates down the East Ridge to Homestake Pass. Other people prefer the more gradual ascent up the East Ridge, followed by a much steeper and exhilarating descent down Maud-S. The route description will detail the latter option of riding the loop counter Clockwise.

From the Maud-S Trailhead, head south on the frontage road and cross over the interstate to join Hwy 2. Traffic can be fast on Hwy 2 and it is an option to ride on dirt trails next to the road. After about 3 miles on Hwy 2, take a left turn down Blacktail Canyon Rd and follow it for 1.5 miles. Part way up, Blacktail Canyon Rd turns to gravel, and then at the bottom of Road 8654 you make a left on an unmarked doubletrack.

Biking up sandy and rutted Road 8654 is perhaps the most physical part of the loop in this direction, especially the part near the top where it is particularly steep and will have most riders pushing their bikes for a little bit. Near the end of the Road 8654 you have a short descent to the South Homestake Trailhead where you take the sealed road over the interstate to the North Trailhead and the Continental Divide Trail.

The 9 miles of CDT trail north of Homestake is a real gem, with great riding, awesome views and interesting landscape littered with granite boulders. The climb itself is not an easy climb, however it should be rideable for most riders with a moderate level of fitness. After about 7.5 miles of CDT you'll reach the Apex of the trail where you are rewarded by views of Butte and the infamous Pit, as well as the statue of Our Lady further along the ridge. From the apex, a descent of almost 1.5 miles and many switchbacks will deliver you to the Junction with the Maud-S Trail, and from here it is all pretty much straight downhill.

The descent down Maud-S might be described as a hard intermediate. There are a few sections that are techy, and one difficult section in particular which has a short series of stone steps. Upper Maud-S trail leads to the Maud-S loop where you get to choose your way down. Everyone in town has their favorite direction to go down and mine just happens to be the right hand side - It's slightly steeper with more switchbacks, and the views of town are better.

At the bottom of the loop you'll cross the railway tracks and head down either of the two access trails back to the parking lot. Well Done!