Rawhide - Muskrat Loop

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E-Bikes Not Allowed

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This loop is an adventurous ride over a variety of terrain that provides an alternative way to ride down Muskrat Creek Trail without having to do an out and back. It is very physically demanding and definitely more difficult than doing the out and back. However you'll be rewarded with some scenic and historical sites including passing through the historic town of Elkhorn. Although the loop could be ridden in either direction, you would have to be a little masochistic to ride it clockwise and trade your sweet singletrack descent for a loose rocky doubletrack descent down Iron Mountain Road.

There are different places you could start this ride, but we will start at the very lowest elevation of the route, which is at the bottom of Rawhide Road where it comes off from Upper Valley Road. There is a basic parking area just off the road from the junction.

Ride up Rawhide road about a mile on a reasonable gravel surface to arrive at the Rawhide Trailhead. This would be an alternative place to start the ride. Take Rawhide trail, which is a steep, but not overly rocky ATV trail. It is rideable, although some sections may be steep enough to warrant some bike pushing. Rawhide Trail is mostly forested and you'll cross some bridges and pass some fences on your way up and over a hill. On the eastern side the gully widens as you come to the end of the trail at a primitive dirt road called Ninety Cent Gulch. Continue down the hill on this road until you hit the main Elkorn Road.

About 1.5 miles north up Elkhorn Road you'll get to the center of town of Elkhorn. Elkhorn is a super fascinating place, and if you are into old Montana history, mining and ghost towns like I am, the whole loop is worth riding for this alone. The thing is though, it's not quite a ghost town, because there are still some people living here. Make sure to check out the 2 old buildings on the main street that are open to the public.

After passing through Elkhorn, the road goes past some mine ruins, turns right and then forks. Take the left fork past an old restored water tower, and not far past that you'll take a right turn up the Iron Mountain Road. Iron Mountain is the hardest part of this loop as it is relentlessly steep and rocky. Depending on conditions it is rideable if you are a very strong climber, but otherwise expect a lot of bike pushing on this section. Near the apex of the road you'll pass by a doubletrack trail that continues uphill to the right, and can be followed up to the shoulder of Elkhorn Peak for those that would like to bag the summit. This trail is quite steep and will involve some bike pushing. Continuing on Iron Mountain Road, you'll descend for about a mile passing a nice viewpoint, followed by some old mining cabins. The trail narrows and steepens near the end before coming to the junction with Muskrat Creek and Iron Mine Trail.

Your descent down Muskrat Creek Trail will be the highlight of the trip from a riding perspective. This trail is described by some as being one of the best trails in Montana, and is a well built trail packed full of moderate technical obstacles from start to finish. The trail comes out at a parking area that continues onto Muskrat Road followed by Upper Valley Road. These roads are well maintained gravel roads that will lead you downhill back to your starting point.