Hundreds of miles of great mountain biking trails can be found around Butte, many of which are shared between horseback riders, off-road vehicles, bicyclists, and hikers! Diverse terrain and scenery makes these trails perfect for all riding enthusiasts. 

Hundreds of miles of spectacular and uncrowded trails are minutes from Butte! The nationally recognized Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDNST) surrounding Butte is accessible from multiple trailheads. Whitetail Pipestone is a popular riding and driving area east of Butte, north of I-90. A good map reader can navigate several loop routes from Lemhi Pass to the south, incorporating one of motorized sections of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. For horseback enthusiasts, many trailheads on the Pioneer Scenic Byway have hitching posts and some have loading ramps optimal for your next adventure. Remember, people unfamiliar with livestock may not know what to do when they encounter you on the trail so please begin the conversation early and let them know what to do to safely pass you.

In Montana, an OHV Registration decal is needed to ride trails on National Forest, Bureau of Land Management, or State lands. Vehicles must be street legal with license plates if you plan to ride on public roads, including two-track 4x4 roads. To keep designated trails and areas on public lands open for vehicle use it is essential that OHV enthusiasts create a positive image for their sport. Stay on roads and trails, minimize your impact, and respect seasonal trail closures.

Trail maps are available at the Butte Visitor Information Center, U.S. Bureau of Land Management, or U.S. Forest Service.

Map of Riding Locations

Click a marker for more recreation area information.

Tread Lightly Principles

The Tread Lightly principals were developed to help educate and guide recreationists in sustainable minimum impact practices that mitigate or avoid recreation-related impacts. Each principle covers a specific topic and provides detailed information for minimizing impacts. Visit the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics for more information on responsible recreating.

1. Travel And Recreate With Minimum Impact

  • Travel on designated routes or areas only.
  • Travel only in areas that are open to your type of recreation.
  • Motorized and mechanized vehicles are not allowed in designated Wilderness areas. This includes ATVs, OHMs, 4WDs, Mountain Bikes, Snowmobiles, and PWCs.
  • Don't create new routes, expand existing trails, or cut switchbacks.
  • Avoid sensitive habitats like wetlands, meadows, shorelines and tundra. These areas are easily damaged affecting wildlife, water quality, and aesthetics.
  • Cross streams at designated fords, crossing slowly at a 90-degree angle to minimize damage.
  • Go through or over obstacles such as mud, rocks, or trees. Riding around widens the trail and causes more damage.
  • Avoid muddy trails. Ride during drier times. Ease up on the gas to avoid wheel spin in soft ground.

2. Respect The Environment And The Rights Of Others

  • Respect and be considerate of other users so that all may enjoy a quality outdoor experience.
  • When driving, yield to horses, hikers, and bikers. If using watercraft, be cautious around canoes, kayaks, and other boats.
  • Respect wildlife. Be sensitive to their life-sustaining needs by keeping your distance.
  • Comply with signage.
  • Leave gates as you find them and always obtain permission to cross private land.

3. Educate Yourself, Plan And Prepare Before You Go

  • Know local laws and regulations.
  • Know which areas and routes are open to your type of recreation.
  • Make your trip safe. Have the right information, maps, and equipment and know how to use them.
  • If traveling by vehicle, make sure the vehicle is properly maintained and compatible with road or trail conditions.

4. Allow for Future Use of the Outdoors, Leave It Better Than You Found It

  • Take out what you bring in.
  • Properly dispose of waste.
  • Leave what you find.
  • Minimize use of fire.
  • Avoid the spread of invasive species. Clean your gear and vehicle after every trip.
  • Restore degraded areas. Volunteer your time and help local land managers.

5. Discover The Rewards Of Responsible Recreation

  • Do all you can to preserve the beauty and inspiring attributes of our lands and waters for yourself and future generations.
  • Outdoor recreation provides the opportunity to get away from the hustle of everyday life and builds family traditions.
  • Respect the environment and other recreationists. By using common sense and common courtesy, what is available today will be here to enjoy tomorrow.