Montana’s Bitterroot Bike Tour

Get a head start on today’s miles with a gentle 25-mile descent from the hot springs back to the Bitterroot Valley. Continue along the paved Bitterroot Bike Trail to the town of Hamilton while admiring unbeatable views of the eastern flanks of the Bitterroot Mountains and taking in some of the history of the Bitterroot Salish tribe’s ancestral homeland. Watch for evidence of the ancient shoreline of the prehistoric Lake Missoula which existed here during the most recent ice age as you pedal past modern ranches and farmlands. The Bitterroot River Inn provides a nice setting for the night. Dinner is on your own.

After a shuttle (one hour) from Hamilton to the Montana Idaho border, our day continues along the Nez Pierce historic route. We start at the base of Lost Trail Ski Area (6800’) and head up the Chief Joseph Pass (7250’) before descending into the Big Hole Valley. For those preferring flatter riding, you can choose to start in the valley. On our way to Wisdom, we will stop at the Big Hole National Battlefield to learn about the events which took place here in 1877. The Big Hole River cuts through the valley with views of the Pioneer Mountains to the east. The unincorporated town of Jackson awaits: Here you have the option to jump in the van or continue cycling for the remaining 25 miles all the way to the Montana High Country Guest Lodge, our lodging for tonight and tomorrow.

Visit an amazing ghost town followed by a dip in the local hot springs. Hike to Sawtooth Lake (6.6mi. 1500’ gain). Or simply relax at the lodge while absorbing the expansive views and big skies of Grasshopper Valley. Lunch is on your own today, but all the fixings will be available at the Lodge to make a sandwich to eat there or take on an adventure. If you want more cycling, your guides can share optional routes.

Cycle the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway the length of the Pioneer Mountain Range to the quaint town of Wise River. Granite Mountain Peak reaches 10,000 feet on one side, while the gentler forested hills and mountain meadows of the Anaconda Wilderness Area spread out below on the other.

Our primary ride gently ascends to a 7,800-foot divide between the Wise River, flowing north, and Grasshopper Creek, flowing south. Ghost towns, abandoned silver mines, and blue-ribbon trout streams are the hallmarks of this area. Cap it off with a fun descent into Wise River.

After lunch, you may choose to shuttle or continue cycling on to our lodging. This stretch takes us into the Anaconda Mountains. Take a rest and admire the 360° views from the top of this gradual ascent before descending to Fairmont Hot Springs for the night.

No shuttle this morning! Pedal right out the door of your lodging onto the Pintler Veterans Memorial Scenic Byway. Savor the beauty of Georgetown Lake nestled between the Anaconda and Sapphire Mountain Ranges on your way to Phillipsburg in the Flint Creek Valley. As you ascend the gentle grade (avg. 1.5%) toward the lake, you can tip your helmet to the bricklayers who constructed Anaconda Copper Company Smoke Stack. At 585 feet tall, it remains one of the largest free standing brick structures in the world! Our final celebration in Philipsburg will include a stop for some huckleberry taffy – a local treat – before a relatively short shuttle (1hr 15min) back to Missoula.