Tobacco Root Gravel Loop

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Southwest Montana, US

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Route-overzicht

John in Butte

Sweet Gravel and MTB Rides around Montana (and Mexico!)

240 km

2.750 m

The TRGL is long weekender circumnavigating the Tobacco Root Mountains of Southwest Montana. The route features burly climbs and thrilling descents suitable for a gravel bike, as well as three hot springs, abandoned mines, historic barns, scenic vistas, refreshing rivers, and friendly towns.

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Routedetails

The **Tobacco Root Gravel Loop** is a long weekender circumnavigating the Tobacco Root Mountains of Southwest Montana. The route features burly climbs and thrilling descents suitable for a gravel bike, as well as three hot springs, abandoned mines, historic barns, scenic vistas, refreshing rivers, and friendly towns.

The loop starts at the @poi[Kountz Bridge](72183355) south of Whitehall, which offers easy access from I-90 and overnight parking, although several alternate parking options are noted. The route as described is ideal for a 3-day weekend with an afternoon start on Friday, but fit riders could complete it in two days. Two alternate routes are listed below which provide shorter versions or alternate starting and camping options. Optional side trips are also marked on the map, including extensions to @poi[Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park](72183369) and the attractive towns of @poi[Ennis](72183354) and @poi[Virginia City](72183322).

## Route
**Day 1** of the voyage begins at @poi[Kountz Bridge](72183355) and progresses clockwise to the @slice[South Boulder Valley](d,16511.59,26627.67) and @slice[Carmichael Hill](d,26783.5,30759.23) before descending to the historic town of @point[Pony](d,40033.74). Grab a burger at the @poi[Pony Bar ](72183342)then head down the road for an evening soak at @poi[Upper Potosi Hot Springs](72183332). The hot spring is a natural pool approximately 3/4 mile north of the @poi[trailhead](72183357). Most of the trail can be ridden by bike but is better suited for hiking. The hot spring is typically not much warmer than a bathtub and ideal for mid-summer soaking. You'll also pass the privately-owned @poi[Potosi Hot Springs](72183360) which offers luxurious rental cabins if you feel like treating yourself. **34 miles, 3900' vertical**

**Day 2** begins at @poi[Upper Potosi Campground](72183331) and proceeds to @poi[Norris Hot Springs](72183329), which opens at 10 AM for a quick soak and a mid-morning snack. If you choose to take the @poi[shortcut through the Sitz Ranch](72183358) to Norris be sure to ask permission first as it is a private road (but worth the effort to ask). After Norris, the route has two punishing climbs, including a @slice[3.5 mile push through Revenue Flats](d,96202.33,101778.85) and an @slice[8.5 mile slog up South Meadow Creek](d,112064.22,125773.96). After the effort, riders are rewarded with a @slice[16 mile descent](d,126015.4,151786.24) down Granite Creek into the town of Alder, where camping and food awaits. If you want to break up the big climb there is @poi[dispersed camping available](72183359) near the major junction on South Meadow Creek Road. **60 miles, 4500' vertical**

**Day 3** is a pleasant cruise through the Jefferson River Valley. You can find food and refreshments in @poi[Twin Bridges](72183345) which also offers a @poi[bike camp](72183344) with showers or overnight parking in the city park. Beyond Twin Bridges you'll pass the @poi[Historic Doncaster Round Barn](72183346) which once housed Triple Crown winner Spokane. @poi[Renova Hot Springs](72183334) offers one last chance to rinse off your trail dust and a couple choice camp spots if your schedule aligns. Soaking conditions are variable by season, but best during spring or early summer when river water can be mixed with the scalding hot spring water. Be sure to take the @slice[upper canal road](d,227982.64,229110.93) above the hot springs to catch some nice views of the Jefferson Valley. You'll also pass an @poi[historic kiln](72183333) from the Parrot Smelter before returning to your vehicle at the Kountz Bridge. **55 miles, 1200' vertical**

## Alternate Routes
A couple alternate routes are provided here which allow shorter distances or different starting and camping locations.

The [TRGL - Short Sureshot Version](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44086086) eliminates the out-and-back section at Upper Potosi Hot Springs. This version continues past Upper Potosi Hot Springs and climbs a steep ridge on a USFS ATV trail before dropping in Sureshot Lakes. The ATV trail has some hike-a-bike sections, but it is well shaded and has a cold creek crossing immediately before the climb. The route continues up South Meadow Creek but bypasses Norris Hot Springs, making this the shortest loop around the Roots at ~130 miles.

The [TRGL - Sheridan/Renova/Norris Version](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44018347) starts in the town of Sheridan with camping at Renova Hot Springs the first night, and Norris Hot Springs the second night. This version also uses the Sureshot cutoff past Potosi Hot Springs, but continues down Renova Flats to Norris Hot Springs for a night of camping, eating and soaking. On the final morning, the route utilizes Highway 287 from Norris to McCallister rather than climb back through Renova Flats. One could also ride Bradley Creek Road from Norris to Highway 287. I rode this version in summer 2023 and it might be my favorite way to break up the ride, although the second day is a tough 60-miler and it's easy to skip Potosi Hot Springs on a hot afternoon.

## Equipment
I originally completed this route on a 1991 Bianchi Volpe with 37mm tires, but you'd be better suited on a modern gravel bike with tires 2.0" and above. A hardtail mountain bike would be overkill on all but the roughest descents, although some might appreciate the suspension. A few necessary sections of pavement exist, but the route is approximately 75% gravel.

## Camping
Numerous camping options are marked throughout the route including pay sites and dispersed camping on public land. Tent sites are available for a fee at Norris Hot Springs, but fill up quickly on weekends. Camping is also available near Upper Potosi and Renova Hot Springs. A few city parks permit camping for traveling cyclists, including the bike camp in Twin Bridges. The best camping locations are marked as POIs although many more exist. Lodging is available in the towns of Whitehall, Ennis, Virginia/Nevada City, Sheridan, or Twin Bridges.

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Tobacco Root Gravel Loop

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