Little Belt Cabin Connector

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Little Belt Mountains, Montana

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John in Butte

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

306 km

5.840 m

The Little Belt Cabin Connector is a figure-8 gravel route that links five USFS rental cabins in the Little Belt Mountains of Central MT. The route starts on Kings Hill Pass and includes both an eastern and western loop through dense forest, open parks, rolling ridgetops, friendly towns, gorgeous river valleys, and open prairie. Renting all five cabins can logistically be challenging, but numerous camping options are also available for this epic Montana ride.

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The **Little Belt Cabin Connector** is a figure-8 gravel route that links five USFS rental cabins in the Little Belt Mountains of Central MT. One of the biggest challenges is renting all cabins in sequential order, which is difficult due to the online system which allows reservations up to six months in advance. I originally completed this route in August after reserving the cabins that February, and even then, I had to settle for a less desirable route direction on the second half due to cabin availability. If the USFS cabins aren’t available or you prefer to camp, there are numerous options noted along the route and many more sites not marked.

I completed the route on a rigid Salsa Fargo with drop bars and 29x2.35” tires.  A stout gravel or hardtail mountain bike would be your best option, but I’d keep tire widths over 2.1” to handle the chunky sections. The route as described was completed in 6 days while allowing time for travel to and from the starting point on the first and final days, although the route could be completed in less time. Approximate mileage and vertical feet per day are provided to help gauge the effort required for each section. Resupply options are limited along the route, but as a figure-8 you'll revisit your vehicle midway for a chance to stock up.

## Route
**Day 1 - King's Hill to Judith Guard Station** starts in the center of the figure-8 and progresses counter-clockwise from @poi[King’s Hill Pass](72595697) near Showdown Ski Area. Here you can find several parking options, but the best location is on the northeast side of the highway near the King’s Hill rental cabin. The route starts with a @slice[1-mile climb](d,172.88,1846.46) before settling into a rolling series of ridgetops, and a @slice[long descent](d,22678.89,57303.81) into the valley of the South Fork of the Judith River. You’ll be treated to gorgeous views throughout the ride, including a burnt ghost forest and picturesque rock outcrops along the South Fork. At mile 38 you’ll reach the @poi[Judith Guard Station](72595670), an historic site that once served as the local ranger station and elementary school. The cabin has beds for up to 6 people and a propane cook stove with all cooking utensils. There is no electricity, but water is available at the hand pump (not working during my visit) or in the river nearby. There is also a vault toilet on site. **38 miles, 2600’ vertical**

**Day 2 - Judith Guard Station to Dry Wolf Cabin** continues down the South Fork valley through the towns of @poi[Sapphire Village](72595671) and @poi[Utica](72595672), where you’ll find a couple options for food. I recommend the ¾ pound burger in Utica, or you can pick up some jewelry made from locally sourced sapphires. After refueling you’ll ride a few miles of pavement, then get a good taste of the prairie as the route heads back toward the Little Belt Mountains along rolling gravel roads. Accommodations on the second night, should you choose, are the @poi[Dry Wolf Cabin](72595673) which comes equipped with 4 beds, a vault toilet, propane lights, a propane cook stove, and cooking utensils.  There is no drinking water on site and the creek at the cabin runs underground in all but the wettest times of the year, so bring plenty of water if staying overnight. Water supplies are limited beyond Utica, but there are a couple small streams or stock water ponds, or you can ask to refill at a passing ranch house. The creek @poi[reappears above ground](72595690) approximately 1 mile upstream of the cabin, or there is a @poi[flowing spring](72595685) available at the Dry Wolf Campground approximately 3 miles up the road if pushing past the cabin. **42 miles, 2900’ vertical**

**Day 3 - Dry Wolf Cabin to King's Hill Cabin** features a @slice[burly climb](d,133094.35,146793.96) over @poi[Yogo Peak](72595698) and a return to your starting point at King’s Hill. After leaving the Dry Wolf drainage the route climbs above treeline and traverses the north side of @poi[Yogo Peak](72595698). The @poi[spring](72595685) at Dry Wolf Campground is your last chance to refill before the climb, and several nice @poi[camp sites](72595687) are marked if you choose to break up the climb with an overnight stay. The road is initially steep yet rideable, but later becomes a rocky path that requires several miles of hike-a-bike near the summit. You can take an optional jaunt to the top of the peak if you’re feeling ambitious. Beyond Yogo Peak the route takes a pleasant descent through the forest back to @poi[King’s Hill Cabin](72595674). The cabin is well stocked with cooking supplies, electricity, cook stove, lights, refrigerator, and beds, but no water is provided. Be sure to leave water and food in your vehicle to resupply at this mid-point stopover. Since you’re back at your vehicle you could also drive into Neihart, Monarch, or White Sulphur Springs to resupply. **25 miles, 4000’ vertical**

**Day 4 - KIng's Hill Cabin to Calf Creek Cabin** kicks off the western loop of the figure-8. The preferred direction of this portion is counter-clockwise due to water availability and to avoid the steep hike-a-bike out of Tenderfoot Creek, but during my initial ride I was unable to rent the cabins in this order and I rode clockwise as described here. The day starts with a side trip to the @poi[Porphyry Peak lookout tower](72595681) at the top of Showdown Ski Area. This section could be skipped if you’re not feeling the extra effort, but it’s a short day so you might as well explore a little. Following the lookout tower, the route takes a shortcut along the @slice[O’Brien Creek ski trail](d,171159.46,171794.53) to join primary @slice[Road 839](d,174028.38,177066.35) for two miles before turning onto @slice[Road 6414](d,177174.72,183291.8). If traveling counterclockwise on the loop, you would continue on Road 839 to Monument Peak Lookout. @slice[Road 6414](d,177174.72,183291.8) is a de-commissioned non-motorized logging road. It is a bit overgrown in places and you may encounter some deadfall, but it also offers riders a little more seclusion and opportunities to see wildlife. The @poi[turn into the last mile](72595683) of this section can be difficult to see so keep your navigation alerts on. If you reach the end of the clearcut you’ve traveled too far and need to backtrack a couple hundred yards. After the adventurous leg of @slice[Road 6414](d,177174.72,183291.8), you’ll enjoy a @slice[long descent](d,187954.56,201862.7) down Moose Creek before turning onto Sheep Creek Road for the final push to @poi[Calf Creek Cabin](72595675). The cabin has a vault toilet and propane stove and lights, but no electricity or running water. Your most reliable water sources are @poi[Moose Creek](72595691) approximately 5 miles before the cabin, or @poi[Calf Creek](72595695) approximately 1 mile before the cabin. **26 miles, 1500’ vertical**

**Day 5 - Calf Creek Cabin to Monument Peak Lookout** departs @poi[Calf Creek Cabin](72595675) with a couple rewarding @slice[climbs and descents](d,210965.67,244498.6) into the Tenderfoot Creek drainage. You’ll pass wide open parks that provide habitat for the large herds of elk that populate the Little Belts. At @poi[Tenderfoot Creek](72595692) you’ll find a clear stream to refill and rinse off, and a shady @poi[camp site](72595693) if you’re looking for non-cabin options. The @slice[climb from Tenderfoot Creek to Monument Peak Lookout](d,244476.5,256794.35) is the crux of the route, gaining over 3000’ in 8 miles. You’ll be required to push nearly half of this section, as some portions gain more than 800’ per mile! Refill water at @poi[Tenderfoot Creek](72595692) and take advantage of any small creek crossings during the climb because water is scarce beyond Monument Peak. There was a @poi[spring box](72595699) near one of the switchbacks that is visible from the trail which had water during my visit. At the top of Monument Peak you’ll find the quaint @poi[lookout tower](72595676) which is situated at ground level. There is one bed and a propane stove in the lookout, but otherwise accommodations are sparse. Flat ground is available for additional camping outside or on the lookout porch. **30 miles, 5400’ vertical**

**Day 6 - Monument Peak Lookout to King's Hill** is a ridgetop rollercoaster back to your vehicle at King’s Hill. You’ll be treated to well maintained forest roads and more stunning views of open parks and distant mountain ranges. There’s a @slice[3/4 mile section of pavement](d,304782.61,305929.84) that brings you back to King’s Hill for the final leg of the ride. If your journey home brings you through White Sulphur Springs, I highly recommend a post-ride soak at the Spa Hot Springs Hotel and a juicy burger at any of the local establishments. **31 miles, 3300’ vertical**

* [Judith Guard Station](http://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234427)
* [Dry Wolf Cabin](http://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234425)
* [Kings Hill Cabin](http://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234431) 
* [Calf Creek Cabin](http://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234409) 
* [Monument Peak Lookout](http://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234428)
* [Little Belt Recreation and Travel Map](https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd592654.pdf)

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Little Belt Cabin Connector

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