Located in the far southwest reaches of the state, this remote, 22.2-mile loop in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest runs through a glacial cirque that straddles the Continental Divide and the Idaho-Montana border. The route features a technical descent halfway into the ride and boasts an abundance of breathtaking mountain landscapes.
Start off with a 3-mile climb through grassy meadows to a broad bench above Henderson Gulch, then tackle a 3-mile descent on rugged singletrack that traces a section of the Continental Divide Trail. From here, the trail begins an immediate ascent along Deadman Creek, gaining 1,600 feet of elevation over 6 miles. The climbing is relatively mellow, so it's easy to take your eyes off the trail to savor the spectacular views that unfold in every direction.
After 12 miles, the route tops out at 9,600 feet at the head of the cirque. Catch your breath before dropping down a scree field (the ride's most technical stretch) to the meadows below. The return route descends north along Nicholia Creek, passing through expansive meadows and forest. The trail is poorly defined at times so navigation with a GPS is recommended.
-Mapped by John Parker
Editor's Note: Mountain bike trails in the Italian Peaks could be impacted by the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest Management Plan. The plan currently recommends that this area be designated wilderness and would prohibit mountain biking in all recommended wilderness areas. For more information, go to Montana Land Protection Campaign and Montana Mountain Bike Alliance.
TO TRAILHEAD: Drive southwest on I-15 S to exit 23. Turn right onto Old US Hwy. 91. In 250 feet, turn left toward Big Sheep Creek Rd. In 1.6 miles, turn right onto Big Sheep Creek Rd. In 16.7 miles, continue on Meadow Creek Rd. In 0.2 mile, turn left onto Nicholia Creek Rd. Go 7.4 miles to parking area.
| Position Format: |
Datum: |
|
|
|
Italian Peaks
| Dist: 22.21 mi |
Points: 2527 |
Calories: none |
| Time: none |
Speed: 0.0 mph |
Pace: 0:00 / mi |
Italian Peaks
ITA001
Location: 44.475962°, -112.908672°
From Nicholia Creek Road, follow the 4WD road to the southeast. Warm up your legs on the 3-mile climb toward Henderson Gulch.
ITA002
Location: 44.469286°, -112.894692°
Turn right (south) and follow the road up the treeless ridge.
ITA003
Location: 44.456789°, -112.878685°
Turn right. Continue the climb to a broad bench overlooking Henderson Gulch.
ITA004
Location: 44.450724°, -112.888126°
The trail flattens briefly before starting a 2.8-mile descent to Deadman Creek.
ITA006
Location: 44.442482°, -112.882719°
Turn left into Henderson Gulch. In a half mile, the trail curves around the ridge, hugging grassy slopes.
ITA007
Location: 44.430593°, -112.861691°
Shift to an easier gear for the moderate, 5.9-mile climb along Deadman Creek. Ahead, the route follows a section of the Continental Divide Trail through the forest.
ITA008
Location: 44.366692°, -112.839654°
The ride tops out at 9,700 feet at the southernmost tip of the loop. Italian Peak rises directly to the southwest along the glacial cirque that forms the Continental Divide and the Idaho-Montana border. Next: Put your bike handling skills to the test on the scree field descent ahead (the most technical part of the ride). Lay off the front brake and shift your weight over the back wheel to increase rear traction.
ITA009
Location: 44.387888°, -112.856669°
The next 8 miles follow Nicholia Creek through a mix of forest and grassy meadows. Caution: The trail fades in and out along this stretch; navigation with a GPS is recommended.
ITA010
Location: 44.439556°, -112.907116°
Singletrack becomes 4WD road. Continue heading north to close the loop at Waypoint 1.
First Climb
Location: 44.454155°, -112.883749°
Riders climb up grassy hillsides at the beginning of the ride. ©John Parker
Singletrack
Location: 44.422755°, -112.856820°
Ride through expansive meadows on dirt singletrack. ©John Parker
Climbing
Location: 44.376294°, -112.823710°
©John Parker
Towering Peaks
Location: 44.373717°, -112.826371°
Rugged peaks tower above the trail near the top of the climb. ©John Parker
Riding at 9,400 feet
Location: 44.371815°, -112.828302°
©John Parker
Top of the climb
Location: 44.366849°, -112.839439°
The ride tops out at 9,600 feet. ©John Parker
Heading down the trail
Location: 44.366481°, -112.840528°
The return route starts with a descent to Nicholia Creek. ©John Parker
Scree Field Descent
Location: 44.366822°, -112.841520°
The trail's most technical stretch. ©John Parker
Italian Peaks
Location: 44.366891°, -112.842207°
©John Parker
Mountain Spring
Location: 44.367198°, -112.843387°
The trail passes a natural spring. ©John Parker
Spring
Location: 44.367217°, -112.843505°
The spring is a great spot to refill your water bottles. ©John Parker
Trail Views
Location: 44.369054°, -112.844482°
©John Parker
Italian Peaks
Location: 44.385342°, -112.854888°
©John Parker
Meadows
Location: 44.390149°, -112.854888°
When the trail disappears, use this GPS track to navigate through the meadows. ©John Parker
Scenic Descent
Location: 44.404231°, -112.858086°
©John Parker
|
