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A rough and rowdy descent from the CDT: Chief Joseph Pass to Schultz Saddle (MT Sec. 13).


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Map Key

5.3

Miles

8.6

KM

Singletrack

7,586' 2,312 m

High

5,111' 1,558 m

Low

44' 14 m

Up

2,477' 755 m

Down

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

32%

Max Grade (18°)

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

Description

After over a decade without maintenance, we managed to clear the 1,500 trees that had fallen across the trail, making the trail useable. Those years of neglect were a bit hard on the trail and, as such, it is still a work in progress.

The trail tread is missing in places, the bench cuts have narrowed, and loose rocks have rolled down from the hillsides. Still, if you don't mind a bit of adventure with your ride, it is still a blast.

The trail is best done downhill, and the recommended route would be to leave a car at the Sula Ranger Station and arrange a shuttle up to Chief Joseph Pass. Grab the CDT: Chief Joseph Pass to Schultz Saddle (MT Sec. 13) here and enjoy the trail until you reach the fork with Reimel.

The trail starts along Tolan Ridge and is easy to follow through the log cuts. After a quarter mile, there is a fork to the left and the trail becomes a little harder to follow until the trail disappears in a wet patch; contour to the right until you reach the meadow. The trail remains missing through the grass. Continue contouring and trending gradually down toward some trees on the far side. You'll probably need to use the MTB Project mobile app to find the switchbacks in the trees until we can get the tread rebuilt.

Ride the switchbacks down to the creek until the trail once again becomes sketchy. Initially, stay to the left of the creek, although there will be a few crossings. In this area, look for blazes on the trees, log cuts, and old tire tracks until you approach the burn and the trail once again becomes somewhat obvious.

From here, follow the trail out. As they say at the ski areas. Be alert for unmarked obstacles. There will be plenty. Good luck and be careful out there.

Contacts

Shared By:

Lance Pysher

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 2 votes

#1

in Sula

#13862

Overall
  4.0 from 2 votes
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Trail Rankings

#1

in Sula

#626

in Montana

#13,862

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102 Since Oct 5, 2016
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Photos

Crossing the high meadow in search of trees to clear
Oct 6, 2016 near Salmon, ID
Unmarked obstacles in the old burn.
Oct 6, 2016 near Salmon, ID
Plenty of trees fall in this old burn.  Chainsaws and fat bikes come in handy.
Aug 20, 2014 near Hamilton, MT
Enjoying the early fall.
Oct 6, 2016 near Salmon, ID

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