Black Pine Ridge Trail

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Allowed

Features Hike-a-bike · Views

Black Pine Ridge is a motorized singletrack that traverses a prominent ridge of the John Long Mountains, with the highest being just below 8,000 feet. The highlights of the trail are the views you get as you pass in and out of alpine meadows while ripping up and down the peaks and troughs of the ridge. The biggest challenges of this trail are the steep and loose sections that will have you pushing your bike uphill. You'll encounter these heading both directions and it is up for debate which direction has the most hike-a-bike.

There are two main ways to ride this trail: either as an out-and-back, or as part of a large (50-60 mile) loop using mostly gravel roads. Given the length and difficulty of the trail, both options involve at least a half day on the bike, if not a full day's ride.

Access to either end is via dirt roads of varying quality. The closest access from Philipsburg is via Black Pine Road, however depending on your vehicle you may not be able to drive the whole way. This road comes directly off Hwy1 north of town and is 12.5 miles long. High clearance vehicles are needed past mile 8. For the last half mile, a 4wd vehicle is recommended. There is a primitive parking area at the South Trailhead. Access to the north end of the trail can be accessed via the town of Hall on County Rd 678, County Rd 358, and FS-4325. The northern trailhead is not well marked, and there is no official parking area.