Tour de Big Horn

Dogs Off-leash

E-Bikes Not Allowed

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This is an adventure ride that explores several of the backcountry peaks of the Big Horn mountain range.

The is remote, spartan country. Be well prepared for a day long backcountry adventure and have contingencies in place. The weather is volatile, even during the summer, so plan for sudden, unexpected weather patterns and avoid riding after peak season as there is less daylight and increased probability of poor weather.

When attempting this ride, you need to prepare for a spartan, backcountry experience, far away from cellular service and civilization. It is likely that you'll not run into another person until you pass the Ranger Station on Red Grade road. Most of the singletrack will be incredibly remote and often, difficult to follow.

As such, be prepared with extra supplies, food, tools, water and have emergency contact capabilities on hand should an emergency occur. It is also recommended you run this as a shuttle and with other people. Additionally, good navigational skills will be important.

The exact start location can vary a bit but the first major trail is Wolf Creek Trail FS #001 and can be accessed off of Black Mountain Road. The initial part of the trail is in pretty rough shape and it may be easier to start at the Black Mountain Road/FSR 223 junction and take FSR 223 down a bit to bypass the initial section of Wolf Creek Trail FS #001. That said, you need to ensure you connect into the singletrack. The route as outlined in this post should be followed carefully to ensure you make the singletrack connection.

Once on Wolf Creek Trail FS #001, it is a pretty fast, fun and sometimes technical descent to Quartz Creek. You know you are at the end when you pass by old wooden Fish Skinning tables. They have been noted on the route.

At this point, you'll need to cross Quartz Creek and pickup Walker Prairie Trail #014. Walker Prairie Trail #014 will constitute the majority of singletrack on this ride and will also have some of the most astonishing vistas. Additionally, there are large elk herds in the Walker Prairie area and if you are lucky, you may even see them.

Keeping track of the mountain peaks is a good way of maintain your orientation. Initially, you'll see Big Mountain in front of you as you cross Quartz Creek and then the peaks should be to the left of you (generally east) as you ride the singletrack. The major peaks are as follows: Big Mountain, Little Mountain, Walker Mountain and She Bear Mountain.

Walker Prairie Trail continues to run parallel to Quartz Creek, and eventually, you'll descend down to the West Fork of Big Goose Creek. You'll cross an old bridge and continue along the trail. The bridge has been noted on the route. After crossing the bridge, there will be some periodic doubletrack sections and some intersections. Stick to the route as outlined so you do not get turned around.

Eventually, Walker Prairie Trail #014 will end at an old cabin (noted on the route) and become a consistent doubletrack road until you reach the Ranger Station (noted on the route). Once you reach the Ranger Station, turn onto Red Grade road and simply follow the road down to the Red Grade trailhead and parking areas. This should be where you either have a pickup or a parked shuttle vehicle.

While the route outlined here sticks to Red Grade road, you are welcome to take the singletrack of the Red Grade trail system down to the parking area if you have the energy.

After getting to the parking area and meeting your pickup/shuttle, congratulations are in order as you are one of the baddest people in the Big Horns for completing such a beastly adventure.