#Elk mt full

The herd here is one of the most productive and healthy in the state of Montana.īesides Elk, the meadows in the Wildlife Management Area are perfect for viewing elk, deer, moose, songbirds, bears, bighorn sheep, and other wildlife species. Many people come to the Elkhorn Mountains to catch a glimpse of the Elk herd. With diverse ecosystems, the Elkhorn Mountains is a prime spot to view wildlife in Montana. The location of the Elkhorn Mountains, along with their higher elevations creates a climate that is perfect for a wide range of ecosystems. However, each camping site has a picnic table, fire ring, and restrooms. They are primitive sites, with no water or electricity available. The Crow Creek Campground has 8 designated camping spots.

However, there are opportunities for dispersed camping in the areas that are open to motorized vehicles.Īdditionally, the Bureau of Land Management does operate a small campground near the small town of Radersburg. There are no Forest Service-designated campgrounds within the Elkhorn Mountains. With 5 trails within the Elkhorn Mountains that are long enough for backpackers to stop and camp, the area is a great place to backcountry camp. CampingĬamping is particularly popular with individuals that are looking to explore the backcountry of the Elkhorn Mountains. You’ll need to make sure that you are watching boundaries to ensure that you do not accidentally cross into areas where bicycles are not allowed. Portions of the Elkhorn Mountains, particularly those within the wildlife management area, are not open to motorized vehicles, including bicycles. There are also old mining and logging roads through approximately 200,000 acres of the mountain range that are great for exploring the area as well. Many of the trails in the Elkhorn Mountains provide excellent opportunities for fun single-track riding. Bikingįorest Service trails in the Elkhorn Mountains are designated for hiking as well as mountain biking. These trails have easily accessible, designated camping areas. There are a number of trails in the Elkhorn Mountains that are also nice for backpacking. With more moderate terrain than is found in other mountain ranges in the State, the Elkhorn Mountains are well suited for less experienced hikers. The bulk of the trails in the Elkhorn Mountains is perfect for day hikes. Most of the trails in the Elkhorn Mountains are managed by the U.S. Despite there being a limited number of hiking trails in the Elkhorns, the trails that are available are well maintained and easy to follow. Hiking in the Elkhorn Mountains is the most popular recreation activity.

Season (when can it be accessed) – All YearĮlkhorn Mountains Recreation Activities Hiking.

Highest Elevation (ft/m) – 9,414 feet (2,896 meters).

Image: Teo Romera Elkhorn Mountains Statistics This management area is closed to vehicles and was established to protect the state’s most productive elk herd, as well as many other plant and animal species, many of which can only be found in the Elkhorn Mountains. Despite its proximity to Helena, the Elkhorns have few trails and are rarely crowded with visitors.Ī portion of the Elkhorn Mountains was designated by Congress as the Elkhorns Wildlife Management Area. In the late 1800s, the town was struck by a diphtheria epidemic, that combined with a decrease in the value of silver, turned Elkhorn into a ghost town over just a few years.Īs part of the Helena National Forest, the area is open for recreation, however, it is one of the less frequently used recreational areas in Montana. The town supported many area mines, and once was a thriving community. The mining town of Elkhorn was established during the height of the gold and silver mining boom in Montana.

#Elk mt full

They do not have the same jagged appearance that many other mountain ranges in Montana have.īesides its unique geology, the range sits higher than many of the other ranges along the Continental Divide, this provides more moisture to the Elkhorns, which leads to more diverse ecosystems, habitats, flora, and fauna.ĭuring the late 1800s, the Elkhorn Mountains were full of miners searching for gold, silver, and other mineral riches. The peaks in this range, while tall, are rounded and smooth. Their peaks are made from igneous rock that has been weathered for millions of years. The Elkhorn Mountains are a line of inactive volcanoes. This island range, while small, is highly unique in Montana as it is one of the most diverse areas in the state with more plant and animal species than any other range in the state. The Elkhorn Mountains are a relatively small mountain range located in southwest Montana.