6.3 miles
Distance
1,615 ft
Climb
-1,615 ft
Descent
5,256 ft
High Point
-1 ft
Altitude change
3,916 ft
Altitude min
3,944 ft
Altitude start
3,944 ft
Altitude end
-88.2%
Grade max
63.6%
Grade min
3 miles
Distance climb
3 miles
Distance down
2,585 ft
Distance flat

Starting point can be at John G. Mine, Norris, or Head Lane Trailheads and the route to the top of Scratchgravel Peak is up to the trail user.

Detailed Description
Rust Bucket is a 6 mile moderately popular expert route located near Helena Montana. This mountain bike primary route can be used one direction and has a hard overall physical rating. This route includes 9 trails. This route climbs 1,615 ft with a max elevation of 5,256 ft then descends -1,615 ft.
Tags
Historic siteSummit

Local Trail Association

Local trail association
Prickly Pear Land Trust (www.pricklypearlt.org)
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Stats

  • Distance
    6 miles
  • Avg time
    1 hr 21 min
  • Altitude min
    3,916 ft
  • Altitude start
    3,944 ft
  • Altitude end
    3,944 ft
  • Climb
    1,615 ft
  • Descent
    -1,615 ft
  • Grade max
    -88.2%
  • Grade min
    63.6%
  • Distance climb
    3 miles
  • Distance down
    3 miles
  • Distance flat
    2,585 ft

2 Reviews & Comments


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Details

  • Riding area
  • Primary Activity
    Mountain Bike
  • Other Activities
    • Hike
    • Trail Running
  • Difficulty rating
    Black Diamond
  • Route Type
    Loop
  • Bike type
    AM, XC, Fat
  • Direction
    One Direction
  • Physical rating
    Hard
  • Activity Logs
    1
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Trail transparency
  • Singletrack
  • Unpaved
mtb
trail: Iron Oxide
201
mtb
126
mtb
123
mtb
111

Recent Trail Reports Along Route

statustraildateconditiondescription
John G Mine Trailhead Access
Jun 3, 2026 @ 8:08am (America/Denver)
Jun 3, 2026
Iron Access
Jun 3, 2026 @ 8:08am (America/Denver)
Jun 3, 2026
East Side Connector
Jun 3, 2026 @ 8:07am (America/Denver)
Jun 3, 2026
Norris Singletrack
Jun 3, 2026 @ 8:06am (America/Denver)
Jun 3, 2026
Iron Oxide
Jun 3, 2026 @ 8:05am (America/Denver)
Jun 3, 2026
more reports »
  • By wyomontTF Pro & contributors
  • #28049 - 1,158 views

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