12.8 miles
Distance
1,951 ft
Climb
-1,944 ft
Descent
1 mile
High Point
7 ft
Altitude change
5,763 ft
Altitude min
5,904 ft
Altitude start
5,912 ft
Altitude end
-37.2%
Grade max
73.1%
Grade min
6 miles
Distance climb
5 miles
Distance down
1 mile
Distance flat

The focus of this ride is "Zelda" AKA Blacktail ridge, a fun and flowy slightly technical ridge trail flanked by Skebbogan on the west and part of the CDT trail to the east. The loop is linked via the Milwaulkee railroad, an easy but scenic double track that has a couple of tunnels and a large old wooden train tressel to cross. Counter Clockwise is definitely the easier way to ride this loop as you will gain a lot of easy elevation on the Milwaukee Railroad. The alternative has you riding up Skeboggan which is one of the tougher ascents in the Thompson Park area. For a longer, tougher variation of this loop, one could omit most of the railroad by climbing up Grading camp and Herman Gulch, then descending down scouts ridge. Loop can also be started and finished from Pipestone Pass.

Detailed Description
Zelda-Milwaukee Rd Loop is a 13 mile popular intermediate route located near Butte Montana. This mountain bike primary route can be used both directions and has a moderate overall physical rating. This route includes 4 trails. This route climbs 1,951 ft with a max elevation of 6,902 ft then descends -1,944 ft.
Tags
FlowyRidgelineViews

Local Trail Association

Local trail association
Highlands Cycling Club (www.bikebutte.org)
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Trail Products

Stats

  • Distance
    13 miles
  • Avg time
    2 hr 52 min
  • Altitude min
    5,763 ft
  • Altitude start
    5,904 ft
  • Altitude end
    5,912 ft
  • Climb
    1,951 ft
  • Descent
    -1,944 ft
  • Grade max
    -37.2%
  • Grade min
    73.1%
  • Distance climb
    6 miles
  • Distance down
    5 miles
  • Distance flat
    1 mile

8 Reviews & Comments

explore4fun
I just rode the loop from CDT pipstone to Beaver Ponds to Blacktail down Skeeboggen to Thompson Park up to Milwaukee. All is clear and wonderful. Thank you Butte MTB club!!!! Your the best!!!

MFK

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Trails in Route

Details

  • Riding area
    Thompson Park
  • Primary Activity
    Mountain Bike
  • Other Activities
    • Hike
    • Trail Running
  • Difficulty rating
    Blue
  • Route Type
    Loop
  • Bike type
    AM, XC
  • Direction
    Both Directions
  • Physical rating
    Moderate
  • Activity Logs
    6

Directions

  1. Walk southwest on Placer Trail.
  2. Continue for less than 10 meters.
  3. Walk west on Eagles Nest.
  4. Continue for 70 meters.
  5. Walk northwest on Eagles Nest.
  6. Continue for 600 meters.
  7. Walk southwest on Eagles Nest.
  8. Continue for 10 meters.
  9. Turn left onto Milwaukee Road.
  10. Continue for 1 kilometer.
  11. Keep left to stay on Milwaukee Road.
  12. Continue for 2.5 kilometers.
  13. Keep left to stay on Milwaukee Road.
  14. Continue for 2.5 kilometers.
  15. Walk southeast on Milwaukee Road.
  16. Continue for 90 meters.
  17. Walk southwest on CDT - 8 Miles of Hell.
  18. Continue for 20 meters.
  19. Keep left to take CDT - Pipestone-Homestake.
  20. Continue for 200 meters.
  21. Walk southeast on CDT - Pipestone-Homestake.
  22. Continue for 500 meters.
  23. Walk northwest on CDT - Pipestone-Homestake.
  24. Continue for 4 kilometers.
  25. Turn left onto Beaver Ponds.
  26. Continue for 200 meters.
  27. Walk northwest on Beaver Ponds.
  28. Continue for 1 kilometer.
  29. Turn right onto Blacktail Ridge Trail.
  30. Continue for 2 kilometers.
  31. Walk northwest on Blacktail Ridge Trail.
  32. Continue for 2 kilometers.
  33. Walk northwest on Blacktail Ridge Trail.
  34. Continue for 200 meters.
  35. Keep right to take Blacktail Loop.
  36. Continue for 300 meters.
  37. Walk northwest on Blacktail Loop.
  38. Continue for 10 meters.
  39. Walk south on Skeeboggen Trail.
  40. Continue for 50 meters.
  41. Walk west on Skeeboggen Trail.
  42. Continue for 2.5 kilometers.
  43. Walk west on Skeeboggen Trail.
  44. Continue for 30 meters.
  45. Walk west on Thompson Park Access Rd.
  46. Continue for 80 meters.
  47. Walk south on Graham Canyon Trail.
  48. Continue for 300 meters.
  49. Walk south on Graham Canyon Trail.
  50. Continue for 40 meters.
  51. Walk west on Placer Trail.
  52. Continue for 100 meters.
  53. Walk north on Placer Trail.
  54. Continue for 1 kilometer.
  55. Walk northwest on Placer Trail.
  56. Continue for 50 meters.
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Photos

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Rock formations 1Trail Sign 1

Recent Trail Reports Along Route

statustraildateconditiondescription
Blacktail Ridge Trail
May 5, 2026 @ 8:03am (America/Denver)
May 5, 2026
Cleared of trees
Eagles Nest
Feb 9, 2026 @ 7:10am (America/Denver)
Feb 9, 2026
Mostly a mix of packed snow and hard ice. Studs recommended on tires or shoes. reporter
Placer Trail
Feb 9, 2026 @ 7:10am (America/Denver)
Feb 9, 2026
Mostly a mix of packed snow and hard ice. Studs recommended on tires or shoes. reporter
Skeeboggen Trail
Jun 10, 2025 @ 4:39pm
Jun 10, 2025
All clear
more reports »
  • By MattinButteTF Pro ATS HCC & contributors
  • #38940 - 1,519 views

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