more stats
3.8 miles
Distance
158 ft
Climb
-2,888 ft
Descent
00:49:33
Avg time
-2,733 ft
Altitude change
6,856 ft
Altitude min
9,608 ft
Altitude max
9,589 ft
Altitude start
6,857 ft
Altitude end
-13.8%
Grade
-99.7%
Grade max
32.6%
Grade min
2,303 ft
Distance climb
3 miles
Distance down
623 ft
Distance flat
00:49:33
Avg time

Blacktail Details

  • Activities
    • Mountain Bike
    • E-Bike
    • Horse
    • Hike
    • Trail Running
    • Dirtbike/Moto
  • Riding Area
    Mcleod
    , Montana
  • AKA
    Placer Basin Trail
  • Difficulty Rating
    Double Black Diamond Rate
  • Local Popularity
    95 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • 5 in E-Biking
    • 5 in Trail Running
    • 5 in Hiking
    • 5 in Dirtbiking
    • 5 in Horseback
  • Global Ranking
    #69702 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • #226836 in E-Biking
    • #355693 in Trail Running
    • #344155 in Hiking
    • #14616 in Dirtbiking
    • #23226 in Horseback
  • State Ranking
    #438 in Mountain Biking · Montana [+]
    • #770 in E-Biking
    • #3,902 in Trail Running
    • #3,999 in Hiking
    • #484 in Dirtbiking
    • #1,069 in Horseback
  • Trail Type
    Singletrack
  • Bike Type
    AM, XC
  • Direction
    Both Directions
  • Climb Difficulty
    Double Black Diamond
  • Physical Rating
    Extreme
  • Trail Visibility
    Always easy to follow
  • Season
    July-October
  • Alpine Trail
    Yes
  • Dogs Allowed
    Yes
  • eBike Allowed
    Yes up to Class 1

Located in the East Boulder drainage near Big Timber, MT. This is an amazing moto trail that is a really great steep descent for bikes. It's mostly hike a bike on the way up. If you choose you can ride/hike to the top of the peak which has an incredible 360 view of the beartooth mountains. Another option that would avoid having to hike-a-bike up this would be to loop it with Picket Pin Rd, Placer Basin Trail, and Meyers Creek Trail (starting on the Stillwater side instead of East Boulder River).

Access Info

Drive up East Boulder road from the Main Boulder canyon highway coming from Big Timber. From there, you will end up at a small 4x4 road which parallels a mine. Park around here as there is no parking further up the road and it is impassible to most vehicles.

Disclaimer

Watch out for Moto's because this is a very popular moto trail and they like going fast up steep hills like this one.

Tags
AlpineHike-a-bikeSummitViewsWater source
Trail Supporters
Local Trail Association
Traditionally Indigenous Territory

Recent Activity on Trail

Past Week
  • 0 rides
  •  
6 Months
  • 0 rides
  •  
All
  • 1 rides
  • Last: Sep 6, 2026
update trails status or condition

Blacktail Trail Reports

statusdatedescription
Oct 8, 2024 @ 11:34am
Oct 8, 2024
 Steep and rowdy as always
more »
Status:
on Oct 8, 2024
Dry
Avg: 4.24 (3 votes)
Your vote: 0

view (7)
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      Directions to blacktail trailhead (45.463300, -110.039830)
      View on Discover Map

      Photos

      23 more »
      mtb
      133 |
      Aug 3, 2020 @ 9:16am
      Aug 3, 2020
      mtb
      124 |
      Aug 3, 2020 @ 9:15am
      Aug 3, 2020
      mtb
      116 |
      Aug 3, 2020 @ 9:15am
      Aug 3, 2020
      mtb
      150 |
      Aug 3, 2020 @ 9:14am
      Aug 3, 2020

      Videos

      no videos have been added for Blacktail yet, add a video.

      Technical Trail Features (TTF)

      4.7 ★★★★★
      3 Ratings
      5 ★ 67%
      4 ★ 33%
      3 ★
      2 ★
      1 ★

      3 Reviews & Comments

      masong
      Worthy, one of the steepest climbs around. Lots
      Of hike a biking. Even on the eeb. Epic reward of scenery at the top.
      elsquatcho elsquatcho
      Really tough hike a bike sections, totally worth it. Feels like you’re in the Beartooths, because you are. Rowdy and steep, check your brake pads beforehand.

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      Frequently Asked Questions

      ▼ Where is Blacktail located?
      Blacktail is located in Mcleod, Montana, United States. It is part of the Mcleod trail network. The trailhead is located at coordinates 45.4633, -110.03983.
      ▼ How hard is Blacktail?
      Blacktail is rated as Double Black Diamond difficulty. The physical rating is Extreme. The average grade is 13.8%. The climb difficulty is rated Double Black Diamond.
      ▼ What is the elevation gain for Blacktail?
      Blacktail has 158 ft of elevation gain. The trail has 2,888 ft of elevation descent. The elevation ranges from 6,856 ft to 9,608 ft.
      ▼ Is Blacktail a point to point trail?
      Blacktail is not a point to point trail. The direction is Both Directions. The trail type is singletrack.
      ▼ How long is Blacktail?
      Blacktail is 3.8 miles long. The trail type is singletrack.
      ▼ Are dogs allowed on Blacktail?
      Yes, dogs are allowed on Blacktail. Please keep dogs on a leash where required and clean up after them.
      ▼ When is the best time of year to ride Blacktail?
      Blacktail is best visited during: July-October.
      ▼ How do I access Blacktail? Where is the closest parking trailhead?
      The closest parking and trailhead locations to Blacktail are: View all parking locations in the area.
      ▼ How long does it take to ride Blacktail?
      Based on recorded activities, it takes an average of 50 minutes to ride Blacktail. The trail is 3.8 miles long. Actual times will vary based on fitness level, conditions, and pace. View recent activity logs for more details.
      ▼ How busy is Blacktail?
      Blacktail is a very popular trail. There have been 6 recorded activities on this trail. The trail has received 7 check-ins. View recent activity on this trail.

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