UTV & ATV Trails in Lincoln, MT | Lost Moose Meadows

UTV & ATV Trails

Lincoln is surrounded by national forest, with miles of forest roads and trails to explore. There’s enough to keep you riding for days.

Lincoln has long been a destination for motorized recreation. In summer, the forest roads and trails around town open up to ATVs, UTVs and dirt bikes.

Local tips from Matt and Nichole, owners of Lost Moose Meadows.

Quick facts

Access: Ride from camp
Rentals: Seeley Adventures, at our entrance
Guest deal: 10% off rentals with a confirmed stay
At camp: OHV wash area
Out of state riders: Montana nonresident OHV permit

Riding from camp

With direct access to Lincoln’s trail system, you can ride out from the campground without loading the machines back onto the trailer. Our pull-through sites also leave plenty of room for your RV, trailer and machines.

Favorite rides

These are some of our favorite rides from Lost Moose Meadows. There are plenty of shorter forest roads around Lincoln, but if you have a full day to explore, these are the routes we recommend.

Helmville via Dalton Mountain

Full day ride

One of our favorite longer rides. Head over Dalton Mountain and work your way toward Helmville through the backcountry. It’s a great all day ride with mountain scenery, forest roads and plenty of country to explore along the way.

Route: Dalton Mountain Road over to the Helmville side
What to expect: A full width logging road, about 14.6 miles, through forest to sagebrush hills
Approximate outing time: Plan on a full day
Access notes: The road passes private property, so stay on the maintained road.
Map: Route map · Lincoln Ranger District motor vehicle use map

Ovando via Huckleberry Pass

Full day ride

Another favorite full day ride from camp. The route takes you over Huckleberry Pass and down toward Ovando, with miles of forest roads and mountain scenery between Lincoln and the Blackfoot Valley.

Route: Forest roads over Huckleberry Pass toward Ovando
What to expect: Long forest roads and mountain views between Lincoln and the lower Blackfoot Valley
Approximate outing time: Plan on a full day
Access notes: Check the motor vehicle use map for which roads are open to your vehicle, and carry extra fuel.
Map: Lincoln Ranger District motor vehicle use map

Coopers Lake

Day ride

A great ride when you want to spend the day in the mountains without making a big loop. The route climbs into the country north of Lincoln and ends at Coopers Lake, a small mountain lake surrounded by forest. Bring a rod, since the lake has brook trout and cutthroat.

Route: Well graded forest roads from Lincoln northwest to Coopers Lake
What to expect: About 22.7 miles one way, measured from Lincoln to the lake. Add the drive from camp into town, less than 3 miles. The lake is about 200 acres and surrounded by forest.
Approximate outing time: A day ride
Access notes: Not passable in winter. Check the motor vehicle use map for which roads are open to your vehicle.
Map: Route map · Lincoln Ranger District motor vehicle use map

Granite Butte via Poorman and Gould Creeks

Continental Divide

Granite Butte Lookout is one of our favorite destinations, but getting there is half the reason to make the ride. We like taking the backcountry route through Poorman and Gould Creeks rather than just following the main roads to the lookout. Granite Butte sits on the Continental Divide and has outstanding views from the top.

Route: Backcountry roads up Poorman Creek to Forest Road 485 near the lookout. The main road route is Stemple Pass Road 601, Marsh Creek Road 485 and Granite Butte Road 4133.
What to expect: Poorman Creek is a rocky two track, fine for side by sides but not for full size vehicles. The lookout sits at 7,587 feet on the Continental Divide.
Access notes: High clearance is strongly recommended on Granite Butte Road. Roads can be impassable from about November to late May. The lookout is a rental, so please respect anyone staying there.
Map: Forest Service lookout page · Lincoln Ranger District motor vehicle use map

There are many ways to connect roads and trails around Lincoln, so stop by the office before you head out. We’re always happy to show you some of our favorite routes on the map.

The views from the high country around Lincoln are worth every mile.

Need a rental?

A rental UTV parked by the campground office

Seeley Adventures UTV Rentals

Seeley Adventures rents UTVs from a spot right at our entrance, so you can pick up a side by side and ride straight from camp. Just let them know you’re staying with us when you book.

Our guests get 10% off side by side rentals with a confirmed stay.

Book with Seeley Adventures →

Before you ride

From out of state? Montana requires a Nonresident Temporary Use Permit for off highway vehicles. The permit is currently $35 and is available through Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks online or at an FWP office. The permit covers trail use only, so check current requirements if you plan to ride on public roads.
Pick up a map. The Lincoln Ranger District office is right in town at 1569 Highway 200, open weekdays. They have motor vehicle use maps showing which roads and trails are open, plus current closures.
Plan for the weather. Conditions can change quickly in the mountains. Bring layers, water, and a little extra fuel.
Let someone know your route. Cell service can be spotty in the backcountry.
Stay on open routes and pack out what you pack in, so these trails stay open for everyone.

Keep exploring

More to see and do

Open April 15 to October 15

Ride straight from your site.

Book a pull-through with room for your trailer and your toys.

Book now →