A classic Montana backcountry ride, this 22.2-miler climbs to a glacial cirque, then drops through pristine meadows flanked by the rugged Italian Peaks.
Located in the far southwest reaches of the state, this remote, 22.2-mile loop in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest runs through a glacial cirque that straddles the Continental Divide and the Idaho-Montana border. The route features a technical descent halfway into the ride and boasts an abundance of breathtaking mountain landscapes.
Start off with a 3-mile climb through grassy meadows to a broad bench above Henderson Gulch, then tackle a 3-mile descent on rugged singletrack that traces a section of the Continental Divide Trail. From here, the trail begins an immediate ascent along Deadman Creek, gaining 1,600 feet of elevation over 6 miles. The climbing is relatively mellow, so it's easy to take your eyes off the trail to savor the spectacular views that unfold in every direction.
After 12 miles, the route tops out at 9,600 feet at the head of the cirque. Catch your breath before dropping down a scree field (the ride's most technical stretch) to the meadows below. The return route descends north along Nicholia Creek, passing through expansive meadows and forest. The trail is poorly defined at times so navigation with a GPS is recommended.
TO TRAILHEAD: Drive southwest on I-15 S to exit 23. Turn right onto Old US Hwy. 91. In 250 feet, turn left toward Big Sheep Creek Rd. In 1.6 miles, turn right onto Big Sheep Creek Rd. In 16.7 miles, continue on Meadow Creek Rd. In 0.2 mile, turn left onto Nicholia Creek Rd. Go 7.4 miles to parking area.
Position Format:
Datum:
Tracks
Italian Peaks
Distance: 22.21 mi
Points: 2527
Calories: none
Total Time: none
Speed: 0.0 mph
Pace: 0:00 / mi
Active Time: none
Speed: 0.0 mph
Pace: 0:00 / mi
Italian Peaks
Points of Interest
ITA001
Location: 44.475962, -112.908672
From Nicholia Creek Road, follow the 4WD road to the southeast. Warm up your legs on the 3-mile climb toward Henderson Gulch.
ITA002
Location: 44.469286, -112.894692
Turn right (south) and follow the road up the treeless ridge.
ITA003
Location: 44.456789, -112.878685
Turn right. Continue the climb to a broad bench overlooking Henderson Gulch.
ITA004
Location: 44.450724, -112.888126
The trail flattens briefly before starting a 2.8-mile descent to Deadman Creek.
ITA006
Location: 44.442482, -112.882719
Turn left into Henderson Gulch. In a half mile, the trail curves around the ridge, hugging grassy slopes.
ITA007
Location: 44.430593, -112.861691
Shift to an easier gear for the moderate, 5.9-mile climb along Deadman Creek. Ahead, the route follows a section of the Continental Divide Trail through the forest.
ITA008
Location: 44.366692, -112.839654
The ride tops out at 9,700 feet at the southernmost tip of the loop. Italian Peak rises directly to the southwest along the glacial cirque that forms the Continental Divide and the Idaho-Montana border. Next: Put your bike handling skills to the test on the scree field descent ahead (the most technical part of the ride). Lay off the front brake and shift your weight over the back wheel to increase rear traction.
ITA009
Location: 44.387888, -112.856669
The next 8 miles follow Nicholia Creek through a mix of forest and grassy meadows. Caution: The trail fades in and out along this stretch; navigation with a GPS is recommended.
ITA010
Location: 44.439556, -112.907116
Singletrack becomes 4WD road. Continue heading north to close the loop at Waypoint 1.
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