AE7AP's blog

(0.6 miles, 500 feet)

This is a short climb that is located immediately adjacent to I-15 south of Great Falls.  It was first climbed by Merriweather Lewis on July 16, 1805.  Lewis described it as follows:

(1.3 miles, 970 ft)

(3.6 miles, +1,650 ft, -510 ft)

0.9 miles, +980 ft

From the Town of Elkhorn:

Drive up the main street to the “T” intersection.  Turn left and follow the 4wd road up until it crests out.  There is a private road that “T’s” in from the right.  Park before (to the south) of this private road.  The 4wd road is fairly rough & boney, but not too difficult, but probably not a good idea for low-clearance vehicles.  A stock 1987 4-Runner made it with few difficulties.

1.6 miles, +930 ft

From the Town of Elkhorn:

2.8 miles, +1,200, -830 ft from Edith-Baldy saddle

4.8 miles, +2,600, -830 ft from TH

(2 miles, +1,400 ft)

Edith & Baldy are the two most prominent summits in the Big Belt Mountains west of Townsend.  There are some backcountry lakes north of the summits that are nice camping/fishing destinations.  The two summits can be done as a double, but Baldy is probably easier from Duck Creek Pass to the north.  The ridge between the two includes some boulder fields that, while not too difficult, make the traverse somewhat slow.

Take Hwy-12 West from Townsend for 14.8 miles

7.8 miles, +3,800 ft, -860 ft (From Silvertip TH)

2.9 miles, +1,500 ft, -260 ft (From Trilobite Lakes); 21.4 mile approach from Silvertip TH via Switchback Pass

2.2 miles, +1,180 ft, -380 ft (From Dean Lake); 16.9 mile approach from Silvertip TH