How to Explore Montana's Big Sheep Creek Back Country Byway

The Big Sheep Creek Backcountry Byway is a wonder filled scenic drive with 50 miles of cuts in and through the cliff roads and canyons of the Bitterroot Range, located in the Tendoy Mountains of southwestern Montana. The Tendoy Mountains are comprised of the mountain range located in Beaverhead County. These mountains reach to 7,854 feet above sea level. Hidden by the Rocky Mountains for decades, this byway is 50 miles long and takes about 3 to 4 hours to pass through.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Get your binoculars and cameras ready to use. Take some pictures of the awesome scenery, and to view the many elk, mule deer, antelope and moose, up close. They are usually spotted around the beautiful areas of the Clark Canyon Recreation Area, in Beaverhead National Forest, and in the Bannock State Historic Park. Bighorn sheep sightings are common. They are sometimes seen in the evenings.

2. Find the Red Rock Lake National Wildlife Refuge. It is located very near the southwestern corner of Montana by the Idaho border. Established in 1935 for the trumpeter swan, the refuge continues to be one of their most important habitats.

3. Make ample time to fish, hike, hunt, view and take pictures of the scenery and wildlife. See the various wildflowers. Listen to the calls of the trumpeter swans. Although all kinds of animals are located on the refuge land, the refuge is mainly for the birds. Bird-watching adventures are available; 50,000 geese and ducks, and about 2,000 swans gather here early in the autumn months.

4. Camping spots are available in and around the refuge area. Camping is permitted only for 14 days. Downed and dead timber can be used as firewood in the grates that are provided. When leaving, remember to take trash away with you.

Tips & Warnings

• Travel is more safely done from May to October. Although 2-wheel-drive vehicles are allowed, 4-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended. It is also recommended that mobile homes and trailers use the alternate routes.
• Do not forget to bring good, strong footwear, rain gear, warm clothing, good binoculars or a spotting scope, food, drinks and extra blankets.
• Some fences are common sights around these parts, so please make sure the gates are shut as you use them. Portions of this road are prone to be closed by the Bureau of Land Management on short notice due to impassable conditions.
• Take precautions not to get stuck or stranded on this stretch of road.

Resources

• Montana Visitors' Guide