3. Butte to Lincoln
BUTTE TO LINCOLN – 146 miles
Leaving Butte, the route begins on pavement before transitioning to a mix of wide gravel and lesser-traveled dirt roads. After the Interstate 15 corridor the main route heads north from the tiny town of Basin on the scenic Basin Creek Road and the optional harder track follows I-15 east before turning north. The Occidental Plateau Alt Harder is long and much more difficult with varied challenges, including high elevation, steep hills, and very rocky terrain, but has rewards like the historic Comet Mine and several epic viewpoints.
After food and fuel in Elliston, the route climbs into the mountains past Empire Mine and an optional extension to the Granite Butte summit and lookout tower. Section 3 ends at the town of Lincoln where riders can visit the ‘Blackfoot Pathways: Sculpture in the Wild International Sculpture Park’ and a variety of lodging and dining options.
3. Butte to Lincoln
BUTTE TO LINCOLN – 146 miles
Leaving Butte, the route begins on pavement before transitioning to a mix of wide gravel and lesser-traveled dirt roads. After the Interstate 15 corridor the main route heads north from the tiny town of Basin on the scenic Basin Creek Road and the optional harder track follows I-15 east before turning north. The Occidental Plateau Alt Harder is long and much more difficult with varied challenges, including high elevation, steep hills, and very rocky terrain, but has rewards like the historic Comet Mine and several epic viewpoints.
After food and fuel in Elliston, the route climbs into the mountains past Empire Mine and an optional extension to the Granite Butte summit and lookout tower. Section 3 ends at the town of Lincoln where riders can visit the ‘Blackfoot Pathways: Sculpture in the Wild International Sculpture Park’ and a variety of lodging and dining options.
Basin - Food (no gas)
Basin
Berkeley Pit Viewing Stand
Berkeley Pit Viewing Stand Public viewing area overlooking the Berkeley Pit, one of the largest Superfund sites in the U.S. Visit Website »
Boulder - Food, Gas, Lodging
Boulder
Butte - Food, Gas, Lodging
Butte Lodging Options In addition to the locations listed here, Butte offers a wide range of lodging options throughout the city.
Butte Montana M Viewpoint
Butte Montana “M” Viewpoint Hillside viewpoint featuring the iconic “M” overlooking Butte, offering panoramic views of the city. Visit Website »
CDT Trail Crossing
Comet Mine
Comet Mine – (Alt Harder Track) Historic mining site and ghost town remains offering insight into Montana’s silver mining past. Visit Website »
Elliston - Food & Gas
Empire Mine
Empire Mine Historic mine site highlighting the area’s mining history and early industrial development. Visit Website »
Granite Butte Lookout 7600'
Granite Butte Lookout Historic fire lookout offering sweeping views of the surrounding forest and mountains. Visit Website »
Ladysmith CG
Lincoln - Food, Gas, Lodging
Lincoln Log Hotel Historic log hotel featuring comfortable rooms and a classic Montana lodge atmosphere just outside downtown Lincoln. Address: 96 Sleepy Hollow Ln, Lincoln, MT 59639 Phone: (406) 362-4822
Lookout Knoll
Lookout Knoll – (Alt Harder Track) Scenic overlook offering views of the surrounding landscape and a quiet place to take a break.
Mine Memorial & Viewpoint
Mine Memorial & Viewpoint (Off Route) Memorial and viewpoint honoring Butte’s mining heritage, located off the main route with views of the surrounding area.
Occidental Plateau Viewpoint
Occidental Plateau Viewpoint – (Alt Harder Track) High-elevation viewpoint providing expansive views across the Occidental Plateau. Visit Website »
Old Town Butte - Food, Gas, Lodging
N Main St and E Park St and W Park St and S Main St
Park Lake & CG
Park Lake – (Alt Harder Track) Mountain lake offering camping, fishing, and scenic recreation opportunities. Visit Website »
Powerline Viewpoint
Rimini - No Services
Sculpture in the Wild Park
Whitehouse CG
MT3 - Butte to Lincoln
MT3 ALT Harder - Occidental Plateau
MT3 EXT - Granite Butte
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