Red Mountain Lookout Tower Bike Climb - PJAMM Cycling

27.1
PDI
10.2 mi
DISTANCE
3,625 ft
GAINED
6.8 %
AVG. GRADE

FULL CLIMB STATS

Page Contributor(s): Jeremiah Bishop, Harrisonburg, VA

INTRO

This is an epic and little known (only 17 Strava attempts as of December, 2023) gravel climb in eastern Montana.  The climb is remote, rugged and very scenic, ending with 12 hairpins in 7/10's of a mile averaging 12%.  

The long segment from valley floor starts out as class 2/3 but the upper 3k/ 2 miles has some very rough 4/5 stretches and 50c tires advised. The vista from the fire tower is worth it!


See more details and tools regarding this climb's grade via our interactive Profile Tool.
Gravel class 4 Cat 2 climb. 
Gravel bike with low gears and 45c+ tires.
Before heading out on any cycling adventure check out our Things to Bring on a Cycling Trip and use our interactive check list to ensure you don't forget anything.
Fly into either Bozeman or Helena for a 1:40 drive to the start of this climb. 

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CLIMB SUMMARY

Cycling Red Mountain Lookout Tower

Ride

Climb summary by PJAMM’s gravel director, Jeremiah Bishop.

This winding gravel road - jeep trail ascends a Cat 3-4 surface. The climb a rideable 4x4 track. The many  switchbacks coil like a snake on the uperhalf that is all above tree line!  Flat shale rocks make up the final 2 k hugging the mountains flank before topping out at the historic fire tower.

Descending from the lookout tower.

Some short sections may require dismounting, but are 100% worth it offering breathtaking views.  

One of my favorite parts of this climb were the 12 hairpins near the top of the climb.  They were quite steep and challenging and because they are above treeline at over 9,000’, they are readily visible below as you climb, in addition to great views of the Rocky Mountains in the distance.

Hairpin segment from mile 3.7 to 4.4.

Finish at the Highland Lookout Tower.