LIMEKILN TRAIL, JUDITH MOUNTAINS

Overview:

The Limekiln Trail is a project of the BLM with much support from local volunteers.  It is a very accessible loop trail in the Judith Mountains with the trail head about 20 minutes NE of Lewistown.  The trail is a total of just over 7 miles and affords great vistas both to the northeast and to the west over Lewistown.  Riding the loop takes about three hours and provides a great introduction to the mountains of Central Montana.  There is good trailer parking at the trailhead and water for the horses in Burnette Creek at the trailhead.  The trail is gravelly in places and horses need to be shod, but much of the trail is hard packed dirt and very comfortable for both horse and rider.  The parking area at the trail head is adjacent to the Duvall Inn, a unique mountain lodge which has accommodations and meals for both horses and guests.  More information at www.lewistown.net/~duvalinn/  or call at 406-538-7063. 

Directions to Trailhead:

1. Start at the light at Main St. and 1st Ave.  in Lewistown.
2. Go north on 1st Ave. N, .2 mile to intersection with Rt 191.
3. Go north on Rt. 191, 1.7 miles to Limekiln Rd on right. Just opposite Harvest States Coop.
4. Turn right on Limekiln Rd. at 2.6 miles, keep going straight, i.e. don’t bear left.  Total mileage to trailhead parking lot from 191 turnoff is 6.1 miles.

Trail description:

The loop trail can be ridden in either direction but we’ll describe it here going counter clockwise.  Start from the parking lot and proceed along the road that passes to the right (southwest) of the Duvall Inn.  You will then come to an iron gate.  Pass through the gate and watch for the sign that indicates the trail proceeding off to the right from the road.  Follow the trail and you’ll soon be climbing about 1000 feet from 4800 to 5800 feet.  During the climb you’ll see a turnoff to a scenic overlook over Lewistown and the Mountains to the west.  Back on the trail you’ll ride through pine forest and then emerge into an area of pine regrowth following a fire of 20 years ago.  Most of the trail stays at a constant elevation contour here until there is a series of switchbacks that gets you back down to the trailhead.  No potable water on the trail, but good water at the trailhead.  Nothing tricky about the trail except some places where you pass through narrow openings between trees and you need to pay attention to your knees! 

Information on current conditions can always be obtained form the BLM field Office in Lewistown at 406-538-1900.

Click here to view Trail Map

Description by James Chalmers, October 9, 2007, 406-538-7405.