Montana · Mountain biking · Riverside

Dead Dog

3.7 mi
distance
249 ft
climb
Jun–Aug
best months

Is Dead Dog open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Custer Gallatin National Forest. It doesn't name Dead Dog, so check the source for the area it covers (16 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Custer Gallatin National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Dead Dog is a mountain biking route in Montana's Custer Gallatin National Forest, within the Hebgen Lake Ranger District. The trail is about 3.7 miles long, and it starts and ends at roughly the same point, making it a loop or a ride that can be done in either direction. The climb is relatively modest. The route rises about 249 feet to a high point of 6,849 feet, and the steepest stretch comes at about 1.5 miles, with a 7% grade. There is also a small drop of about 430 feet on the way back. Summer is the most comfortable time to ride. Typical averages from a nearby weather station show July highs around 80°F with lows near 39°F, while winter highs stay in the mid-20s. The station sits about 170 feet lower than the route's high point, so temperatures on the trail run a little cooler. Several other trails lie close by. Dead Dog South Cutoff, a cross-country ski route, is about 0.3 miles away, and Jerrys Journey (Xc) is about 0.4 miles off. For fishing, Hebgen Lake District is about 2.7 miles away. Bakers Hole Campground, about 5 miles out, offers a place to camp.

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · Jun–Aug

    Best time to visit Dead Dog

    Best months: June–August. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      27° / 0°

    2. Feb

      31° / 1°

    3. Mar

      40° / 9°

    4. Apr

      48° / 21°

    5. May

      59° / 29°

    6. Jun

      68° / 34°

    7. Jul

      80° / 39°

    8. Aug

      78° / 36°

    9. Sep

      68° / 30°

    10. Oct

      51° / 21°

    11. Nov

      36° / 11°

    12. Dec

      26° / 3°

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at W Yellowstone Gateway, MT, 2.4 mi away at 6,679 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

Map and trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors