Guides/Overland routes/Montana
Overland route50 midifficulty: easy

Big Sheep Creek Back Country Byway

RegionMontanaAgencyBureau of Land ManagementLast verified—
Big Sheep Creek Back Country Byway — overland route near Dell, Montana, Montana
USDA NRCS Montana — Public domain (Wikimedia Commons)
Trail vitals6 facts
Length
50mi
Technical difficulty
Easy
Direction
Point to point
Vehicle
High-clearance vehicle. Two-lane gravel for most of the route, with a short stretch of one-lane dirt; passable to passenger cars in dry conditions.
Best months
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Cell coverage
None on the byway
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Big Sheep Creek Back Country Byway is a 50-mile graded-gravel route through southwest Montana's Big Sheep Canyon, running from Dell, Montana on Interstate 15 north through three geological landscapes: a narrow rocky canyon, a broad valley framed by Continental Divide peaks, and a winding creek valley. The byway sits 24 miles north of the Idaho border in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest.

The road is two-lane gravel for most of its length with a short stretch of one-lane dirt. Most of the route handles passenger cars in dry conditions, though spring snowmelt and summer thunderstorms can wash out sections. The byway is open May through early October. Deadwood Campground (10 miles in) is the only developed camping on the route.

Hazards

Read before you go

  • Winter closure. Snow closes the byway from approximately November through April.
  • Mud and washouts. Spring snowmelt and summer thunderstorms can damage the road.
  • No cell coverage. Carry an offline map.
  • Wildlife. Cattle, mule deer, and antelope cross the road. Drive slowly.
  • No services. Dell is the closest fuel and supply.

Location

50 mi · Overland route

Approx. location 44.740, -112.710

Current conditions

Live weather

Trail facts

5 fields
AgencyBureau of Land Management
Nearest townDell, Montana
Websitewww.blm.gov/visit/big-sheep-creek-back-country-byway
ClosedNov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Approx. location44.740, -112.710

Getting there

Directions

From Interstate 15, take Exit 23 (Dell Interchange). Drive south on Westside Frontage Road for 2 miles, then turn west on Big Sheep Creek Road. The byway runs 50 miles north and ends at junction with local roads connecting back to Dillon.

Approximate Dell entrance coordinates: 44.74° N, -112.71° W.

Photos

1 photo

Photos · 1

Field notes

Getting Oriented

The byway sits in Beaverhead County, the southernmost portion of Montana that wraps around eastern Idaho. Dell anchors the southern access at Interstate 15 Exit 23. The route runs north through Big Sheep Canyon, then across high plateaus along the Continental Divide. The Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest manages most of the surrounding land. Dillon, Montana on I-15 is the larger service town 36 miles north of Dell.

Trail Overview

From the Dell Interchange on I-15, drive south two miles on the Westside Frontage Road, then west on Big Sheep Creek Road to enter the byway. The first segment runs through Big Sheep Canyon, where narrow rocky walls line the creek. After several miles the canyon opens into a broad valley framed by Continental Divide peaks. Farther north the route enters a meandering creek valley with hayfields and ranches.

Driving the full 50 miles takes 2 to 3 hours without stops. The route ends at the junction with Forest Road or local roads connecting back toward Dillon.

Points of Interest

  • Big Sheep Canyon. The byway's signature feature, with narrow rocky walls along the creek for several miles.
  • Deadwood Campground. A small campground 10 miles in with vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings.
  • Continental Divide views. From higher sections of the byway, Beaverhead Mountains visible to the west.
  • Wildlife. Mule deer, antelope, elk, and bighorn sheep in the canyon.
  • Trout fishing. Big Sheep Creek holds cutthroat and rainbow trout.

Where to Camp

Deadwood Campground is the only developed campground on the byway, with no fees and a 14-day stay limit. Dispersed camping is allowed throughout the surrounding national forest land. Dillon has commercial RV parks and lodging.

Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip

  • Visit late May through early October. Snow closes the route in winter.
  • Carry water; there is no potable water on the byway.
  • Cell service is absent. Carry an offline map.
  • Watch for cattle on the road; much of the byway crosses grazing allotments.
  • Top off fuel in Dell or Dillon. There is no fuel on the byway.
  • Watch for wildlife at dawn and dusk.
  • Contact the BLM Dillon Field Office at 406-683-2337 for current conditions.

Frequently asked

Common questions

How difficult is Big Sheep Creek Back Country Byway?
Big Sheep Creek Back Country Byway is rated easy. The route runs 50 miles.
What kind of vehicle do you need for Big Sheep Creek Back Country Byway?
High-clearance vehicle. Two-lane gravel for most of the route, with a short stretch of one-lane dirt; passable to passenger cars in dry conditions.
When is the best time to visit Big Sheep Creek Back Country Byway?
The best months are May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct. Avoid Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr.
Is there cell service at Big Sheep Creek Back Country Byway?
None on the byway