There's a New Montana Backcountry Discovery Route, And It Looks Like a Motorcyclist's Dream

This is your chance to explore more than thirteen mountain ranges across the state of Montana on an adventure motorcycle.

Photo by: Backcountry Discovery Routes

By: Justin W Coffey

Jul 1, at 7:44am ET

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The Backcountry Discovery Routes (BDR) just released its latest film highlighting an all-new adventure, the Montana Backcountry Discovery Route (MTBDR). The full-length documentary premiered at the MTBDR Route Release Event back in February, followed by a nationwide film tour that took place at motorcycle dealerships and clubs across the country.

The MTBDR is the 23rd route created by the non-profit organization, and takes riders deep into Big Sky Country, linking together “alpine ridgelines, remote valleys, dense pine forests, historic mining towns, wide-open ranchlands, and rugged two-track roads,” according to the press release.

Furthermore, the new Montana route completes the final link in the Western BDR system, which began in Washington State back in 2011, and creates a continuous backcountry network across the western United States. It is also one of the most anticipated routes the organization has ever created, and delivers “big landscapes, remote riding, historic towns, and a true sense of exploration,” according to Bryce Stevens, Co-Founder and Routes Development Director for the BDR.

The new route blends scenic gravel Forest Service roads, along with more difficult sections for experienced riders, the latter of which are optional. Based on the trailer, the route provides a nice balance between accessibility and challenge.

The route is approximately 900 miles in length, beginning in Island Park, Idaho before traveling north through Montana and concluding near the U.S.–Canada border outside of Eureka. It crosses more than thirteen mountain ranges, and incorporates the Gravelly Range, Ruby River Valley, Virginia City, Butte, and the wild landscapes of the East Pioneer, Highland, and Cabinet Mountains.

The MTBDR is best enjoyed between July and September, depending on snow levels and seasonal closures, so plan accordingly.

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Additionally, Hatch Adventures in Bozeman, MT rents adventure motorcycles for the route, and you can either pick up the bike and ride down to Island Park, or have their crew drop the bike at the start and pick up at the end (or another stopping point). They have both the Yamaha Ténéré 700 and World Raid model available in their fleet.

Free GPS tracks, digital maps, FAQs, and travel resources are available on the BDR website, as well as a waterproof MTBDR map, which comes in handy when there’s limited cell signal.