NOHVCC Great Trails Workshop Helps Shape the Future of Horsethief Recreation Area, Montana

A recent NOHVCC Great Trails Workshop at the Horsethief Recreation Area near Roundup, Montana, brought together trail professionals and recreation managers to help shape the future of one of eastern Montana's most promising off-highway vehicle (OHV) destinations. Hosted by the Montana Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and funded by the Right Rider Access Fund, the workshop combined classroom instruction with hands-on trail planning and design in the field.

Horsethief Recreation Area is a remarkable landscape characterized by dramatic rock outcroppings, expansive rock slabs, rugged cliffs, and sweeping views of the surrounding mountain ranges. The area's unique terrain provides exceptional opportunities for developing a sustainable, world-class trail system that offers both exciting riding experiences and long-term resource protection.

The Montana BLM is currently working through the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process to develop approximately 10 miles of motorcycle-optimized singletrack trails. The proposed recreation plan includes three distinct riding zones, along with a fourth area dedicated to rider skills development featuring an OHV obstacle course. Parking, staging, and camping facilities are planned for the north end of the recreation area, creating a convenient gateway for future visitors.

The workshop began with a classroom session at the BLM Montana/Dakotas State Office in Billings, where participants explored the principles of sustainable trail design, construction, maintenance, and master planning. Participants then traveled to the recreation area to evaluate the landscape firsthand and identify opportunities for creating trails that work in harmony with the natural terrain. The northern portion of the property proved especially impressive, offering ideal conditions for trail construction while showcasing breathtaking panoramic views.

On the second day, participants divided into two teams to apply what they had learned. One group developed a reroute of the existing north-south access road, relocating it from private property onto adjacent BLM-managed public lands. The second team designed an intermediate-to-advanced motorcycle singletrack trail within one of the proposed riding zones, carefully laying out a route that maximizes the area's natural features while promoting sustainability and an exceptional riding experience.

By the conclusion of the workshop, participants had successfully flagged nearly one mile of purpose-built OHV trail. The outstanding quality and diversity of the landscape demonstrated that the area's recreational potential extends well beyond the initial 10-mile concept. As additional funding and resources become available, future trail expansion could further establish Horsethief Recreation Area as a premier destination for off-highway motorcycle recreation.

The collaboration between the Montana BLM, the Right Rider Access Fund, NOHVCC, and workshop participants represents an important investment in the future of responsible OHV recreation. Once completed, the Horsethief Recreation Area trail system is expected to provide a sustainable, enjoyable riding experience that follows the natural contours of the landscape while showcasing the unique beauty of eastern Montana for years to come.