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Big Butte Open Space Recreation Area
4.6 ★★★★★ 178 Google reviews · Running trail in Butte, Montana · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Big Butte Open Space Recreation Area's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Expansive, recreational park providing hiking trails to the top of Big Butte & a ski spot in winter.
What runners say about Big Butte Open Space Recreation Area
“Beautiful Trails for Mountain biking or hiking, The M Trail is beautiful once you reach the top”
I mountain bike here at least 2-3 times per week. Fantastic smooth, flowy single track. Beautiful wildflowers in the spring and early summer into July. Awesome views of the surrounding mountains, and sunsets are spectacular! Another bonus – never seems crowded.
There are a number of trails that circumnavigate Big Butte and travel down into Whiskey Gulch. You can drive up to the lower base on the "M" (or "V" ). The road closes at dusk to vehicles. There is a beautiful view of Butte from this vantage point. You can see from Wallerville down onto the flat.
Great, well groomed trail system! You're very exposed with little to no shade but breathtaking views of Butte.
Great place to hike, walk a dog, or ride a bike. This area is adjacent to Montana Tech, which has a folf course and fledgling mountain bike skills park. Classic Montana views and a great view of the city at night.
Trail conditions & character
“East & South overlooking the town of Butte, West and North virtually uninhabited arid range land pockmarked by 100+ year old mine prospect.”
“The parking lots are large and gravel covered.”
“Great place to hike, bike, walk your dog, and explore.”
“👍🏼 However, the trails are all easily rideable on a gravel bike.”
“Features an easy to follow loop circumnavigating the long extinct volcanic neck AKA the Big Butte.”
Plan your run at Big Butte Open Space Recreation Area
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteco.silverbow.mt.us
- Phone+1 406-497-6200
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Butte
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Chester Steele Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 158 reviews
Community park with a playground and picnic tables, as well as a splash pad and sledding hill.
Rocker Station Trailhead
4.9 ★★★★★ 16 reviews
McGruff Park
4 ★★★★☆ 96 reviews
Informal park featuring a playground plus a skate park and a basketball court.
Skyline Dog Park/ Kids Fishing Pond
4.6 ★★★★★ 188 reviews
Large park for dogs and their parents featuring fenced play areas: a water fountain and a fishing pond for kids.
