Sweeney Creek Trail

Trail Overview

This is a 4x4 high-clearance switchback dirt road. This trail begins through a gravel residential neighborhood; signs ask to drive slowly and keep the dust down. There are a few narrow one-lane sections that run up the ridges with pull-outs at the top and bottom of each section. Take note of pull-outs along the way. Halfway up the trail, it gets more rutted and would be muddy and prove difficult after snowmelt or a good rainstorm. This is a beautiful drive in the fall with the leaves changing colors. The trees thin out and it opens up the last couple of switchbacks towards the top of the trail to stunning views out over the Bitterroot Valley. At the end of the trail is a small dirt parking area for the Sweeney Creek Hiking trail and there is a walk-up dispersed campsite at the top of the hill with to-die-for views. This road is not maintained in winter. Sweeney Hiking Trailhead has an adequate parking area for 3-5 cars. It accesses Sweeney Ridge Trail #393, several mountain lakes, and the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. There are no facilities.

Photos of Sweeney Creek Trail

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Difficulty

There are narrow one-lane shelf road sections and deep ruts from mud closer to the top.

Technical Rating