Silver Bow Creek and BA&P Trail Loop

The trail offers a varied experience. The Silver Bow Creek Greenway portion is mostly paved asphalt, generally in excellent condition. The BA&P Hill Trail includes a 2-mile gravel section before transitioning to pavement. Be aware that the eastern end of the BA&P Hill Trail, particularly through Butte, has about a 3% grade, with some sections being quite steep.

The full loop is approximately 28 kilometers (about 17.4 miles) and typically takes around 1 hour and 27 minutes to complete by racebike, depending on your pace and stops.

You'll experience a mix of natural beauty and historical industrial landscapes. Highlights include the serene Silver Bow Creek Greenway with its revitalized creek and potential wildlife sightings. The BA&P Hill Trail offers glimpses into Butte's mining history, passing abandoned mineyards and historic neighborhoods. Don't miss the Berkeley Pit Viewing Stand and the World Mining Museum. The trail also provides expansive views of the Montana landscape.

The Silver Bow Creek Greenway section is generally easy and suitable for all fitness levels due to its minimal elevation gain and paved surface. However, the BA&P Hill Trail can be more challenging, with a 2-mile gravel section and steeper paved grades, especially through Butte. Beginners might find parts of the BA&P Hill Trail moderate, potentially requiring them to walk their bikes on steeper sections.

The trail system is part of a larger urban network, and there are various access points. The Silver Bow Creek Greenway has new access stations that often include parking. Specific parking details can vary, so it's best to check local maps or trail resources for the most convenient starting points.

The trail is accessible year-round, as the Silver Bow Creek Greenway is plowed in winter. However, for the most comfortable cycling experience, especially considering the gravel sections and potential for snow-dusted mountain views, late spring through early fall typically offers the best weather conditions.

While specific regulations for this exact loop aren't detailed, multi-use trails like the Silver Bow Creek Greenway generally welcome dogs. It's always best practice to keep dogs on a leash and clean up after them to ensure a pleasant experience for all users.

No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to access and use the Silver Bow Creek and BA&P Trail Loop. It's part of a public trail system designed for recreational use.

Yes, the Silver Bow Creek Greenway portion of the trail has new access stations that offer restrooms and drinking water. You'll also find amenities like benches, picnic tables, and bike racks at various points along the trail system.

Yes, the route utilizes sections of the Silver Bow Creek Greenway and the Butte, Anaconda and Pacific Hill Trail. It also briefly passes through a section of the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route and connects to other local paths like the Silver Bow Creek Walking Trail.

Along the Silver Bow Creek Greenway, you might spot a variety of wildlife including bald eagles, yellow-headed blackbirds, sandhill cranes, waterfowl, moose, deer, beavers, and rabbits. The revitalized creek area provides a rich habitat for these animals.