Sykes Ridge, Burnt Timber and Bighorn Canyon

AGF's long scenic loop from the Sage Creek area across the Pryor Mountains toward Bighorn Canyon, returning by the Sykes Ridge and Burnt Timber ridge-road system, about 100 miles (AGF record). AGF ran it on June 14, 2025; a 2026 club plan called for the same route in reverse.

Moderate · Rough Ridge Roads

AGF rates a trail by its hardest unavoidable obstacle in normal dry conditions. AGF's June 14, 2025 run found rough, rutted roads but little truly technical terrain; the 2026 club plan identified Sykes Ridge as the harder portion. BLM describes Burnt Timber as unmaintained and rough with clearance problems and tight switchbacks, and onX (secondary) lists 6- to 18-inch ledges and a climb of about 2,000 feet on it. Because BLM now advises against 4x4 travel on both ridge roads, today's conditions may be harder than this rating. Wet roads can become impassable.

Snow, mud, runoff, deadfall and fire are condition changes, not part of the base rating.

Rig Requirements

Stock 4x4

AGF 2025 run: yes; BLM: even 4x4s not recommended on the ridge roads

High clearance

Yes — high clearance required / short wheelbase preferred

Tires

Good A/T or better; stock size possible, 31–33 in preferred

Rear locker

No

Front locker

No

Winch

No — recovery gear strongly recommended

Full-size

Tight-switchback caution; BLM advises OHVs

Body damage

Moderate risk

BLM advises OHVs on both ridge roads and says even 4x4 vehicles are not recommended. The BLM brochure says the roads are not suitable for two- or four-wheel-drive passenger vehicles and that four-wheel-drive vehicles are needed on the backcountry open roads. If you go in a 4x4, plan on high clearance, a short wheelbase, good A/T tires, a full-size spare, recovery gear, extra water and fuel, offline maps and communications. Long-wheelbase rigs face tighter switchbacks and clearance limits; avoid low side steps.

Know Before You Go

Season

Late June through early fall most practical; high-elevation snow can persist into June

Typical trip

Full day; camping optional

Camping

BLM and area camping reported; verify current rules and fire restrictions

Trailer parking

Sage Creek and lower staging reported; verify road conditions

Turnaround

Limited on ridge roads; use established pullouts

• Seasonal dates: AGF's trail record lists an April 15–June 15 closure on designated Burnt Timber and Sykes Ridge sections; AGF could not find a current BLM source confirming it. Check with BLM Billings (406-896-5013). A secondary source (pryormountains.org) says Forest Service motorized use past Crooked Creek Junction does not open until late May; check the current MVUM. An older secondary source says Sykes Ridge beyond the south ridge is usually blocked by snow until July.
• Wild horses: stay at least 100 feet away (Pryor Mountain Wild Mustang Center, secondary). Never feed or lure horses or get between band members. Paid tours require a permitted operator (BLM).
• No amenities on the range, and cell phones often do not work. Carry food, water, first aid, navigation, a full-size spare and recovery gear.
• Many Pryor sites are sacred to the Crow Tribe: do not disturb cultural sites or remove artifacts.
• No current fire restriction for the Pryors was found as of Oct. 8, 2026; recheck BLM, Custer Gallatin and NPS before any campfire. Fireworks are always prohibited in Bighorn Canyon NRA.
• Bears are present (onX). The Custer Gallatin food storage order lists the Beartooth Ranger District; whether it covers the Pryor unit is unconfirmed, so store food bear-safe on the forest.
• The wilderness study areas are closed to mineral entry, including gold panning.