Montana is 147,000 square miles of mountains, valleys, and high plains, and it is one of the least crowded riding destinations in the western US. The National Forest system alone covers over 16 million acres in the state. Finding where to ride is rarely the problem. Getting there and back before your battery depletes in the vast distances between access points is the planning challenge that Montana presents to electric dirt bike riders.
Montana OHV Laws
Montana requires OHV registration through Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) for operation on public land. The registration decal must be displayed on the vehicle. Montana recognizes OHV registrations from other states on a reciprocal basis in many cases.
Montana requires helmets for OHV riders under 18. No adult helmet requirement for off-road riding. No driver's license required for off-road OHV operation. Riders under 12 must be supervised by an adult when operating on public land.
Where to Ride in Montana
Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest (Dillon/Anaconda)
The Beaverhead-Deerlodge NF in southwest Montana is the largest national forest in the state at 3.3 million acres. It has an extensive network of Forest Service roads and designated OHV trails through mining-history terrain, mountain passes, and alpine meadows. The Dillon area has several staging areas with established OHV trail access. The Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway area has particularly scenic OHV access with routes climbing into 10,000-foot terrain.
Flathead National Forest (Kalispell/Whitefish)
The Flathead NF in northwest Montana surrounds Glacier National Park and offers mountain riding in forested terrain with dramatic views of the Mission Mountains and Cabinet Mountains. The Tally Lake area and trails around Columbia Falls have designated OHV access. Technical forest single-track suits intermediate to advanced riders.
Gallatin National Forest (Bozeman)
The Gallatin NF surrounding Bozeman is one of the most accessible National Forests in the state, with OHV access points close to the city. The Hyalite Canyon area and the trails south of Bozeman toward Yellowstone provide mountain terrain at elevations from 5,000 to 10,000 feet. Check Forest Service regulations carefully as some areas within the Gallatin have specific OHV restrictions to protect wildlife habitat.
Lolo National Forest (Missoula)
The Lolo NF around Missoula has OHV trail access in the Rattlesnake Wilderness boundary areas and through the Clearwater drainage to the east. The forest terrain is steep-ridged with dense pine and fir forest, offering technical riding in logging-road terrain and designated single-track.
Practical Tips for Montana Riding
Montana's riding season runs June through September for mountain terrain. Lower elevation areas in the eastern valleys may be rideable in May and October. Bears are present in most Montana riding areas, particularly in the northwest. Carrying bear spray is standard practice for any backcountry activity in Montana, including riding. Download offline maps before heading out as cell service is minimal in most trail areas.
The Right Bike for Montana
Montana's size and the distances between staging areas make range a top consideration. The Altis Omega's 75-mile range gives riders the most flexibility in Montana's expansive terrain. For riders focusing on the closer trail networks around Bozeman or Missoula, the Altis Sigma covers the terrain well. VoroMotors is available seven days a week by phone, chat, or email for pre-trip advice on bike selection and range planning for specific Montana routes.