The Sierra Madre Mountain Range

This mountain range is lightly visited, making it possible to explore dense forest areas, hike and bike scenic trails and fish for hours, even days, without seeing another soul. Scenic drives, wilderness areas, the Continental Divide, the Encampment River, Hog Park Reservoir, and the Blackhall Fire Lookout Tower are its main attractions.

THE BATTLE MOUNTAIN SCENIC DRIVE

The Battle Mountain Scenic Drive begins in Encampment on Highway 70, which is also known as the Battle Highway. The Battle Highway is typically open Memorial Day through October, weather permitting. The drive features several highlights unique to the Sierra Madre Mountain Range.

Less than a mile west of Encampment, County Road 353 ties into the Highway, leading to the Encamp- ment River (Odd Fellows) Campground, the Encampment River Wilderness Area and public river access.

Entering the National Forest six miles west of Encampment, the route passes the turn-off to Hog Park Reservoir, FS Road 500. Hog Park Reservoir, located approximately 40 minutes south of the Highway, is a favorite spot for fishing and boating. There are two picnic areas, a campground and a boat dock. Expect road closures for roadside bark beetle tree removal along the FS 550, between the Hog Park Picnic Area and the WY/CO State line this summer. Please check the status with the Saratoga Forest Service office at 307-326-5258.

As the ascent continues, the shoulders of the Highway begin to widen into a parking area that is heavily used in winter to access the Bottle Creek Ski Trails and for snowmobile parking.

(continue) | The Sierra Madre Scenic Loop Tour | Sierra Madre Recreation Map