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Post by Mike Powell on May 31, 2006 9:29:28 GMT -6
This summer in my trusty Suburban I hope to follow the approach of the 7th from south of Busby up Davis Creek and then down Reno Creek to the SE end of the battle area. I'm working at present from a Montana Atlas & Gazetteer which shows trails that make this appear possible (USGS Topos are on the way). Can anyone with experience give me advice on feasibility, land ownership, permission to enter or any other issues I should be considering? Thanks.
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Post by Jas. Watson on Jun 2, 2006 9:26:55 GMT -6
I've ridden the route and I know that the final part is a road which can be used by anyone (we lost a couple canteens and later just drove back to find them). However I remember there are a few gates you have to stop and open and close. Be SURE you close and secure them when you go through--nothing makes a rancher or farmer madder than having someone leave a gate open when it should be closed!
Jas.~
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Post by Mike Powell on Jun 2, 2006 12:53:40 GMT -6
Jas, Thanks for the advice. You're experience gets my hope up. Still hopeful I can hear from someone on contacting the property owners.
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Post by bubbabod on Jun 6, 2006 9:09:55 GMT -6
Mike, I've made the trip you're talking about a couple years ago as part of a two-day tour. I wouldn't try it unless you get permission from the owners. They are very particular about people traversing their property. And as the other person said, about people leaving their gates open. I can't tell you who the landowners are, but there is a fellow named Miller who owns part of it. A friend and I tried to get to the east end of Reno Creek Road by going across his property by asking his permission. He very nicely but firmly told us know, to get to Reno Creek Road from the eastern access by I-90. He said there was a big issue as to ownership of access to the Crow's Nest.
So you're taking your chances if you make your trip without permission of all the land owners. Your best bet I guess is to take the trip via a private tour. Part of what you're paying for is the tour leaders getting pemission, as they know the land owners and I'm sure probably slip them a few bucks.
Good luck, and I hope you're able to make your trip.
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Post by Diane Merkel on Jun 6, 2006 14:11:16 GMT -6
Bubba is correct. You might want to go on the re-ride instead if you can take eight hours a day on a horse. (See the Crow's Nest Historic Re-Ride thread in the Events Around June 25 board.) The guys going on the re-ride have been warned by the property owners that, if any motorized vehicle trespasses on the land, they will call off the rest of the trip. You'll not only have property owners mad at you, but you'll have a lot of re-enactors mad, too. The most you can do without getting prior permission (and paying) is park on a state or county road and walk or ride a horse, but even those options may not be appreciated if you don't have prior permission. Even then, you have to be careful about who gives you the permission. It's best to get a private tour. The local tour guides know the players.
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Post by Mike Powell on Jun 9, 2006 19:54:07 GMT -6
Diane and Bubba,
Thanks for the advice. I've now exchanged emails with Steve Shaw, the gentleman organizing the reride. As that is the only trip he's organizing and it doesn't work with my schedule, do either of you have another guide contact you could share? Though I still hope to be able to drive the route (and compensate the land owners) I'm starting to think a guide for a riding trip may be the only possibility. Thanks.
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Post by Diane Merkel on Jun 10, 2006 11:29:50 GMT -6
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Post by Mike Powell on Jun 13, 2006 8:04:09 GMT -6
Diane, Your reply led to the happy result of an appontment with Jim Court this July. I'll advise the results. Thank you very much.
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Post by Diane Merkel on Jun 13, 2006 11:43:30 GMT -6
That's great news! From what I've heard, you're in for an unforgettable trip.
Please tell us all about it when you get back.
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