Hike Rose Creek on the Sun River Game Range

The simplest hike in the area is a relatively flat out-and-back trip from Rose Creek Road to the southern border fence of the game range. There is no actual trail but the hike is easy to navigate. After crossing Rose Creek, you simply trudge through the large clearing that divides two thickly-timbered ridges, one of which is Sawtooth.

To get to the "trail head", head toward Rose Creek by taking the road on the left, Rose Creek Road, once you pass the Forest Service buildings inside the main gate of the game range. Go until the road takes a steep right toward the base of Sawtooth Ridge where there is a large clearing and a lone dead tree. If you come to private cabins or a private ranch, you've gone too far. From the primary hiking area, you can explore further by climbing another couple hundred feet to get an even greater vantage point of the surrounding land.

The Rose Creek area of the Sun River Game Range extends from the base of Sawtooth Ridge (elevation 7598 feet) along the Rocky Mountain Front. The ridge itself erupts from the flat prairie land and can be seen easily from Augusta. 

Hiking around Rose Creek is only available when the range is open -- from May 15 until November 30, closing during the winter months to protect the wildlife.

Rose Creek is stocked with wildflowers and wildlife. Bears frequent the area so always be on alert and pack the bear spray. Also, be aware that there are mandatory food storage requirements and steps you should take to minimize bear encounters while camping.

Primitive camping is permitted in the area but no services are available. You need to pack in everything you'll need (including bear canisters) and then pack it all back out with you.

You can wander at will around the Rose Creek area -- other than game trails, there are no discernible hiking trails. Although Sawtooth Ridge is not accessible from this spot, several high peaks make for great vantage points to view the surrounding mountain ranges and ranch land.  

The visibility is good -- a huge perk considering the bear presence in the area. Hike until you get to the point you can see, what seems to be, forever; sit back and soak it up. Shortly after you hit the expansive views you'll reach the border fence of the game range. 

The range is open to bear, deer, elk and antelope hunting in the fall so be sure to don some hunter's orange to make yourself visible.