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Hike or Backpack Tumbledown Basin

Madison County, Montana

Details

Distance

6 miles

Elevation Gain

3000 ft

Route Type

Point-to-Point

Description

Added by Adam Parkison

The hike to Tumbledown Basin is strenuous, but the alpine views awaiting at trail's-end are a worthy reward for the effort.

Tumbledown Basin is a lightly explored destination in the backcountry of the Lee Metcalf Wilderness. It is one of the highest elevation trails accessed from the Taylor Fork Basin. 

The hike to the Tumbledown basin starts at the Taylor Falls Trailhead, found at the farthest point of Taylor Creek Rd. This hike is a difficult, 6 mile jaunt to the basin itself (12 miles out-and-back), through forests, and into granite, tree-less alpine. Almost every ecosystem found in south-west Montana is crossed on the trail. Nearly every unique mammal species found in Montana can be seen here. This hike can easily be turned into an overnight backpacking trip. Elevation change is pretty strenuous, from about 6500ft to 10,000ft. 

From the town of Bigsky, take Highway 191 South, turn right on Taylor Creek Rd. and follow road until it dead-ends at the Taylor Falls Trailhead. 

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