Section 18: Checkerboard

Big Baldy on the Montana Trail
Credit: Jam

Endpoints: Checkerboard – Geyser

Length: 81 miles

Description: This section begins at Checkerboard and heads east along Highway 12 before turning north into Little Belt Mountains and the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest. Passing through the Middle Fork of the Judith River WSA and over the summit of Big Baldy Mountain (9183-ft) the section continues north before descending to Geyser. Permits are not required. Water is plentiful on most of this section.