Pioneer ridge loop in Little Belts

Wayne Phillips in a cluster of Bergamont wildflowers

Certainly, the elk love this hillside on the way up

Wayne on top

A single Bitterroot was in bloom on top

This is a regular favorite and the third time I've done it this season --- a 5.3 miles loop starting at the Belt Ranger Station and back, gaining and losing an even 2,000 feet.

It can be done counterclockwise using the Pioneer Ridge trail or clockwise off-trail on a broad ridgeline across a small stream to the north of the trailhead.

We chose clockwise on Sunday, climbing to the ridge line through some of the most lush, green grass I've seen in mid-July.

Once at the ridge line there are several abandoned small miners' holes.

There's an elk trail just below the ridge line that is a good alternative until you reach the trees where it connects with the traces of a former Forest Service Trail across the ridge top.  It is easy to follow.

There's a nice vista a bit north and below the summit where the Big Baldy country is visible to the east. At the high point there are great views of the west side of the Little Belts ---- Thunder and Porphyry mountains, and the limestone canyons of Belt Creek through the Sluice Boxes.

This former trail connects to the formal Pioneer Ridge Trail just below the 6,921 feet high point.

From there it's a very steep series of maintained trails through grass and timber back to the bottom.