more stats
5.9 miles
Distance
645 ft
Climb
-2,742 ft
Descent
00:52:58
Avg time
-2,097 ft
Altitude change
3,946 ft
Altitude min
6,147 ft
Altitude max
6,057 ft
Altitude start
3,960 ft
Altitude end
-6.753%
Grade
-28.426%
Grade max
18.691%
Grade min
2 miles
Distance climb
4 miles
Distance down
00:52:58
Avg time

Buttercup Details

  • Activities
    • Mountain Bike
    • Hike
    • Trail Running
  • Riding Area
    Sleeping Child
    Hamilton, Montana
  • Difficulty Rating
    Blue Rate
  • Local Popularity
    75 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • 5 in Trail Running
    • 5 in Hiking
  • Global Ranking
    #87531 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • #137537 in Trail Running
    • #131589 in Hiking
  • Trail Type
    Singletrack
  • Bike Type
    AM, XC
  • Direction
    Downhill Primary
    Popular Direction Shown
  • Climb Difficulty
    Black Diamond
  • Physical Rating
    Moderate
  • Season
    Late April to October
  • Dogs Allowed
    Yes
  • Land Owner
    Bitterroot National Forest

When the trail leaves the road when heading east to west, there is a half mile of climbing with a least two, maybe three lung busting, but rideable pitches. From the top it is mostly flowy downhill with several short, steep climbs tossed in to make sure you earn a least some of the descent.

At the bottom, there are a series of sketchy switchbacks on a steep exposed hillside. Treat them with respect.

Access Info

Head up Sleeping Child Rd south of Hamilton and stop at Red Barn Bicycles if you need some emergency work done. Ride, drive, and with combination of both drive up Black Tail Point Rd. Try and find where the single track leaves the road. There is no sign.

Trail Supporters

  • USFS
    Land Manager
Local Trail Association

Recent Activity on Trail

Past Week
  • 0 rides
  •  
6 Months
  • 1 rides
  • 17 miles avg distance
All
  • 14 rides
  • Last: May 25, 2026
c1c2c3c4
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Buttercup Trail Reports

statusdatedescription
May 2, 2026 @ 8:24am (America/Denver)
May 2, 2026
 Mostly clear - just a few large trees down that are easy to get around. Illegal moto activity on the upper half is creating ruts.
Jul 19, 2025 @ 10:16am
Jul 19, 2025
 All cleared and brushed!
Jun 7, 2025 @ 5:05pm
Jun 7, 2025
 Just a couple of large trees down yet. Otherwise in good shape.
May 10, 2025 @ 11:19am
May 10, 2025
 reporter About a dozen trees are down. Most are obvious, but two are in blind spots. We will try and get a saw up there soon.
May 12, 2024 @ 2:28am
May 12, 2024
 reporter Trail is riding great. Still a little residual snow on the access road, but easy to ride around or over
more »
Status:
on May 2, 2026
Dry
Avg: 3.74 (7 votes)
Your vote: 0

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Trail Conditions
  • Unknown
  • Snow Groomed
  • Snow Packed
  • Snow Covered
  • Snow Cover Partial
  • Freeze/thaw Cycle
  • Icy
  • Prevalent Mud
  • Wet
  • Variable
  • Ideal
  • Dry
  • Very Dry
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        Directions to buttercup trailhead (46.096681, -114.055723)

        Photos

        7 more »
        14 |
        May 15, 2026 @ 2:39pm
        May 15, 2026
        21 |
        May 15, 2026 @ 2:39pm
        May 15, 2026
        50 |
        Jul 7, 2024 @ 8:18pm
        Jul 7, 2024
        201 |
        Jun 5, 2020 @ 7:30am
        Jun 5, 2020

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        Technical Trail Features (TTF)

        Trail Events

        (1) past events on this trail

        1 Review & Comments


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        Frequently Asked Questions About Buttercup

        ▼ Where is Buttercup located?
        Buttercup is located in Sleeping Child, Hamilton, Montana, United States. It is part of the Sleeping Child trail network. The trailhead is located at coordinates 46.09668, -114.05572.
        ▼ How hard is Buttercup?
        Buttercup is rated as Blue difficulty. The physical rating is Moderate. The average grade is 6.753%. The climb difficulty is rated Black Diamond.
        ▼ What is the elevation gain for Buttercup?
        Buttercup has 645 ft of elevation gain. The trail has 2,742 ft of elevation descent. The elevation ranges from 3,946 ft to 6,147 ft.
        ▼ Is Buttercup a point to point trail?
        Buttercup is not a point to point trail. The direction is Downhill Primary. The trail type is singletrack.

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