Big Sheep Creek is in southwest Montana about 25 miles south of Dillon. It begins in Dell on I-15 and ends at the junction with MT 324, east of Grant. The 50-mile route follows Big Sheep Creek and Medicine Lodge Roads. The roads are primarily two-lane gravel roads; a short stretch is a narrow, dirt road. Two-wheel drive vehicles can safely drive the byway. Motorhomes and vehicles pulling trailers should not attempt to complete the byway. Big Sheep Creek Back Country Byway is usually open May through early October.
From Dell, the Big Sheep Creek Back Country Byway makes its way through steep canyon walls with Big Sheep Creek flowing alongside. This spring-fed creek attracts bighorn sheep and deer, which are commonly seen in the evening. Numerous side roads tempt the byway traveler to further explore the canyon on foot, by bicycle, or in the comfort of your vehicle.
Once through the canyon, the byway heads north through the open spaces of Medicine Lodge Valley, surrounded by the Tendoy Mountains to the east and the Bitterroot Range to the west. Through this portion of the byway, Medicine Lodge Creek meanders nearby. Side roads from here will take you into Beaverhead National Forest for hiking and backpacking opportunities.
Developed recreational facilities are nearly nonexistent on this back country route. The Bureau of Land Management maintains a primitive campground, the Deadman Gulch Campground. A pit toilet is provided but there is no drinking water. Camping is permitted nearly anywhere along the byway as long as your campsite is on BLM land.
More developed camping facilities may be found in the Clark Canyon Reservoir area and Bannack State Park. The state park, north of Grant, is the site of Montana’s first major gold discovery and a well-preserved ghost town. The town once boasted of a population over 3,000 and became the state’s first territorial capital in 1864. There are 30 campsites available for tents and recreational vehicles; there are no hookups.