Kings Hill winter recreation season has begun

  • Published
  • By Dave Cunningham
  • Lewis & Clark National Forest
GREAT FALLS, Mont. --  As winter snows accumulate in the high country of the Little Belts Mountains, the onset of the winter recreation season is upon us. Outdoor recreationists are reminded that, with the beginning of snowmobile season, roads within the Kings Hill area will be closed to wheeled vehicles from Dec. 15 through March 31 to accommodate trail grooming and snowmobile use. This restriction includes all-terrain vehicles. Roads in the Kings Hill area that are seasonally closed by Special Order LC 04-02 include Sheep Creek Forest Road (FR) #119, Hanson Mill FR#6423, Moose Mountain FR#6412, Jumping Creek FR#6413, Ranch Creek FR#3423, Miller Gulch FR#831, Studhorse FR#830, Deadman FR#837, Williams Park FR#586, Allen Gulch FR#1036, Lamb Creek FR#836, Divide Road #839, Memorial Way FR#487, Jefferson Creek FR#267, Chamberlain FR#3328, Belt Park connector FR#6511 and Monument Ridge FR#268. Other portions of the Lewis and Clark National Forest also have seasonal road restrictions. Recreationists traveling to other parts of the Forest should check with their local Forest Service office for information on travel restrictions in those areas.

This winter, snowmobilers launching out of the Kings Hill Pass area will find significantly improved parking with the expansion of the Kings Hill winter recreation parking lot completed in August 2007. This expanded parking area provides much additional space for towing units. "We are excited to see the beginning of the season for our new facility," said Belt Creek District Ranger Tina Lanier. "We believe that this expanded parking area will provide people with a much safer and better designed winter trailhead from which they can get out and enjoy their National Forest."

In the past, parking was often limited on busy days and some vehicles parked in hazardous locations along the highway. Both the Forest Service and the Montana Dept. of Transportation strongly advise snowmobilers not to park at the emergency pullout on top of Kings Hill Pass. Additionally, snowmobilers are asked not to park in the Showdown Ski Area parking lot, unless renting snowmobiles. Showdown Ski Area began operations Dec. 14. Additional information on the Showdown Ski Area can be obtained on their Web site: www.showdownmontana.com.

Snowmobilers are reminded that grooming operations occur on trails in the Kings Hill area Monday through Saturday, starting at 6 p.m. and run till 4 a.m.. These groomed trails are enjoyed by a diverse array of winter recreationists including skiers, snowshoers and dog sleds, in addition to snowmobiles. All users enjoying these groomed trails should remember their obligation to share the trail with other users so that all can enjoy their time in the forest.

Snowmobile maps with area closures and cross-country ski maps are available at all Forest Service offices. While much of the area is open to a variety of uses, the Silver Crest cross-country ski trail is groomed for both classic and skate cross-country skiing styles. Other uses on this trail can damage the grooming so the trail is only open to skiers; no dogs, sleds, snowmobiles or snowshoes are allowed. In other areas, opportunities abound for snowshoeing. Those wishing to give snowshoeing a try may check-out snowshoes at no charge Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., from the Great Falls Supervisors Office and Belt Creek Ranger District Office. Snowshoes are also available on weekends at the Cubs Den in Monarch with prior arrangements made through the Belt Creek Ranger District. The Lower Jefferson Road FR# 6347, offers snowshoers a winter trail that is not groomed for skiing in an area closed to motorized uses.

The 2nd Annual Winter Trails Day Celebration will be held at Showdown on Saturda, Jan.12. Beginning at 10 a.m., free guided snowshoe hikes will be offered at a beginner and intermediate level. This event is suitable for families with children provided that the children are old enough to participate in a 45 minute hike. Spaces are limited, so reservations are required. Interested persons should call the Lewis & Clark National Forest Supervisor's Office at 791-7750 to reserve their spot on one of the hikes.