
Driving Interstate 90 to Homestake Pass in the Rocky Mountains of Montana
Usa, north-america
4,861 km
1,954 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, road trip lovers, let's talk Homestake Pass in beautiful Montana! This paved beauty sits at a cool 6,410 feet up in the Rocky Mountains, right on the Jefferson/Silver Bow county line. You'll find it nestled inside the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest.
We're talking Interstate 90 here, and Homestake Pass marks its highest point on that massive, cross-country highway. Fun fact: when I-90 was built, they chose this route over Pipestone Pass for an easier crossing of the Continental Divide. Smart move, Montana!
The stretch we're interested in is about 25 miles long, connecting Butte to Whitehall. And while it's usually open year-round, keep an eye on the weather in the winter. Mother Nature can be a bit unpredictable, and you might find a temporary closure due to snow or ice.
Where is it?
Driving Interstate 90 to Homestake Pass in the Rocky Mountains of Montana is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 38.4122, -92.0544
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 4,861 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,954 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 38.4122, -92.0544
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