Elk Park Pass

Elk Park Pass

Usa, north-america

Length

N/A

Elevation

1,936 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Cruising through southwest Montana? You HAVE to check out Elk Park Pass! Perched at a cool 6,352 feet, this beauty straddles the Silver Bow/Jefferson county line.

The road itself? Smooth sailing on good ol' Interstate 15. Nestled in the heart of the Rockies, it's generally open year-round, though Mother Nature might throw a little snow-day closure your way in the winter.

You'll find this pass conveniently located between Butte and Elk Park. Get ready for some epic views!

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Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Max Elevation
1,936 m
Difficulty
hard

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