Squaw Pass

Squaw Pass

Usa, north-america

Length

N/A

Elevation

2,219 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, gear up for Squaw Pass! You'll find this beauty straddling the Idaho-Montana border in the Centennial Mountains, clocking in at 7,280 feet above sea level.

The road itself is National Forest Development Road 056 Trail, and let's just say it's an "unimproved gravel road," which is code for bumpy! After you pass the low point, the road climbs to 7,942 feet. Night driving or tackling it in bad weather is a definite no-go unless you're super familiar with the terrain. But if you're up for a bit of an adventure, the views are totally worth it!

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Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Max Elevation
2,219 m
Difficulty
moderate

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