
The road to Monida Pass on the border of Idaho and Montana
Usa, north-america
48 km
2,102 m
moderate
Year-round
Alright, road trip enthusiasts, let’s talk Monida Pass! This epic mountain crossing sits right on the Idaho-Montana border, perched high in the Bitterroot Range at a cool 6,896 feet. The name? A clever combo of "Mon"tana and "Ida"ho, naturally!
You’ll be cruising along a smooth, paved surface—Interstate 15, also known as Veteran’s Memorial Highway. The journey stretches for about 30 miles (48 km), linking Lima, Montana, with Spencer, Idaho, the quirky "Opal Capital of America."
But hey, it’s a mountain pass, so keep your eyes peeled for changing weather and the occasional wildlife encounter. What it lacks in crazy hairpin turns, it more than makes up for in scenery. Think wide-open skies, rugged peaks, and that feeling of being on top of the world. Monida Pass isn't just a drive; it's an experience!
Where is it?
The road to Monida Pass on the border of Idaho and Montana is located in Usa (north-america). Coordinates: 38.3643, -97.6732
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Length
- 48 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,102 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 38.3643, -97.6732
Related Roads in north-america
hardHoly Cross City Jeep Road in Colorado is only for the most experienced drivers
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're looking for a REAL challenge, Holy Cross City Jeep Road in Eagle County, Colorado is calling your name. This isn't your Sunday drive – we're talking hardcore, expert-level terrain only. Seriously, leave your stock vehicle at home. This 3.8-mile (one-way) beast climbs relentlessly to a whopping 11,870 feet above sea level near Holy Cross City and Cleveland Lake, making it one of the highest roads in the state. Nestled in the central Colorado Rockies, the unpaved and rocky path to the top is unforgiving. Expect some serious pinstriping – a sign warns of potential vehicle damage right at the trailhead. You'll start off Homestake Road #703 and battle your way to the historic Holy Cross City site. Weekends here are always crowded with other thrill-seekers, so be prepared to share the trail. Keep in mind, this is the high country! The upper reaches of the road are usually snowed-in from late November to mid-July. And pro tip: NEVER tackle this trail solo. Beyond the adrenaline rush, you'll be cruising through living history. The road, built in 1883, winds past remnants of Colorado's mining boom and offers insane views of the Mount of the Holy Cross. The destination is the old Holy Cross City mining town, a ghost town with building ruins and rusting equipment. Once a bustling hub with 300 residents, stamp mills, boarding houses, and more, it’s now a relic of a bygone era. But before you get all starry-eyed, understand that this road demands respect. You NEED the right training and equipment. Know your 4-wheel-drive system inside and out, and ALWAYS travel with a buddy in another vehicle. Winching WILL be necessary, and you might even have to do some trail building! The two notorious obstacles are French Creek and Cleveland Rock. French Creek involves a long stream crossing, followed by navigating huge boulders with wet tires. And Cleveland Rock? A massive boulder with two incredibly challenging lines. Translation: Bring emergency supplies and extra parts, and KNOW YOUR ROUTE! A winch, 33"+ tires, locking differentials, and full recovery gear are non-negotiable.
moderateThe unpaved mountain road to Marshall Pass in Colorado
🇺🇸 Usa
Hey there, adventure seekers! Let's talk Marshall Pass, a real gem nestled in Saguache County, Colorado. This baby sits way up high at 10,842 feet! You'll find it hanging out a bit south of Monarch Pass in central-southern Colorado. Back in the day, a smart guy named Lt. William L. Marshall found it in 1873, and boom, it got his name. The route's pretty cool because it mostly follows an old Denver & Rio Grande railroad line that was headed to Salt Lake City a century ago. So, instead of super steep climbs, it's more of a gentle, winding adventure. They finished the Marshall Pass Toll Road way back in 1878. Now, heads up, this isn't your typical paved highway – it's all unpaved and called Marshall Pass Road. But don't sweat it too much. Under good conditions, most cars can handle it. There are a few bumpy spots, especially on the west side, so take it slow if your car is low to the ground. Keep in mind, this road gets buried in snow during winter and isn't plowed, so it's closed to cars when it's cold. The views? Unreal! You'll be staring at the Sangre de Cristo Mountains the whole time. Summer and late fall are especially gorgeous. Plus, there are tons of free campsites near the pass if you're into roughing it! The whole stretch is about 30.4 miles long, going from Sargents (US-50) to Mears Junction (Highway 285).
hardCan you drive to Secret Pass in NV?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, fellow adventurers, let me tell you about Secret Pass in Nevada! Tucked away in Nye County, near the California border, this hidden gem sits at a cool 4,944 feet. Getting there is half the fun... if you've got the right rig. This is an old mining route, so expect a rugged, unpaved road. Seriously, 4x4 is a must! Think hard-packed rock, little boulders, and a few shallow stream crossings. The adventure kicks off from Route 6 near Beatty and stretches for just over 5 glorious miles. Don't let the short distance fool you — it's a climb! You'll gain over 1700 feet, averaging a pretty serious 6% grade. Once you reach the top, south of Meiklejohn Peak, you'll be greeted by a collection of communication towers. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for fascinating old mining ruins. Just a heads-up: flash floods can happen, so peek at the forecast before you head out. Get ready for some unforgettable views!
easyIs North Cascade Highway paved?
🇺🇸 Usa
North Cascades Highway (State Route 20) is a very scenic drive located in North Cascades National Park, in the US state of Washington. The road is part of the Cascade Loop, a 436-mile (702 km) driving tour through the Cascades in the northern areas of Washington. Is North Cascade Highway paved? The road is totally paved and traverses the U.S. state of Washington, traveling from Discovery Bay to the Idaho state border in Newport. It tops out at at an elevation of 1,669m (5,477ft) above sea level. Is North Cascade Highway open now? The road is the northernmost route across the Cascade Mountain Range in Washington. The road closes every winter when weather, snow conditions, and avalanche danger threaten safety. Avalanche hazard usually closes the highway sometime in late November/early December, and it usually reopens sometime between April to early May. The normal winter closure is between MP 134 (Ross Dam Trailhead) and MP 171 (Silver Star Creek). How long does it take to drive North Cascades Highway? The drive offers travelers a wide array of beautiful vistas. Each year, thousands of drivers travel Washington State's breathtakingly beautiful North Cascades Highway (State Route 20), observing the region's alpine flora and fauna and its dramatic geological features . Prepare for sweeping vistas, alpine meadows, wildlife watching opportunities, and recreation galore. This mountain scenic drive begins in Sedro Woolley. The North Cascades Highway provides a unique experience of a striking landscape that is also a rich, interwoven system of living things, climate, and geology. Plan a couple of days to complete the Cascade Loop. Mengel Pass in California: Only Experienced Drivers with Advanced Off Road Skills Bobcat Pass is a high mountain road in New Mexico Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.