Where is Lemhi Pass?
Usa, north-america
N/A
2,250 m
easy
Year-round
Lemhi Pass straddles the Idaho-Montana border at a lofty 7,381 feet! Tucked inside the Salmon-Challis National Forest, this high-altitude gem connects Lemhi County, Idaho, with Beaverhead County, Montana.
You'll be cruisin' on Lemhi Pass Road (in Montana) or Lewis and Clark Highway (in Idaho) – a beautiful, rural gravel track steeped in American history. Heads up: a high-clearance vehicle is *strongly* recommended. Expect some deeply rutted and seriously rocky sections! Definitely pack a good spare tire and the know-how to use it.
Those last four miles leading up to the pass get pretty tight—we're talkin' single-lane narrow. Keep your eyes peeled for oncoming traffic and be ready to pull over or even back up. Remember, downhill traffic usually has the right-of-way.
So, is it worth the trek? Absolutely! But be prepared for remote vibes and zero services. Watch out for wandering cattle and moose! The weather can be wild, so pack layers. Snow's possible any time of year, and summer brings thunderstorms with lightning, strong winds, and the occasional hailstorm.
But oh, the views! Prepare for breathtaking scenery that'll transport you back in time. This landscape is practically frozen in the 1800s, with native sagebrush, bunch grasses, Douglas-fir, and lodgepole pine galore.
Here's a bit of trivia for you: In 1805, Lewis and Clark first glimpsed the headwaters of the Columbia River right here. And the name? It's a nod to King Limhi, a character from the Book of Mormon, given by Mormon missionaries back in 1855. Get ready for a scenic drive and a journey back in time!
Road Details
- Country
- Usa
- Continent
- north-america
- Max Elevation
- 2,250 m
- Difficulty
- easy
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