Where is the Bitterroot-Big Hole Road?

Where is the Bitterroot-Big Hole Road?

Usa, north-america

Length

26.55 km

Elevation

2,143 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, so you're up for an off-the-beaten-path adventure? Let me tell you about the Bitterroot-Big Hole Road in southwest Montana! Picture this: You're cruising (carefully!) between US-93 near Sula and Lost Trail Pass, straddling Beaverhead and Ravalli counties.

This isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking about 16.5 miles of unpaved, seriously steep, winding, and narrow goodness (Forest Road 106, if you wanna get technical). Built way back in 1914 and even used by Lewis and Clark on their return trip, this road is steeped in history.

It tops out near Gibbons Pass, hitting a high point of 7,368 feet, but you'll definitely feel the climb! This isn't a road for the faint of heart – or for big RVs. Keep an eye out for soft shoulders (especially near those massive drop-offs!), falling rocks, and other road debris. Seriously, a good spare tire is a must. Be prepared to back up, way up, if you meet someone coming the other way. But hey, the views are absolutely worth it.

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Usa
Continent
north-america
Length
26.55 km
Max Elevation
2,143 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in north-america

Where is South Peak?hard

Where is South Peak?

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Usa

Okay, adventure-seekers, listen up! South Peak in Colorado's Lake County is calling your name! Just north of the Park County line, nestled in Pike National Forest near Weston Pass, you'll find an old mining road leading to unbelievable heights. We're talking serious Rocky Mountain scenery, people! Towering mountains and views that'll make your jaw drop. But here's the deal: this ain't your Sunday drive. This rugged, unpaved track, built way back in the 1800s, demands respect. You'll need a 4x4 beast with high clearance and a touch of off-road experience to reach the old gold mine at the top. Starting near Mount Bump, it's a relatively short but sweet 3.5km (2.17 miles) climb, gaining 185 meters in elevation. Expect a pretty consistent average gradient of around 5.28%. Word to the wise: this high-altitude paradise is usually snowed in from late October until late June/early July, so plan your trip accordingly. Waiting until late June or even July is generally best. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!

How long is Kootenay Pass?hard

How long is Kootenay Pass?

πŸ‡¨πŸ‡¦ Canada

Alright, road trippers, buckle up for Kootenay Pass! This beauty is a high-altitude highway adventure sitting pretty at 1,782m (5,846ft) in British Columbia, Canada. We're talking about Highway 3 (the Crowsnest Highway), a fully paved ribbon of road stretching 64km (40 miles) from Nelson Nelway Highway to Creston. You'll find it snuggled in the Selkirk Mountains, right inside Stagleap Provincial Park. Kootenay Pass marks the highest point on this route. Heads up: this pass earns its stripes! It’s open year-round, but Mother Nature calls the shots. Expect closures for avalanche control and debris clean-up during bad weather. Seriously, this area is famous for early and late-season snow, with avalanches happening ALL the time. Winter tires or chains are a must from October to the end of April. The drive itself? Budget about 45 minutes without stops to soak it all in. You'll be cruising through classic Rocky Mountain scenery – think massive lakes and ridiculously tall mountains. It gets about 1,600 vehicles a week. Be prepared for some serious climbs! You'll find sections hitting a max gradient of 13%. Creston will require a 40km push, climbing 1154 meters. From Burnt Flats, you'll climb 1134 meters in just 23.1km. Once you conquer the summit, take a breather and check out the incredible Bridal Lake.

A wild unpaved road to Point Six in Montanaextreme

A wild unpaved road to Point Six in Montana

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Usa

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Point Six in Montana's Missoula County is calling your name. This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. We're talking a rugged gravel 4x4 track that climbs to a whopping 7,942 feet! Point 6 Road is the name of the game, but Mother Nature makes the rules. Keep a close eye on the weather because this beauty can turn beastly fast. We're talking potential avalanches, crazy snow, and landslides – oh my! Patches of ice and some rocky, muddy sections just add to the thrill. What awaits you at the top? Not just bragging rights, but also some seriously cool tech. The summit is home to a weather radar affectionately nicknamed the "Death Star," plus a bunch of communication towers. It's a weird mix of wilderness and technology that makes Point Six a truly unforgettable trip!

A journey to the legendary Union Pass in Wyomingmoderate

A journey to the legendary Union Pass in Wyoming

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Usa

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! If you're looking for a truly wild Wyoming experience, you HAVE to check out Union Pass. Perched way up at 9,212 feet, it's a killer route through the northwestern part of the state, with views that'll make your jaw drop. You'll find this gem straddling Sublette and Fremont counties, nestled right between the Bridger-Teton and Shoshone National Forests. Hit the Continental Divide marker at the top – that's where the water flows either towards the Wind River or the Green River. Pretty cool, right? Union Pass Road, mostly unpaved, stretches for about 72.6 miles (116.83km) between Dubois (off U.S. Route 287) and Pinedale (U.S. Route 189). Budget around four hours for a one-way trip, not counting stops to soak it all in. Think wide-open pastures, mountain lakes, and seriously epic views of the Tetons, Wind Rivers, and Absarokas. Plus, you're basically at the source of three HUGE North American rivers – the Colorado, Mississippi, and Columbia. Word to the wise: this isn't a trip for your average sedan. You'll need an SUV with all-wheel or 4-wheel drive. The road's generally in decent shape, but expect some rough patches, especially on the Pinedale side. Trust me, the views are worth the bumpy ride!