Lonesome Highway — Elkhorn Mountains Crest to Marysville via Badger Pass and Scratchgravel Road
Ghost towns and ghost ridges above Helena.
The Elkhorn Mountains sit between Helena and Townsend in central Montana, a compact but rugged range that most overlanders drive past on I-15 without a second glance. That’s a mistake. The route from Marysville — itself a near-ghost town with a working saloon and crumbling mine headframes — climbs FR 4009 to the Elkhorn crest near Badger Pass at around 8,400 feet, then drops south through open meadows and lodgepole burns toward Elkhorn ghost town and the Scratchgravel Hills above Helena. The Elkhorn ghost town itself, managed by the BLM, features two original 1880s buildings still standing: Fraternity Hall and a barn that have somehow weathered 140 Montana winters. The route crosses several seasonal drainages and includes loose shale pitches on the south descent that demand attention.
Stock high-clearance 4WD handles this route comfortably in dry conditions, but wet clay sections near the crest turn greasy fast — lockers help. Snow closes Badger Pass typically by late October and lingers into early June. No permits required. Fuel in Townsend or Helena; no services on route. Cell service is spotty near Marysville, nonexistent on the crest. Dispersed camping is available throughout the Deerlodge National Forest sections. The Elkhorns reward drivers who like their history honest and their ridgelines empty.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Rock |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 38 mi / 61.2 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 8420 ft |
| Best season | June–October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Townsend, MT |
| Land manager | Deerlodge National Forest / BLM Butte Field Office |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | Deerlodge NF — Elkhorn Recreation Area BLM — Elkhorn Ghost Town |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle this trail, or does it need a lift?
A stock high-clearance 4WD like a Tacoma or 4Runner will get through in dry conditions. The rocky sections near the crest and around Badger Pass benefit from a mild lift, but it's not required — slow and steady matters more than suspension height here.
When does the trail typically open after winter, and is snow a real risk in early summer?
The high sections near 8,400 ft can hold snow well into June — early July is the safer bet for a clean run. Check with Deerlodge National Forest before heading out in late spring, because Badger Pass in particular can be buried when lower roads look completely fine.
Do you need any permits or pay any fees to run this route?
No permit required and no day-use fee for the national forest or BLM sections. Standard Leave No Trace rules apply, and the Elkhorn Ghost Town area is managed by BLM so respect posted closures around the historic structures.
What's the hardest section of the trail and what should I actually expect?
The rocky stretch along the Elkhorn crest approaching Badger Pass is the crux — loose rock, some shelf road exposure, and the kind of surface that will test your tire sidewalls if you're running street rubber. Nothing extreme, but it demands attention and a proper line, especially if the road is wet.
Are there reliable water sources along the route, and how far out do I need to plan for fuel?
There are seasonal creek crossings on the route but don't count on them as a drinking source without filtering — treat everything. For fuel, load up in Townsend or Helena before you head in; there are no services on the 38-mile route, and the nearest pumps at either end are your only options.
Trail track
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