Continental Divide National Scenic Trail – Marias Pass Section

The Continental Divide Trail’s Marias Pass section cuts through some of Montana’s most remote backcountry, following the exact spine where waters split between the Pacific and Atlantic. This 28-mile stretch runs from East Glacier Park to Essex, threading between towering peaks of the Bob Marshall Wilderness and Glacier National Park’s southern boundary. You’ll cross Marias Pass itself at 5,213 feet — the same route Lewis and Clark’s expedition sought but never found, later becoming a crucial railroad corridor.

This is serious backcountry driving requiring high-clearance 4WD and self-recovery gear. Expect deep ruts, washouts, and stream crossings that can turn dangerous during spring runoff or heavy rains. Best tackled July through September when snow clears the high country. No services exist for the entire route — pack extra fuel, water, and emergency supplies. Cell service is nonexistent. What you get is pure Montana wilderness, massive alpine vistas, and the satisfaction of driving one of the most historically significant passes in the American West.