Continental Divide Scenic Trail – Monida Pass
Historic Continental Divide crossing with three-state views
The Monida Pass route follows the same corridor used by early pioneers and freight wagons, climbing to 6,823 feet along the Continental Divide. This historic passage connects the Big Hole Valley in Montana with the Snake River Plain in Idaho, crossing exposed ridges where you can see into three states on clear days. The route passes through several cattle gates and skirts the edge of the Centennial Mountains, with Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge visible to the north.
This is an easy to moderate drive suitable for any high-clearance vehicle, though winter conditions can persist into May at elevation. The gravel road is well-maintained but can get washboarded after heavy use. Best driven May through October when snow has cleared from the pass. No permits required, and dispersed camping is available in designated areas. The payoff is sweeping views of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and a genuine taste of the Old West migration routes.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 28 mi / 45.1 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 6823 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD |
| Nearest town | Lima, Montana |
| Land manager | Bureau of Land Management |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| 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 Monida Pass, or do I need a lifted rig?
A stock high-clearance 2WD truck handles this trail fine in dry conditions. The gravel road is rough in spots but nothing requiring lockers or a lift — a Tacoma, 4Runner, or even a capable AWD crossover with decent clearance will make it through without drama.
When does the road typically open in spring and close in fall?
Best season runs May through October. Snow can linger at the 6,800-foot summit well into May and return by late October, and the gravel surface turns to slick mud when wet. Check conditions with the BLM before an early or late-season run.
Do I need a permit or pay any fees to drive this trail?
No permit and no fee required — it's BLM land and the road is open to public vehicle travel. Standard Leave No Trace rules apply for dispersed camping.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
There's no single gnarly obstacle — the challenge is sustained washboard gravel and a few softer sections that can get loose or rutted after rain. The road is remote enough that a breakdown means a long wait, so a solid spare and basic recovery gear matter more than driving skill here.
How far is the nearest gas station, and is there water along the trail?
Lima, Montana is the closest town and has a small gas station — fill up there before you head out. There's no reliable potable water along the 28-mile route, so carry what you need for the day and any overnight stay at dispersed camps.
Trail track
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