Continental Divide Trail – Lemhi Pass
Lewis and Clark's Continental Divide crossing
The rocky switchbacks up to Lemhi Pass mark where Lewis and Clark first crossed the Continental Divide in 1805, and the views into Idaho’s Lemhi Valley haven’t changed much since. This high-clearance route follows primitive forest roads from Highway 324 near Tendoy, Montana, climbing through lodgepole pine and alpine meadows to the 7,373-foot pass marked by a simple monument. The descent into Agency Creek drops steeply through loose rock and tight turns that’ll test your line choice.
Stock 4WD with good tires handles it fine in dry conditions, but avoid during snowmelt when the clay sections turn greasy. Best run July through September when the high country opens up. No permits required, but fuel up in Salmon, Idaho, before heading out – it’s remote country with zero cell service. The payoff is camping under massive skies where you can literally stand on the Continental Divide and piss into two different watersheds.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 18 mi / 29 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 7373 ft |
| Best season | July-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Salmon, Idaho |
| Land manager | Salmon-Challis National Forest |
| 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 4Runner or Tacoma handle Lemhi Pass without modifications?
Yes — a stock 4WD high-clearance vehicle is the minimum and handles it fine in dry conditions. The road is dirt with moderate ruts and no technical rock crawling required.
When does Lemhi Pass typically open and close for the season?
July through September is the reliable window. Snow can linger at the 7,373-ft summit into late June and return by October, making the road impassable or very slick outside that window.
Do I need a permit or pay any fees to drive Lemhi Pass?
No permit or fee required. The road crosses Salmon-Challis National Forest land and is open to the public at no cost.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The climb to the pass itself is the steepest and roughest stretch — loose dirt, embedded rocks, and some erosion cuts that will bottom out a 2WD or low-clearance rig. It's not technical, but you want 4WD locked in for the summit approach.
Is there any water or gas near the trail, and how far is it to Salmon if I need supplies?
There is no cell service on the entire route and no services on the trail itself — plan accordingly. Salmon, Idaho is roughly 50 miles from the pass, so fuel up and carry water before you leave town.
Trail track
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