Lolo Pass Road (Highway 12)
Lewis & Clark's legendary Continental Divide crossing
You’re following Lewis and Clark’s footsteps on this legendary mountain crossing, where the Corps of Discovery nearly starved in 1805. Highway 12 climbs through dense forest and hairpin turns to Lolo Pass at 5,233 feet, marking the Continental Divide between Montana and Idaho. The paved road becomes a white-knuckle drive in winter, with steep grades and blind corners that demand respect, while the Lolo Hot Springs provides a perfect rest stop halfway up the climb.
Moderate difficulty due to elevation, weather exposure, and narrow sections with limited guardrails. Any vehicle can make the trip in good weather, but high-clearance recommended for winter conditions and side exploration. Best driven May through October before heavy snow closes upper elevations. Fuel up in Missoula or Kooskia — it’s 99 miles of mountain driving with limited services. You’ll earn sweeping views of the Bitterroot Valley and genuine historical connection to America’s greatest expedition.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 99 mi / 159.3 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 5233 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Any vehicle |
| Nearest town | Missoula, Montana |
| Land manager | U.S. Forest Service |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can I drive this trail in my 2WD car?
Yes, any vehicle can handle Highway 12 as it's a paved scenic highway. The 'moderate' rating refers to the mountain driving conditions and weather exposure, not technical difficulty.
Is Lolo Pass Road open in winter?
The highway stays open year-round but snow and ice from November through April can make conditions treacherous. Carry chains and check road conditions before heading out.
Do I need permits or pay fees to drive Highway 12?
No permits or fees required to drive the highway. If you plan to camp at developed Forest Service campgrounds along the route, standard camping fees apply.
What's the most challenging part of this drive?
The steepest grades and tightest curves are on the western Montana approach to Lolo Pass summit. Weather can change fast at elevation, creating hazardous driving conditions even in summer.
Where can I find dispersed camping along the route?
Plenty of Forest Service roads branch off Highway 12 with dispersed camping opportunities, especially on the Montana side near Lolo Creek and around Powell Junction area.