Nez Perce Trail (Forest Road 468)

The Nez Perce Trail traces Chief Joseph’s 1877 flight path through some of Montana’s most unforgiving terrain, crossing the Continental Divide at 7,014-foot Nez Perce Pass. This isn’t some manicured Forest Service road—expect loose rock, steep switchbacks, and creek crossings that’ll test your approach angles. The route connects the Bitterroot Valley to the Big Hole, passing through dense timber and alpine meadows where you can still find old blazes and army camps from the pursuit.

This is solid intermediate territory requiring high-clearance 4WD and decent ground clearance for the rockier sections. Best tackled July through September when snow clears the pass. No permits needed, but fuel up in Hamilton—there’s nothing out here. Dispersed camping is allowed throughout, and you’ll find decent spots near Trail Creek. What you get is 32 miles of genuine frontier history and some of the most remote country left in the lower 48.