Nez Perce Trail (Forest Road 468)
Chief Joseph's escape route through the Bitterroots
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.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Historic, Remote |
| Length (miles) | 32 mi / 51.5 km |
| Duration | 2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 7014 ft |
| Best season | July-September |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Hamilton, Montana |
| Land manager | Bitterroot National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jeep Wrangler handle this trail?
Yes, a stock Wrangler with decent tires should handle this fine. The mixed surface has some rocky sections and water crossings, but nothing requiring major modifications or extreme clearance.
Is the trail accessible before July?
No, snow typically blocks the higher elevations until July. The trail crosses 7,000+ foot passes that hold snow well into summer, making it impassable in spring.
Do I need permits to drive the Nez Perce Trail?
No permits required for driving, but you'll need to follow standard Bitterroot National Forest dispersed camping rules. Stay 100 feet from water sources when camping.
What's the hardest part of this trail?
The rocky sections near the high passes around 7,000 feet can be technical, especially when wet. Some loose rock and steep grades require careful line selection and momentum control.
How many water crossings should I expect?
Several small creek crossings throughout the route, mostly shallow seasonal streams. None are major obstacles but can be slippery with muddy approaches during wet conditions.