Pintler Scenic Route (Forest Road 5106)
Ghost towns and Continental Divide views
Forest Road 5106 cuts a spectacular line through the Pintler Mountains, connecting Georgetown Lake to the ghost town of Granite with views that’ll make you forget you’re still in a vehicle. The route climbs through dense lodgepole pine before breaking into alpine meadows dotted with mining ruins from the 1880s silver boom. Key waypoint is the Granite townsite itself — what’s left of a town that once housed 3,000 miners now sits empty at 7,200 feet, with crumbling buildings and rusted machinery telling the story of boom and bust.
This is solid intermediate territory requiring high-clearance 4WD for rocky sections and seasonal creek crossings near Granite. Best tackled July through September when snow clears the high country. No permits needed, but fuel up in Philipsburg — it’s 35 miles of backcountry with zero services. The payoff is pure Montana: endless views of the Bitterroots, scattered camping spots near alpine lakes, and the kind of solitude that reminds you why you bought that 4×4 in the first place.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 35 mi / 56.3 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 7200 ft |
| Best season | July-September |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Philipsburg, MT |
| Land manager | Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
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Frequently asked questions
Can my stock Tacoma handle the Pintler Scenic Route?
You'll need high-clearance 4WD minimum - stock trucks with good tires can make it, but expect rocky sections and steep grades that'll test your undercarriage. The mixed surface includes loose rock and rutted areas that demand clearance.
Is Forest Road 5106 open in early June or late October?
Stick to July through September - snow blocks the high passes before and after, and at 7,200 feet elevation you're gambling with weather outside that window. Early season means mud, late season means ice.
Do I need permits for the Pintler Scenic Route?
No permits required for driving the route or dispersed camping along FR 5106. It's National Forest land managed by Beaverhead-Deerlodge, so standard forest camping rules apply (14-day limit, pack it out).
What's the gnarliest part of this 35-mile route?
The Continental Divide crossing hits you with loose shale, off-camber sections, and exposure - it's technical enough to pucker up most drivers. Weather can turn nasty fast at altitude, making rock surfaces slick.
Any water crossings I should know about before heading out?
Yes, expect several creek crossings that can run high during snowmelt season - they're typically shallow but scout them first. Carry recovery gear since you'll have zero cell service if something goes sideways.