Pioneer Mountains Scenic Route (Forest Road 484)

Forest Road 484 threads through the ghost towns and abandoned mines of the Pioneer Mountains, following routes first carved by ox teams hauling silver ore to the railroad in the 1880s. The road climbs steadily from Wise River through Coolidge and past the ruins of Elkhorn Hot Springs before dropping into the Big Hole Valley near Jackson. Along the way you’ll pass weathered headframes, collapsed mine shafts, and the remnants of Bannack’s satellite camps that once housed thousands of prospectors chasing Montana’s mineral wealth.

This moderate route requires high-clearance 2WD minimum, though 4WD is recommended for the steeper sections near Bloody Dick Creek and when conditions are wet. July through September offers the best travel window, though the road typically stays open through October for hunting season. Bring extra fuel since the nearest services are in Dillon, and pack camping gear to take advantage of excellent dispersed sites throughout the range. The combination of mining history, mountain scenery, and genuine isolation makes this one of southwestern Montana’s hidden gems.