Lolo Pass on Montana-Idaho border: curves next 99 miles

Lolo Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.598m (5,242ft) above the sea level, located on the border of Montana and Idaho, in USA.

Is Lolo in Idaho or Montana?

The pass is located on the border of Montana (Missoula County) and Idaho (Idaho County).

Is the road to Lolo Pass on Montana/Idaho paved?

Set high in the Bitterroot Range of the northern Rocky Mountains, the road to the summit is totally paved. It’s called Highway 12 (the Lewis and Clark Highway). It’s said to be one of the America’s 15 Best Motorcycling Roads. You have all seen the photos of the sign that says "Curves next 99 miles'. It’s one of the best motorcycle roads in the country with lots of sweeping curves and a few tight ones. There is little traffic and excellent road surface. This is a two-lane highway with speed limits 50 miles-per-hour or less with few turnouts and limited opportunities to pass. The road teases you, starting with gentle sweeping turn, building you confidence and urging you faster. The scenery, the curves, and good road surface continue relentlessly. As your endurance wanes some turns have closing a radius.

How long is the road to Lolo Pass?

The pass road is 215km (134 miles) long, running east-west from Lolo (in Missoula County) to Kooskia (in Idaho County). With few guardrails and sharp turns that seem to pop up out of nowhere, the road through the pass is a dizzying experience that requires absolute attention of any driver willing to test the mettle of its asphalt. There are very few services along this route.

How long does it take to drive to Lolo Pass?

Tucked away in the Nez Perce- Clearwater National Forest, the sky high mountain roadway to the summit was completed in 1962. Plan about 3 hours to complete the drive without any stop. The drive offers views of gorgeous meadows, mountain peaks, and forested hills. It’s one of the most beautiful sections of the Lewis & Clark Trail as it winds through the Rocky Mountains of Idaho and Montana.