A memorable road trip to the historic Gibbons Pass

Gibbons Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.126m (6,975ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary between Beaverhead and Ravalli counties, in the southwestern part of the U.S. state of Montana.

Gibbons Pass

Tucked away in the Rocky Mountains, within the Bitterroot National Forest, it’s said to be one of the most historic passes in Montana. It was used by part of the Lewis and Clark Expedition on their return trip. It is named for Colonel John Gibbon.

The road to the summit is unpaved. It’s called Bitterroot-Big Hole Road (Forest Road 106). It’s a steep, winding and narrow road with few turnouts, not suitable for vehicles over 25 feet, trailers, or those with low clearance.
Pic: Grant Gardner