How to drive the unpaved road to the lookout at Bare Cone in Montana?
Bare Cone is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.386m (7,828ft) above sea level, located in Ravalli County, in the U.S. state of Montana. Elk, mule deer, badgers, coyotes, and black bears can be seen along the trail.
Where is Bare Cone?
The peak is located in the southwestern part of Montana, within the Bitterroot National Forest. It’s a popular motorized destination, motorcycle, quad 4-wheeler and auto.
Why is there a road to Bare Cone?
At the summit there’s a fire lookout tower built in 1922, still in active service.
Is the road to Bare Cone unpaved?
The road to the summit is totally unpaved, with rocky parts and steep sections. It’s called Forest Service Road #1303. A 4x4 vehicle is required.
How long is the road to Bare Cone?
Starting from Blue Joint Road, the road to the summit is 18.6 km long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 920 m and the average gradient is 4.94%.
Is the road to Bare Cone open year-round?
Set high in the Bitterroot Mountains, the road is not plowed in winters.
Pic: http://www.pnwsota.org/blog/k7vk/2017-december-13/montana-%E2%80%93-bare-cone-lookout-13oct2016