How to drive the unpaved road to Lone Mountain in Montana

Lone Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.953m (9,688ft) above sea level, located in Madison County, in the US state of Montana.

Lone Mountain

Where is Lone Mountain?

The peak is located in the southwestern part of Montana within the Custer Gallatin National Forest. The summit hosts an observatory known as Kircliff Observatory with views spanning three states and eight mountain ranges. 

Is the road to Lone Mountain unpaved? 

The road to the summit is totally unpaved and rocky. It is a chairlift access trial for the Big Sky Resort. It’s very steep, for 4x4 vehicles only. 

How long is the road to Lone Mountain? 

Starting from the paved Mountain Loop Road, the road to the summit is 7.1 km long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 709 m and the average gradient is 9.98%.

Is the road to Lone Mountain open year-round?

Set high in the Madison Range, the road is totally impassable in winters. It’s very windy at the peak.
Pic: Jon Drucker

 

 

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