How to drive the unpaved road to the lookout at Deer Mountain in Montana?
Deer Mountain is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2.221m (7,286ft) above sea level, located in Ravalli County, in the US state of Montana.
Where is Deer Mountain?
The peak is located north of Sula, in the western part of Montana, within the Bitterroot National Forest.
Why is there a road to Deer Mountain?
At the summit there’s a lookout tower built in 1960.
Is the road to Deer Mountain unpaved?
The road to the summit is totally unpaved and curvy, with narrow parts and steep sections. It’s called Forest Service Road 1301. It’s difficult to find the road as nothing is marked after Rye Creek Road. The road is fair, and can be difficult with washouts, so care should be taken if you attempt the drive to the lookout. 4x4 vehicle required.
How long is the road to Deer Mountain?
Starting from Arikara Road, the road to the summit is 1.93km (1.2 miles) long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 111m (367 ft) and the average gradient is 5.75%.
Is the road to Deer Mountain in Montana open year-round?
Set high in the Sapphire Mountains of the Rocky Mountains, the road is not plowed in winters. Snowfalls are common.