Clear Creek Trail: Driving the steep 8% 4x4 climb in the Anaconda Range
Clear Creek Trail is a steep high-mountain road reaching an elevation of 2,602 meters (8,536 ft) above sea level, located in Deer Lodge County, Montana. Tucked away at the foot of the Anaconda Range, the route is a continuous unpaved climb over a rough and rocky surface.
| Road facts: Clear Creek Trail | |
|---|---|
| Location | Deer Lodge County, Montana (USA) |
| Max Elevation | 2,602 m (8,536 ft) |
| Length | 10.94 km (6.8 miles) |
| Elevation Gain | 910 m (2,985 ft) |
| Average Gradient | 8.31% |
| Surface | Unpaved (Gravel and rocks) |
Where is the Clear Creek Trail?
The track is located in the southwestern part of Montana, starting directly from the paved Mill Creek Road. As soon as you leave the asphalt, the road enters the mountains, climbing through thick forests and over open ridges following the natural shape of the Anaconda Range. There are no services or buildings along the route.
Is the Clear Creek Trail unpaved?
The Clear Creek Trail is entirely unpaved, with a surface made of coarse gravel and large embedded rocks. The track features deep ruts and loose stones that can cause wheels to spin. A 4x4 vehicle with high clearance is required to climb the steep sections and uneven ground without dragging the undercarriage. The high-mountain dirt becomes very slick when wet; if it rains, the mud makes it difficult to maintain traction on the slopes.
How long is the road to the Clear Creek Trail summit?
Starting from Mill Creek Road, the track spans 10.94 kilometers (6.8 miles). Over this short distance, the road climbs 910 meters of vertical elevation, resulting in a sustained average gradient of 8.31%. This continuous incline puts a heavy strain on the engine and cooling system. Drivers must stay in low gears, choosing lines carefully to clear the rocky steps while keeping enough forward momentum to avoid stalling on the steep ramps.
What are the weather hazards at Clear Creek Trail?
At an elevation of over 2,600 meters, high-altitude weather affects the road conditions throughout the year. Mountain storms can hit the range quickly, turning a dry track into a muddy path or bringing sudden snow. Heavy snow drifts block the higher sections of the trail well into spring and return early in autumn. There are no towns or emergency services in this sector of Deer Lodge County, so drivers must check local conditions before starting the climb.
Pic: William Pantano