MONTANA - Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway

10,127 foot Sawtooth Mountain as seen from the west and Grasshopper valley. 
The Pioneer Mountains National Forest Scenic Byway is a road that passes through some beautiful mountain terrain in the south west corner of Montana. This road, Forest Route 73, takes the traveler on a 43-mile journey through the Beaverhead / Deerlodge National Forest from Wise River in the north to Polaris in the south. All along this route you will have stunning views of the west face and crest of the Pioneer Mountain range. 
Torrey Mountain 11,147 Feet as seen from Scenic Byway
The route follows the Wise river for a stretch and there are several waysides that have interpretive panels on topics such as geology, flora, fauna, glaciation, homesteads etc. Near the Wise River you can stop at a wayside and follow a short footpath past a pond full of lilies down to the riverside. Along this trail there are several benches that make great places to set for a spell and contemplate Gods beautiful creation while listening to the water sounds of the river. As you continue south, the views of Torrey and Tweedy mountain, east of old Coolidge are incredible. These sharp, snow strewn peaks as seen from the highway, are framed behind lush mountain meadows strewn with boulders and bordered by dense evergreen forest. The road then approaches the enormous bulk of Comet Mountain and climbs up and over its shoulder before descending into the Grasshopper valley. The Large hogback of Comet Mountain, Jagged cliffs of Sawtooth Mountain as seen from Grasshopper valley, and the Solitary Bulk of Alturas No.2 Mtn from Highway 278 at the south end of the Scenic Byway are wonderful mountain vistas that you will never forget. There are several forest service campgrounds along this route, a ski resort at Maverick Mountain, and an old ghost town called Coolidge. There is also a year round resort called Elkhorn Hot Springs where there are cabins, a lodge and and several pools that are heated by natrual hot springs. One of the most unique things along this route is the Crystal Park Rock Hounding Area. For a $5.00 parking fee, you can follow a short trail that begins at an informational panel to the dig area where you can prospect for quartz crystals of various color, clarity and size. This is particularly fun for children as they will come away from the experience thinking they found something really cool. To get to the Scenic Byway, follow Interstate 15 south from the Butte Area to exit 102. Head west on State Route 43 until you reach the town of Wise River. At Wise River look for the signs for the Pioneer Mountains National Forest Scenic Byway. Turn left and follow this road for 47 miles through the amazing mountain scenery previously described. The road terminates at Highway 278. When you reach this road you can turn left and follow it back to Interstate 15 near Dillon, Montana. If you are approaching the Pioneer Mountains from the south or Dillon area, the described route can be reversed. This Scenic Byway is a total gem of a road and you likely will not see many other people on it. Get yourself a good map, pack some grub and fuel up the vehicle because services are sparse along the route. The Scenic Byway is open to vehicle traffic from 16 May – 01 December most years. After that time, a portion of the road is open to Snowmobile traffic. The Elkhorn Lodge and Maverick Ski Area are accessible year round and offer outstanding recreation opportunities throughout the winter season.

For Forest information, contact:
Dillon Ranger Station (406) 683-3900
Wise River Ranger Station (406) 832-3178
http://www.fs.usda.gov/bdnf
Elkhorn Lodge Website 
http://www.elkhornhotsprings.com/home.html
Maverick Ski Area Website
http://www.skimaverick.com/


 PIONEER MOUNTAINS NATIONAL FOREST SCENIC BYWAY
Pioneer Mountains National Forest Scenic Byway













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