Lolo Pass: A must-ride Rocky Mountain motorcycle route

Lolo Pass motorcycle route is a 200-mile section of the nearly 5,000-mile Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. The road surfaces are excellent, and there isn’t a lot of traffic, so the trip’s a great option if you're an adventurous rider with a moderate level of experience. Veteran riders also love this route and excitedly lean into the many curves.

You could ride all 200 miles in one go, but if you plan on splitting the trip into multiple days, you'll want to book your accommodations ahead of time.

Lolo Pass is the highest pass in the Bitterroot Mountains, 5,233 feet above sea level. This legendary route stretches from Lewiston, Idaho, to about 40 miles west-southwest of Missoula, Montana.

From Montana: Head south on Hwy 93 out of Missoula, then turn west on Hwy 12.

From Idaho: Head east on Hwy 12 out of Lewiston until the town of Lolo, Montana, then turn north on Hwy 93 into Missoula.

Check out our interactive map as you plan your Lolo Pass ride.

For this trip, you'll want to dress in layers and bring a thick coat for riding in the mountains. If you’re visiting between November and April, check the road condition report or the live camera feed to assess snow cover.

Otherwise, look to seasonal averages to give you a general idea of what you can expect when you visit. The following data is based on Missoula's average monthly temperatures.

Lolo Pass motorcycle route is well-maintained and offers excellent riding surfaces. However, this winding route can be intimidating. Be mindful of speed limits and other signage that tells you what's up ahead. Through Idaho, the route is capped at 50mph, and many bikers have reported that local authorities strictly enforce the limits.

There are many wide curves in the route, but you should also expect tight bends. One of the more challenging qualities of this route is the inconsistency of the curves. If you’re not paying attention, it’s easy to misjudge or overshoot corners.

Road curves can limit your overall visibility, increasing the potential for encounters with other travelers, road debris, and wildlife. Maintain a safe following distance and keep your focus on the road.

This route runs through a very isolated area. Bring plenty of food and water, warm layers, and a tool kit. If starting in Lewiston, stop again in Kooskia for gas. If starting in Missoula, stop for gas before turning onto Hwy 12 in Lolo. There’s only one gas station along Hwy 12 between those two points—80 miles from Kooskia and 55 miles from Lolo.

There’s also no cellphone service between Lolo and Kooskia. You can find emergency phones on the Idaho side of Hwy 12 at mileposts 120, 139, and 169.

Lewiston is celebrated for its agriculture and timber industries, recreational activities, and cultural scene. Since it’s the metropolitan hub of the Lewis-Clark Valley, you can find any supplies you need here. Enjoy one of many great local restaurants, like Waffles n More or Mystic Cafe.

If you're making a mini-holiday out of your road trip, be sure to check out Hells Canyon—the deepest river gorge in North America. You can also head to the Salmon River if you want to embark on a 5-day whitewater rafting trip or enjoy white sandy beaches.

Kooskia is 73 miles from Lewiston, making it a great stopping point if you have the time. It's known for world-class sparkling rivers full of fish—salmon, trout, whitefish, bass, and more—making it a fisherman's paradise.

The region also has nearby golf courses, hot springs, and restaurants. Motorcyclists frequently stop on their way east at Ryan's Wilderness Inn, known for its burgers, chicken fried steak, and cozy accommodations.

Once you hit Missoula, you can relax in natural hot springs, explore the great outdoors, or hit up a local brewery, distillery, or winery. You can catch a live show—from up-and-coming artists to rockstar performers—in one of the many music venues almost every night of the week.

There truly is something for everyone in this hidden gem of a city with a small-town feel.