Overview
Chief Joseph Pass sits at 7,264 feet on the Montana-Idaho border, where US-93 crosses the Continental Divide in a rounded pass with open views in both directions. The trail from the pass follows the divide northward into the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, gaining 1,200 feet over 2.5 miles to reach a series of open ridgeline viewpoints with some of the broader panoramas accessible in a moderate hike in this corner of Montana.
The trail follows the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail alignment through subalpine meadows and open terrain. Unlike approaches from lower trailheads, this route starts high and stays high, avoiding the dense forest sections that characterize most Beaverhead-Deerlodge approaches. The Big Hole Valley drops away to the east in a landscape of unusual scale, while the Bitterroot Range extends south into Idaho.
The historical dimension of this pass is real. This is the corridor through which the Nez Perce under Chief Joseph traveled during their 1877 flight a 1,200-mile journey through terrain much of which is now within national forests. The land itself has a weight to it here that most mountain passes lack.
The Route
Miles 0 to 2: Pass to Subalpine Meadow
From the parking area at Chief Joseph Pass, the trail climbs north along the Continental Divide. The initial terrain is open with sparse timber the landscape is dominated by sagebrush and grass at the pass itself, transitioning to subalpine meadow and krummholz within the first mile. The grade is steady and moderate, gaining approximately 600 feet in two miles. Views to the east over the Big Hole Valley open immediately from the trailhead.
Miles 2 to 2.5: Ridgeline High Point
The trail reaches the route's high point at approximately mile 2.5, where the divide ridgeline provides views into Idaho to the west and across the Beaverhead country to the east. This open point is the natural turnaround for this route, though the CDT continues northward for those who want to add miles.
When to Visit
The highway access at Chief Joseph Pass makes this one of the more reliably accessible trails in the forest. July through September is the prime hiking window, though the lower starting elevation means the trail is often passable in late June when higher routes are still snow-covered. Check current conditions using the conditions-checking guide.
Afternoon thunderstorms are common on the exposed divide in July and August. Start early or plan to be off the ridgeline by midday.
What to Bring
Many hikers carry the following for this trail:
- 2 liters of water (no reliable water sources on the divide; carry everything you need)
- Rain gear and layers; the divide is exposed
- Sunscreen; the open terrain offers no shade
- Bear spray (standard precaution throughout the forest)
Individual needs vary. The lack of water sources on this route means carrying adequate water from the start is important; individual hydration needs depend on temperature and exertion.
Practical Details
No permit is required for day hiking as of 2026. The trailhead has no fee. Follow Leave No Trace principles throughout. Dogs must be kept under control.
For background on planning national forest trips, see our national forest vs. national park guide.
Getting There
Chief Joseph Pass is on US-93, approximately 45 miles south of Hamilton, Montana, and 30 miles north of Salmon, Idaho. From Butte, take I-90 west to Anaconda, then MT-43 southwest to US-93 south. From Missoula, take US-93 south approximately 90 miles. The parking area and vault toilet are on the right side of the highway at the pass summit.