Satellite map of Lolo Pass

Idaho · United States

Lolo Pass

US 12Lolo to Kooskia

Distance21.4 mi34 km
Drive time43 minon the road
DifficultyModeratetightness 5 of 10
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Winding river-canyon climb over the Bitterroot crest.

US 12 follows the Lochsa River and climbs to Lolo Pass at 5,233 feet on the Idaho-Montana line. The two-lane road is paved and famously signed for ninety-nine miles of curves through forested Rocky Mountain canyon. Mind the limited services, logging trucks, and winter snow.

Scenery

MountainForestValley

Best seasons

SummerAutumn

In these collections

Where it runs21.4 mi · point to point

LoloStart · Idaho
KooskiaEnd · Idaho

Character

Corners90bends
Tightness5of 10
Max gradient7%≈ 1-in-14
Climb538 mtotal ascent
Summit1,595.7 mhighest point of the line · 5,235 ft

Corners

busiest around mile 20
51116 mi

Elevation

under 4%4–8%over 8%1,082.6 – 1,595.7 m
summit · 1,595.7 m 1,2001,400 m 01121 mi

From the road

Points of interest1 stop

  • Lolo PassViewpoint
    12 mi in

Hazards

  • Logging and freight trucks
  • Few services for miles
  • Winter snow and ice

Sources

Verified route: mapped from real road geometry and fact-checked by a human editor. How roads get checked

Driving the Lolo Pass: quick answers

How long does it take to drive the Lolo Pass?
Lolo Pass runs 21.4 miles (34 km) and takes about 43 min to drive without stops.
How difficult is the Lolo Pass to drive?
We rate it moderate: 90 corners, a maximum gradient of 7%, and a tightness of 5 out of 10.
When is the best time to drive the Lolo Pass?
Summer and Autumn are best.

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