Top 19 Mountain Passes in Montana

This area is really so incredibly beautiful.

Reaching the summit of Logan Pass by bike is a true high point—literally and figuratively—of any ride in Glacier National Park. At 6,646 feet, the pass straddles the Continental Divide and offers sweeping views of alpine meadows, rugged peaks, and likely some mountain goats. The visitor center at the top has restrooms, water, interpretive displays, and rangers on hand to answer questions. It’s also a jumping-off point for iconic hikes like the Hidden Lake Overlook and Highline Trail.

Reaching the summit of Logan Pass by bike is a true high point—literally and figuratively—of any ride in Glacier National Park. At 6,646 feet, the pass straddles the Continental Divide and offers sweeping views of alpine meadows, rugged peaks, and likely some mountain goats. The visitor center at the top has restrooms, water, interpretive displays, and rangers on hand to answer questions. It’s also a jumping-off point for iconic hikes like the Hidden Lake Overlook and Highline Trail.

​Glacier National Park spreads out over 1 million acres and is home to over 130 named lakes, rugged mountains, and dense forests. Established as the 10th national park in the United States, it was carved by ancient glaciers, creating U-shaped valleys. It once had 150 glaciers; only about 25 remain today, with projections indicating they may vanish by 2030 due to climate change. The area was home to multiple tribes, such as the Blackfeet, Salish, Kootenai, and Pend d’Oreille, who have inhabited the region for over 10,000 years.

The north side of Beartooth Pass offers one of Montana’s most challenging and scenic climbs, leading into the rugged Beartooth Mountains near the Wyoming border. Starting with a gradual incline, the road gradually steepens as it winds south, with breathtaking views of the valley and multiple switchbacks, some with exposed sections. By mile 22, the climb takes you above the treeline into stunning alpine terrain, crossing into Wyoming before a brief descent and a final push to the summit at 10,947 feet.

Gorgeous remote gravel/dirt pass through the Bridger range. The west side is poorly-maintained and very loose, steep, and rutted in sections. If on a standard gravel bike, expect 1-2k of hike a bike. Bigger tires with a little suspension or a mountain bike are best here. Eastern descent is a bit rough in some sections but far better maintained and a gorgeous descent with breathtaking views of the eastern side of the Bridger Range that takes you through ranch lands, with bonus views of the Crazies in the distance. Grab water at the Pass Creek School or Community Center before heading in. If hot, be sure to bring a water filter, since there is no water for the next 30-40 miles, and this summit can take a long time.

This is a stunning and scenic road that traverses the Continental Divide at Logan Pass. This road, recognized as an engineering marvel and a National Historic Landmark, offers unparalleled vistas of snow-capped mountains, chances to spot wildlife like mountain goats, bears, bighorn sheep, and the opportunity to ride on one of the nation's most scenic routes. It's essential to be aware of peak season restrictions, which are enforced from June 15 through Labor Day. These restrictions include a ban on bicycles between Apgar Campground and Sprague Creek Campground in both directions from 11 am to 4 pm. During the spring, before full vehicle access begins, cyclists can enjoy a more leisurely ride without any restrictions. For detailed information, please refer to the National Park Service (NPS) website.

Triple Divide Peak is an extremely unique geological feature! Two of the continents principal divides (the Northern Divide and the Continental Divide) converge at this exact point and form the “hydrological apex” of North America. That is to say, if a drop of rain landed on the very top of this peak, it could flow into any one of three oceans: The Hudson Bay, the Atlantic, or the Pacific! Rainfall on the southwestern side of the peak will eventually drain into the Pacific Ocean near Astoria, Oregon. Rainfall on the northern side will drain into the Hudson Bay. And rainfall on the southeastern side will make its way down to New Orleans, emptying into the Gulf of Mexico- part of the Atlantic Ocean. Incredible!