Some days simply call for getting in the car and going for a nice, scenic drive… especially when the weather is pleasant. If you’ve never traversed over Skalkaho Pass, more commonly known as the Skalkaho Highway Scenic Byway, you’re missing out on some truly stunning scenery. This 45-mile journey is unforgettable.
The Skalkaho Highway Scenic Byway is a nice 45-mile drive that runs between the Bitterroot Valley and the Philipsburg Valley.
RobertandGinnie / TripAdvisor This drive is best taken in the late spring, summer, or early fall, as Highway 38 often closes for the winter due to treacherous conditions.
The route, which is both graveled and paved at times, travels through the Sapphire Mountains, a remote and seldom visited part of the Treasure State.
Gwen V / TripAdvisor You’ll stay on Montana State Highway 38 the entire time, so it’s a nice, easy route.
The western part of the drive starts about three miles south of Hamilton, on US Highway 93.
jimbev2015 / TripAdvisor As you head east, you’ll gain elevation slowly and steadily, passing through open agricultural lands.
Soon, you’ll be at the base of the Sapphire Mountains and the border of the Bitterroot National Forest.
jimbev2015 / TripAdvisor This is where the road gets long and curvy, winding its way up to Skalkaho Pass.
One of the highlights of this drive is definitely the beautiful Skalkaho Falls.
trvlloop / TripAdvisor Skalkaho Falls sits about two miles below Skalkaho Pass.
The route ends in the Philipsburg Valley, although the Skalkaho Road continues toward Philipsburg and Montana State Highway 1.
jimbev2015 / TripAdvisor This is such a scenic route through the Sapphire Range.
The Skalkaho Highway Scenic Byway is considered one of the top must-see routes in the state.
trvlloop / TripAdvisor Depending on when you go, you might see elk, moose, mule deer, or coyotes along the way.
Have you ever driven this beautiful byway? Share your experience with us in the comments!
RobertandGinnie / TripAdvisor
This drive is best taken in the late spring, summer, or early fall, as Highway 38 often closes for the winter due to treacherous conditions.
Gwen V / TripAdvisor
You’ll stay on Montana State Highway 38 the entire time, so it’s a nice, easy route.
jimbev2015 / TripAdvisor
As you head east, you’ll gain elevation slowly and steadily, passing through open agricultural lands.
This is where the road gets long and curvy, winding its way up to Skalkaho Pass.
trvlloop / TripAdvisor
Skalkaho Falls sits about two miles below Skalkaho Pass.
This is such a scenic route through the Sapphire Range.
Depending on when you go, you might see elk, moose, mule deer, or coyotes along the way.
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Address: Skalkaho Pass, Montana 59858, USA
