We're planning on a trip mid-September through Montana including the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway East of Lost Trail Pass and the Big Hole Battlefield. I've found a lot of information, but am looking from first hand feedback on the drive itself on the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway from beginning to end and campgrounds along the way that we can fit our FW in. I've seen only one video on YouTube on the byway and it doesn't film the entire length. My concern is that one other RVer on a blog I found said they would not recommend that route towing anything, yet a Visit MT site stated it's suitable for towing. As for campgrounds, there are many, but it looks like the best one is Price Creek CG for apron size and interior road size. Any feedback on this area is appreciated.

Never been there BUT I never pull my TT on a route that is shown as scenic!

On Google Maps sat view it looks it sealed/paved from Wise to about Mono Creek Campground. Then 73 loops up a ridge and I don't evidence of a painted center line.Did you see this guide:https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5363829.pdf

Dick_B wrote:Never been there BUT I never pull my TT on a route that is shown as scenic!You'll miss half of Idaho! We have some beautiful scenic routes that are a good towing route.

paulj wrote:On Google Maps sat view it looks it sealed/paved from Wise to about Mono Creek Campground. Then 73 loops up a ridge and I don't evidence of a painted center line.Did you see this guide:https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5363829.pdfI have that one saved in my favorites, but I'll read it closer. I just read the visitmt site today that said it's paved all the way and a good road for motorcycles, autos, and trailers.Based on the map on this pdf, I've been researching all the campgrounds and found one site that said the first two campsites are better for big rigs, but the article didn't state which campgrounds, from the north or from the south.

Think that this is the road formerly (30 yrs ago) known as the Wise River - Polaris Road; it goes through some beautiful country and you won't have any problems towing. Light traffic and good roadway; fishing isn't much the few times I've tried it though. Have a good trip!

Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway Montana | Good Sam Community

Ramblin__Ralph
Explorer
May 10, 2020
Renee: I traveled all of the the Scenic Byway last Sept (N to S), after visiting my cousin in Dillon. Very pretty drive. Stayed at Price Creek CG. Back in 2014 I stayed at Lodgepole CG, on the other side of the hwy from Boulder Creek, where you stayed.

Hope all is well in Meridian.
ReneeG
Explorer
May 08, 2020
I'm the OP and we took that trip after asking here, in 2018. We thought it was an amazing, beautiful area. We camped at Boulder Creek CG on the north end. We came in through Wisdom and went out the same way, but drove the entire length of the byway. At one time the southern end was gravel, but it is now paved. There is a hair pin turn and climb at the southern end, but nothing too drastic, at least in our opinion. We felt that this was comparable to Yellowstone, but no crowds in September when we went. We were alone in the CG we stayed in. It was great! After leaving there we went to Lewis and Clark Caverns then returned and went to Bannack State Park - well worth it and we liked it much better than L&C Caverns State Park. This area is well worth the trip.
ppine
Explorer II
May 07, 2020
Depends on the size of your rig and your skill level.
Last summer a giant Class A came over one of our worst local roads, but the guy had Alaska license plates.
The Northern Rockies have the most difficult roads in America.
You want to see the country, you have to slow down and pay attention.
Blazing_Zippers
Explorer II
May 07, 2020
We took our 30 ft. trailer on the Pioneer last summer. No problem at all. We camped at the campground near the top of the road, at about 7800 feet elevation. I can't recall the name, but it was a few miles from a great hot springs.
There is a campground further North that we also stayed in for a couple nights.
The trailer did get some cow poo thrown on the front.
We came in from Wisdom, where we gassed up, found the Scenic Byway, went North on it, and came out on I-15. We will probably make this trip again because it's real pretty.
bobsallyh
Explorer II
May 06, 2020
Renee G, we have been at the Divide Bridge CG. Great spot. What we found was the sites along the river were very loaded with mosquitoes. But there is another section that is out in the open and was much better. Also on the road thru Polaris is a fantastic CG. Price Creek CG. Paved and a lot of pull-thru sites. We were sitting at the dinette and got visited by a deer looking in the window at us.
pfidahospud
Explorer
May 06, 2020
Another camping option, and another thing to see in the area, is Bannack State Park. Neat ghost town.
mittshel
Explorer
May 06, 2020
Thank you Tuc. 190 to 15 sounds perfect. Thanks again. Betsy.
TUCQUALA
Explorer
May 06, 2020
Can't say what would be "best" route, that really depends on what you want to see along the way, or if you just want to get to the Pioneers directly.

I might suggest Bozeman to Ennis via I90 and US287. MT287 west to Twin Bridges. You get to see some historic touristy towns (Virginia City, Sheridan). Then MT41 to Dillon and west on MT278 to the south junction with the Byway. There would be some ups and downs, but no real tough stuff.

OR, go I90 to I15 junction west of Butte. There is a high pass east of Butte at the Continental Divide. Nothing extreme! Then west on MT43 to Wise River, the north start of the Byway. Most scenic area of that drive would be from I15 to Wise River along the Big Hole River. After that you will have the Byway all to yourself!!! (?)
mittshel
Explorer
May 05, 2020
Thank you Tuc. We will be coming from Bozeman. How would you go from there? Thanks again. Betsy.
TUCQUALA
Explorer
May 05, 2020
Going N to S is a generally easy climb with a fairly steep downhill near the south end. Obviously going S to N is going to be just the opposite!! I guess where you are coming from to the Pioneer Scenic Byway and your rig might be the deciding factor. The climb from the south after the hot springs is healthy!! A gasser with a large trailer or a large gas class A will be working hard!! The trip is very much worth it no matter which you take!! You will find 4 or 5 NF campgrounds on the way, and many dispersed/boondocking spots off of the hwy.

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