GAWR Segment 2 (Cutthroat)

When to go

• Summer to early fall – some of the passes in Montana and Idaho can still have snow in late May or early June.

Logistics

• There are no known permits required to ride this segment of the route.
• Airports, rental cars, and U-Haul are available at the major cities along or near this segment. They include Spokane, WA, Missoula, MT, and Billings, MT.

Dangers and Annoyances 

• Dogs – dogs may be encountered anywhere along the route, especially in rural areas where owners don’t properly contain them. It is recommended that you carry pepper spray, an air horn, etc., to help deter them. Dogs have been encountered in rural Washington, Montana, Ohio, and West Virginia, but can be found anywhere.
• Grizzly bear territory – in Montana from approximately Missoula to Columbus. Be bear aware and understand how to carry and use bear spray, manage food, etc. Generally, black bears are not a safety issue except for food management during camping. Again, be bear aware.
• Ad-hoc route deviations – The ability and skill to reroute due to flooding, fires, weather, construction, etc., will enhance your ride and improve your odds of completing the adventure. 

Travel basics

• Flights are readily available by multiple airlines into Missoula and Billings. Rental cars and U-Haul are also available in both cities.
• U.S. Visa requirements – U.S. Tourism & Visit Visa

What bike? 

• Any comfortable endurance, gravel, adventure, touring type bike that can carry your gear and is durable. You will most likely experience mechanical issues due to the route’s length and gravel conditions. Know basic skills and be able to find a bike shop when necessary. You may have to rig a solution until you get to the shop.
• Tire size – 40mm to 2.2 inches with durable compounds and less aggressive tread patterns are recommended.
• Gearing – at least a 1:1 gear ratio between the crank and cassette for the lowest gear. Lower is better.
• Suspension – many riders have completed the route without any suspension components. Stem and seat suspensions may provide additional comfort depending on riders’ preferences. Knowing when and how to adjust your tire pressure for different riding conditions is probably more important than having suspension components.

• There are abundant National Forest campgrounds, dispersed camping, and established private campgrounds along this segment of the route, particularly after entering the Rocky Mountains in Idaho. Many prominent options are noted in the downloadable GPX file and the available services spreadsheet, but there are more.
• There aren’t any sections where wild camping is absolutely necessary as long as you can keep a good pace. There isn’t a significant stretch of this segment that is devoid of camping, given the extensive public lands the route passes through or is near. If wild camping is a must, we recommend setting up after dusk and leaving at dawn. Churches, parks, and other public places are usually safe options, but use your own judgment and leave no trace.
• There are ample opportunities to camp on public lands that include National Forest, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and National Grass Lands. You will also legally ride on private land through public-accessible roads and paths. Understanding whether you are on public or private lands is imperative, especially while camping. Private land ownership is taken very seriously in the United States, so it is of most importance that you understand when you will or won’t trespass on private lands along the entire route.
• There are hotels/motels/lodging throughout this segment of the route with abundant options in the Silver Valley of Idaho, St. Regis, Missoula, Hamilton, Philipsburg, Butte, Three Forks, Bozeman, Livingston, and Columbus, Montana.

• There are consistent resupply options on this segment of the route, as noted in the POIs of the downloadable GPX file and the available services spreadsheet.
• Potable water and drinks are readily available at the many convenience stores and restaurants in the nicely spaced towns and cities throughout this segment of the route.
• Filterable water sources are commonly available throughout this segment, as it routinely follows rivers or streams. Note: Do not filter water out of the Coeur d’Alene river and its tributaries in the Silver Valley of Idaho from Coeur d’Alene lake to Lookout Pass in Montana due to runoff of the many mines in this area.
• Churches are a good source of drinking water as there are usually spigots available. Make sure to ask whether someone is on site.
• The longest stretch without resupply is between Hamilton and Philipsburg, Montana, approximately 65 miles, though filterable water sources are common. The approximately 35-mile stretch between Livingston and Big Timber, Montana, is without resupply but offers numerous filterable water sources.
• There are a few recommended places for food and drink. West to east include, they clinde Lakeside Brew Pub in Harrison, ID; Old Montana Bar in Saltese, MT; sample a Huckleberry Shake at Winki’s Diner in St. Regis, MT; Grist Milling and Bakery Missoula, MT; buy a package of the best beef jerky ever at Hamilton Packing Inc. north of Hamilton, MT; Philipsburg Creamery Philipsburg, MT; Italian food at the La Cas Toscana and Irish food at Shawn O’Donnell’s in Butte, MT; Mountains Walking Brewery in Bozeman, MT.

Here’s an example itinerary based on 50–80 mile days. Some riders may prefer shorter days, and others might average longer distances, but this provides a solid baseline for a through-rider planning a reasonable bikepacking itinerary. This assumes you’re a fairly seasoned rider carrying a medium load.

location Plummer, ID to Kellogg, ID

Day 1 (54 mi +400 ft)

Leaving Plummer, take a moment to pause at the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes trailhead to admire the Coeur d’Alenes Tribe’s veterans memorials and learn about their history. After leaving Plummer, an extended downhill leads to Coeur d’Alene Lake and one of the highlights of the day: crossing the lake on the Chatcolet Lake Bridge, also known as the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes Bridge. Harrison arrives shortly after crossing the lake, where camping and lodging are available.

Expect one of the easiest riding days of the entire route, with the initial downhill followed by mostly flat pavement through scenic wetlands and wildlife-rich habitats where moose are commonly sighted. The final portion of the day follows the Coeur d’Alene River Valley on the approach to Kellogg.

location Kellogg, ID to St. Regis, MT

Day 2 (58 mi +3,000 ft)

The initial miles of the ride remain relatively flat while passing through the Silver Valley, an area rich in mining history dating back to the 1880s. The valley produced over a billion ounces of silver and ranks among the world’s top mining districts. Today, it offers a blend of historical sites, outdoor recreation, and small-town charm. Wallace, ID, is a worthwhile stop for excellent restaurants and resupply.

Leaving the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes at Mullan, the route joins the Northern Pacific Trail and begins the climb up Lookout Pass, the first major mountain pass of the route. At the summit, the route enters Montana. A side excursion to the Trail of the Hiawatha allows riders to check off one of the most highly rated and scenic bike trails in the world.

After cresting Lookout Pass, the route enters the heart of the Rocky Mountains and spends the remainder of the day descending through forested terrain and following the St. Regis River into the town of St. Regis.

location St. Regis, MT to Missoula, MT

Day 3 (75 mi +3,500 ft)

In St. Regis, the St. Regis River meets the Clark Fork River, which the route follows to Missoula. Small towns, backcountry roads, expansive mountain views, and frequent sightlines along the winding Clark Fork River dominate the day. Ample camping and resupply options are available along this stretch.

There is one short section of riding on I-90 at Cyr, where a large berm provides substantial separation from traffic. Do not attempt to use the old railroad right-of-way near the Cyr Bridge, as it is private property and aggressively protected by the landowner. This information comes from previous GAWR riders.

Missoula is one of Montana’s largest cities and offers lodging, camping, bike shops, and full resupply.

location Missoula, MT to Hamilton, MT

Day 4 (50 mi +1,400 ft)

Leaving Missoula, the route provides an easy day of riding on a paved bike path along Montana Highway 93 as it travels up the Bitterroot River Valley. Riders are treated to continuous views of the rugged Bitterroot Mountains and the flowing Bitterroot River. Resupply, food, lodging, and camping are readily available throughout the day, which ends in Hamilton—a lively town with an excellent selection of restaurants and a bike shop if needed.

location Hamilton, MT to Philipsburg, MT

Day 5 (68 mi +5,200 ft)

The easy days are over. This rugged section on Skalkaho Highway includes the most climbing of the entire route and offers no resupply, requiring careful planning and extra food. Filterable water is available, but there is no potable water along the route. Two major climbs over the Sapphire Mountains await, beginning with a 13+ mile ascent gaining over 3,000 feet. Grades remain mostly between 3–6% on a winding gravel road that passes the impressive 150-foot Skalkaho Falls before topping out at 7,300 feet—the highest elevation on the route.

The climb offers continuous views, with visible impacts from past forest fires. Regrowth is underway, and the lack of mature trees reveals the rugged texture, exposed rock, and steepness of the Sapphire Mountains. Black Bear National Forest Campground is located along the climb.

After the summit, a long descent follows, with over 15 miles where pedaling is optional. Crystal Creek Campground and dispersed camping options are available within the National Forest.

A final 4.5-mile climb closes out the day, featuring grades up to 10%, followed by a six-mile descent into Philipsburg. This charming old mining town offers full services and is a must-stop. Be sure to visit the Philipsburg Creamery to see the antique-style ice cream churns—and sample the ice cream.

Note: Skalkaho Highway typically opens in late May around Memorial Day and may remain closed into early June. It is closed during winter due to heavy snowfall. Check the Montana Department of Transportation conditions before leaving Missoula, as rerouting may be required.

location Philipsburg, MT to Deer Lodge, MT

Day 6 (50 mi +2,400 ft)

Leaving Philipsburg, the route follows Route 1—the Pintler Veterans Memorial Scenic Highway—through a mix of conifer-covered mountains and sagebrush hills while tracing Flint Creek. The route reaches Drummond, where resupply and lodging are available.

From Drummond, the route turns onto Old Stage Road and enters the foothills, offering some of the segment’s more rugged riding. Cattle ranching is common in this area, and lucky encounters with working cowboys offer a glimpse of the Old West. The route returns to civilization in Deer Lodge, where camping, lodging, and resupply are readily available.

location Deer Lodge, MT to Butte, MT

Day 7 (50 mi +1,500 ft)

Leaving Deer Lodge, the route generally parallels I-90 on adjacent frontage roads before passing near Anaconda, historically known for the largest copper smelter in the world, which operated until 1980. The massive smokestack remains visible from miles away.

Continuing along frontage roads, the route reaches Butte, where the Berkeley Pit—once a massive open-pit copper mine—dominates the landscape. The pit measures approximately one mile long, a half-mile wide, and nearly 1,800 feet deep.

Butte is a historic city known for its mining heritage and dramatic setting. It is home to the largest National Historic Landmark District in the United States, with more than 4,000 historic buildings. Full services are available, including bike shops, camping, lodging, and excellent restaurants, particularly in the historic district.

location Butte, MT to Three Forks, MT

Day 8 (70 mi +2,400 ft)

Leaving Butte, the route immediately climbs over the Highland Mountains. After initial climbing, it transitions onto a remote rail trail that significantly reduces grades as it approaches Pipestone Pass. The trail passes through two tunnels and crosses a high trestle bridge, offering expansive views. This rail trail is the final segment of the abandoned Milwaukee Road railroad, one of its many former rail corridors used in the western part of the GAWR, beginning with Washington’s Palouse to Cascades Trail.

At the end of the rail trail, the route crosses the Continental Divide at Pipestone Pass before beginning a long, fast descent into the Jefferson River Valley. Endless gravel roads roll through a remote landscape surrounded by mountains, with frequent wildlife sightings including antelope, sandhill cranes, turkeys, deer, and long-billed curlews.

The day finishes by following the Jefferson River past Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park, where camping is available, and continues to Three Forks, where lodging, camping, and resupply are nearby.

location Three Forks, MT to Livingston, MT

Day 9 (74 mi +3,200 ft)

Three Forks marks the confluence of the Jefferson, Madison, and Gallatin rivers, forming the Missouri River. The route follows the Gallatin River toward Bozeman, another of Montana’s larger cities. Bike paths and lanes lead directly into downtown, providing access to bike shops, cafes, grocery stores, breweries, convenience stores, and lodging.

East of Bozeman, the route passes expansive mountain ranches before cresting Bozeman Pass. Much of the riding intersects with the route Lewis and Clark followed, crossing historic watersheds and passing interpretive sites. After traversing the Bridger Mountains and Pass, the route descends into the Yellowstone River Basin at Livingston.

location Livingston, MT to Columbus, MT

Day 10 (86 mi +3,300 ft)

Leaving Livingston, the route generally follows the Yellowstone River, with the Crazy Mountains to the north and the Absaroka Mountains to the south. This day features long stretches of gravel roads and substantial downhill riding. One of the steepest climbs of the entire route occurs outside of Reed Point, with sustained double-digit grades. Some gravel sections are particularly chunky, making lower tire pressure a good idea.

Columbus offers lodging, camping, resupply, and restaurants.

• Here is a comprehensive list of lodging and resupply locations along the entire route. There is also a tab for specific information on individual rail trail segments.
• Visit the Great American Wheel Adventure Facebook page to connect to other riders and racers.