The Backbone of the Rocky Mountains: The Big Hole Valley

The Backbone of the Rocky Mountains, The Big Hole Valley day drive is about a 150-mile loop from Dillon to Polaris, Montana. The beautiful road trip features the Pioneer Mountains: Tweedy Mountain, Torrey Mountain, Baldy Mountain, Mount Fleecer, Odell Mountain, as well as Table Mountain and Stine Mountain.

The Big Hole Valley route includes Wise River, Steel Creek, McVey Creek, Big Hole River, Toomey Lake, and so much more.

You can extend your trip past the necessary two hours, explore the area for a couple of days, and make the drive a long weekend. Extending your drive allows you to explore the unique creeks, go fishing, take a dip in one of the hot springs, and explore a nearby trail.

From Dillon to Polaris, Montana, the campgrounds available are the Boulder Creek Campground, Lodgepole Campground, Little Joe Campground, Mono Creek Campground, and Willow Campground.

We suggest the following activities on the journey:

• Visiting the Beaverhead River from Clark's Lookout State Park
• Visiting the Bannack Ghost Town
• Visiting the Big Hole National Battlefield
• Visiting the Maverick Mountain Ski Area
• Visiting the Coolidge ghost town
• Hiking the Blue Creek Trail
• Hiking the Browns Lake Trail
• Hiking the Coyote Coulee Trailhead

Use caution when driving, wear your seatbelt, and don't exceed the speed limit.