CDT: Lemhi Pass to Goldstone Pass (MT Sec. 9)

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Features Fall Colors · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

• Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDT)

The southern 14 miles of this section of the CDT, from Lemhi Pass to the high point above the head of Kenney Creek follows pleasant singletrack through pine forests. Blazes on trees and the occasional CDT emblem guide the way. To the west, FS Road 185 and 184 closely parallel this section and here is also access to the east at Eunice Creek. Early on, there are a couple of viewpoints near Lemhi Pass. Overall progress is good except for infrequent rocky sections.

Around mile 14, the CDT turns uphill steeply and climbs above 9,000' to near the timberline. The trail becomes much more remote and wild with steep rocky sections. The CDT is marked with cairns as it travels along the open ridgelines and past phenomenal views over both states. If you look closely, you can see evidence of historic mining activity in the basins below the divide.

Just north of Goldstone Mountain, the trail tops 9,700' with a very steep and rocky section The trail continues steeply down from this high point and meets a two-track at Goldstone Pass after a short singletrack section. From Goldstone Pass to the east is good two-track on the Goldstone Road into Montana, offering loop opportunities with the CDT. To the west, into Idaho is Pratt Creek Road, it drops almost 5,000' to the Lemhi River Valley.

Should you find yourself in trouble, there is an old mining cabin ~1 mile west of Goldstone Pass.