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

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

The southern 14 miles of this section of CDT, from Lemhi Pass to the high point above the head of Kenney Creek, is good singletrack through pine forest. Look for blazes on the trees and a few scattered CDT emblems to mark the way. FS Roads 185 and 184 closely parallel to the west through this section, there is also access to the east at Eunice Creek. There are a couple of viewpoints near Lemhi Pass. For the most part, this is really good riding trail with some short rocky sections to keep you honest.

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. Some portions of the trail are rideable, many are too rocky or too steep, or both (requiring some hike-a-biking). The CDT is marked with cairns as it travels along the open ridgelines. Views here are phenomenal into both states. If you look closely you can also 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 rocky, very steep hike-a-bike. The trail continues steeply down from this highpoint 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.