The "crown jewel" of rails-to-trails adventures.

The Route of the Hiawatha is renowned as the "crown jewel" of rails-to-trails adventures. According to [RideTheHiawatha.com](https://www.ridethehiawatha.com/the-trail), the trail "is 15 miles long with 10 train tunnels and 7 sky-high trestles." One of the highlights of the trip is the 1.66-mile-long St. Paul Pass Tunnel—be sure to bring your headlight or headlamp!

This stunning rails-to-trails route runs through the Bitterroot Range: some of the most formidable mountain ranges in the Western USA. Throughout the entire ride or hike, you'll be surrounded by towering mountain ridges covered in massive pine forests. This area of the country is truly a spectacular region to explore!

The route shown here is the point-to-point option running from east to west. In this direction, the trail runs 14.5 miles. However, it's mostly downhill, and with a shuttle available to take you back to the start, this is an easy yet absolutely beautiful outing in the mountains!

This trail is most popular with cyclists on mountain bikes and gravel bikes. While some cyclists on road bikes will complete this route, the rough gravel surface makes it ideal for fatter tire bikes.

Even though the trail is most popular with cyclists, you can choose to hike or run the Route of the Hiawatha, too.

You can purchase a trail pass and shuttle ticket—and even rent a mountain bike—at the Lookout Pass Ski Area. According to [RideTheHiawatha.com](https://www.ridethehiawatha.com/the-trail), "The Lookout Pass Lodge and Bike Rental Shop opens at 8 AM (PDT). The trail is open 8:30 AM to 5 PM (PDT) daily starting May 27 through September 18, 2022." Written by Greg Heil

Top Sports

Route of the Hiawatha: East to West

Hiking Trail

Route and Elevation