Butte to Lolo: Montana's Pintler Scenic Route Guide

The drive from Butte to Lolo follows I-90 west for 120 miles, crossing the Continental Divide at Homestake Pass (el. 6,329 feet) before descending into the Bitterroot Valley. This route is the quickest connection between the mining city and the Missoula suburb, but it's the unexpected landscapes—the sudden granite cliffs, the grassy broad valleys, and the deer that bound across the road at dawn—that make it memorable.

U.S. Highway 12 splits from I-90 at Garrison Junction, creating a scenic alternative that winds along the Clark Fork River. The portion from Butte to Lolo is known as the Pintler Scenic Route, a designation that promises views but demands patience: the two-lane road is slower but far more rewarding. If you are wondering how long to drive Butte to Lolo, plan on 1 hour 45 minutes on I-90, or 2.5 hours if you take Highway 12. Is it worth driving Butte to Lolo? Yes, especially if you detour into the Anaconda Pintler Wilderness or stop at the ghost town of Granite.

To find how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, check out this guide.

Natural Landscapes and Attractions

The route crosses the Anaconda Range, part of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. The Pintler Scenic Route (Hwy 12) follows the Clark Fork River, offering views of the Flint Creek Range and the Sapphire Mountains. The stretch between Anaconda and Phillipsburg reveals the Anaconda Smelter Stack, a 585-foot brick chimney—the tallest surviving masonry structure in the world (designated a National Historic Landmark).

• Georgetown Lake (Hwy 1, mile 15): a 2,800-acre reservoir with hiking trails, fishing, and a picnic area. Altitude 6,300 ft; summer water temps rarely exceed 60°F.
• Discovery Ski Area (off Hwy 1): winter skiing, summer lift rides for mountain biking and scenic views (open June-October).
• Granite Ghost Town (off Hwy 1, near Philipsburg): well-preserved 1880s silver mining town, free self-guided tour, open year-round.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

No UNESCO World Heritage Sites lie directly on route, but the Yellowstone National Park (a UNESCO site) is a 3-hour drive south of Butte. However, the Anaconda Smelter Stack and the copper mining history of Butte are part of the proposed Butte-Anaconda Superfund and Historic District, currently on the tentative list for UNESCO recognition.

Climatic Conditions and Route Aesthetics

The route experiences a semi-arid continental climate. Summer (June-August) averages 80°F/50°F, with afternoon thunderstorms common in July. Fall (September-October) offers golden aspen colors along Hwy 12, especially near Philipsburg. Winter (November-March) brings heavy snow: Homestake Pass averages 150 inches annually; roads often have packed snow. Spring (April-May) is muddy with occasional road washouts. The best aesthetic months are September and early October for foliage, and May for wildflowers in the Pintler foothills.

Culinary Infrastructure

Butte's dining scene includes the historic M&M Bar (steak and pasty pies) and the Butte Depot (American bistro). Anaconda offers the Brickyard Grill (burgers) and the Elk Horn (pub fare). Philipsburg has the Wagons West Restaurant (buffalo burgers) and the Sweet Palace (fudge and ice cream). Drummond's Main Street Diner serves classic Montana beef sandwiches. Lolo's Whistle Stop Cafe (pork chops) and Lolo Creek Steakhouse (prime rib) cap the drive.

Local Commerce and Culture

Butte's Uptown district features Victorian-era architecture, the World Museum of Mining, and the Arts Chateau, a copper king's mansion turned gallery. Philipsburg's historic downtown (four blocks) has antique shops, a sapphire mine (Gem Mountain offers public digging, $10 fee), and the Montana Distillery (tastings). Drummond holds a Wild West celebration (July 4th weekend) with rodeo and parades. Lolo's local commerce centers on the Lolo Trading Post (groceries, souvenirs) and the Lolo National Forest Visitor Center.

Infrastructure Safety and Road Quality

Both I-90 and Hwy 12 are well-maintained, but Hwy 12 lacks guardrails along the Clark Fork River for a 10-mile stretch. Keep headlights on even during the day, as Montana state law requires daytime running lights for all vehicles. Emergency services: Montana Highway Patrol coverage from Butte (406-494-4500) and Missoula (406-329-4200). Tow trucks available in Anaconda, Drummond, and Lolo; response time 30-60 minutes.

Family and Child Suitability

This route is excellent for families—most attractions offer outdoor activities suitable for children. The Discovery Ski Area summer lift ($15 adults, $10 kids under 12) leads to hiking trails with child-friendly loops. Georgetown Lake has a sandy beach (no lifeguard) and a playground. Granite Ghost Town allows safe exploration of historic buildings (watch for open shafts; stay on marked paths). For a break, drive to Fairmont Hot Springs Resort (exit 211, 15 minutes north of Anaconda) with pools and kiddie slides.

• Fairmont Hot Springs: indoor/outdoor pools, water slide, $15 adults, $9 kids under 13.
• Philipsburg's Gem Mountain: kids can pan for sapphires ($10-25 fee, includes guidance).
• Lolo's Lumberjack Cafe: family-friendly menu with an outdoor play area.

Pet-Friendly Framework

Most outdoor overlooks and trails allow leashed dogs. Georgetown Lake picnic areas and the Granite Ghost Town are pet-friendly. Many motels along the route welcome pets: the Copper King Inn in Butte (pets free), Fairmont Hot Springs (pets allowed with $25 fee), and the Lolo Motel ($15 pet fee). The Pintler Scenic Route has several rest areas with grassy patches for dog walks (mile markers 23, 45 on Hwy 12). The Anaconda Pintler Wilderness requires dogs on leash near water sources.

Fatigue Management and Rest Zones

Montana fatigue law recommends a 15-minute break every 2 hours. The drive is short enough that most drivers won't need a break, but if you feel drowsy, pull into the Rest Area at Homestake Pass (I-90 westbound, mile 200) with restrooms, vending machines, and picnic tables. Another rest stop near Drummond (I-90 mile 155) has a scenic view and portable toilets. Coffee and snacks available at Butte's Starbucks (exit 127) and Philipsburg's Coffee Cup Cafe (espresso and pastries). For a longer break, the Anaconda Smoke Stack State Park (exit 208) offers a shaded picnic area and a walking path.

Hidden Off-Route Spots

Beyond the main sights, consider these less-visited gems:

1. Lost Creek State Park (20 mi south of Anaconda off Hwy 274): towering limestone cliffs, a 2-mile trail to a waterfall, and bighorn sheep viewing. No entry fee; open daily.
2. Fred Burr Reservoir (off Hwy 1, 10 mi east of Philipsburg): quiet fishing spot with primitive camping; few visitors.
3. Lolo Creek Brewing Company (just off Hwy 93 in Lolo): craft beer flights and wood-fired pizza; a local's haunt.

Fuel and Route Economics

Gas stations cluster at Butte, Anaconda, Drummond, and Lolo. Anaconda offers the best fuel prices (often 10-20 cents cheaper per gallon than Drummond). The only station between Anaconda and Drummond is at the tiny town of Phillipsburg (population 810, gas available at the local Sinclair).

• Butte (I-90 exits 127, 126): multiple stations including Costco for members.
• Anaconda (I-90 exit 208): Exxon and Conoco, both open 24/7.
• Phillipsburg (Hwy 1): Sinclair open 6 AM-10 PM, closes Sundays in winter.
• Drummond (I-90 exit 153): two stations, one with diesel and propane.
• Lolo (Hwy 93): several stations, open until midnight.

For electric vehicles, Level 2 chargers exist at the Butte Civic Center and Lolo Creek RV Park. Fast charging (DC) is limited to Missoula, 10 miles north of Lolo. Plan accordingly if driving an EV, as the stretch between Anaconda and Drummond lacks any public charging.

Road Quality and Hazards

I-90 is well-maintained, four-lane divided highway. Highway 12 is a two-lane road with occasional passing lanes; watch for gravel trucks and farm equipment near Drummond. Winter conditions (November–April) bring ice on Homestake Pass and snow drifts near Garrison. Summer sees construction zones; check MDOT for delays.

• Road surfaces: asphalt with chip-seal sections on Hwy 12.
• Cell coverage: strong on I-90, spotty on Hwy 12 east of Phillipsburg.
• Wildlife: deer, elk, and occasionally moose, especially at dawn/dusk.