Pilot Knob
- 5.4 mi
- round trip
- 2,162 ft
- climb
- 6,840 ft
- high point
- Out and back
- route
Is Pilot Knob open right now?
Alert in the area
The Forest Service lists an alert for Lolo National Forest.
East Fork Big Creek Road & Trail Closure- Superior Ranger District
Agency alert covering Lolo National Forest · Order 26-003- · USFS · Lolo National Forest
As of · Source: USFS · Lolo National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.
Pilot Knob is a moderate out-and-back hike of about 5.4 miles in the Missoula Ranger District of Lolo National Forest in western Montana, managed by the Forest Service. The trail rises from a low point of about 4,677 feet to a high point of about 6,840 feet, with a total elevation gain of about 2,162 feet. The route is natural-surface and allows both horses and bikes. That makes it a good option for riders and pack animals as well as hikers. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station run to highs around 80°F in July with lows near 40°F, while winter brings highs well below zero. The North Fork Granite hike starts less than a mile away, and the White Mountain and Tor Rock climbing area are each about 1.2 miles off. Lee Creek Campground, about 3.6 miles away, is the closest place to camp.
Local outfitters
- Granite Peak RV Resort27 mi away
Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.
Keep exploring — more trails worth the drive
Photo: functoruser, CC BY 2.0 (via Flickr)PACKER MEADOWS LOOP
~13 min drive
4.56-mile loop in Idaho with 641 ft elevation gain.
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North Fork Granite
~1 min drive
4.64-mile out-and-back trail in Montana with 1,329 ft gain.
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White Mountain
~2 min drive
5.17-mile out-and-back trail in Montana with 673 ft gain
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Sally Ridge Trail
~15 min drive
9.14-mile out-and-back trail in Montana with 2,245 ft elevation gain/loss.
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TEEPEE RIDGE
~11 min drive
4.6-mile out-and-back trail in Montana with 947 ft elevation gain
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Lee Creek Interpretive
~6 min drive
3.50-mile out-and-back trail in Montana with 398 ft gain.
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State Line (Granite Peak)
~5 min drive
12.48-mile out-and-back trail to Granite Peak with 775 ft gain
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DEER CREEK
~23 min drive
12.26-mile out-and-back trail in Idaho with 5,011 ft elevation gain and loss.
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Sally Ridge Trail
~15 min drive
2.18-mile out-and-back trail in Montana with 288 ft elevation gain.
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Sally Ridge Trail
~8 min drive
3.9-mile out-and-back trail in Montana with 1,170 ft elevation gain
