Pioneer Mountains scenic byway is in southwest Montana. It begins in Wise River, which is about 35 miles southwest of Butte, and travels south to Polaris. The byway is 40 miles long and follows FSR 484, which is primarily a two-lane paved road suitable for all vehicles. A portion of FSR 484 is a narrow, gravel road that requires slow speeds. This segment of road is near Elkhorn Hot Springs and is not recommended for motorhomes and vehicles pulling trailers. The byway is usually open mid-May to mid-November.
The scenic byway crosses Beaverhead National Forest through lodgepole pine forests and across numerous parks and meadows. Outstanding views of the Pioneer Mountain Range are provided as the byway ascends the divide separating the Wise River and Grasshopper Creek drainages. Both Wise River and Grasshopper Creek flow alongside the byway.
The national forest offers nearly unlimited opportunities for outdoor recreation. The forest’s many rivers and creeks provide excellent fishing for grayling, rainbow, brook, and cutthroat trout. Many hiking trails are accessible from the route and range from short, easy walks to longer, more strenuous hikes. The Pioneer Loop Trail is a strenuous 35-mile National Scenic Trail that will take you along the western peaks of the Pioneer Mountains.
Those wishing to prolong their stay will find several national forest campgrounds from which to choose. Lodgepole and Willow Campgrounds provide a total of 12 campsites set among pine trees along the Wise River. Little Joe offers four sites on the river, while Mono Creek Campground has five sites set back about one mile from the byway. Grasshopper is the largest of the campgrounds; it has 24 campsites. All of the campgrounds except Little Joe can accommodate recreational vehicles up to 16 feet long.
A short side trip off the byway will take you to the ghost town of Coolidge. This historic town was built in the 1920s to provide a home base for miners who worked in the Elkhorn silver mine. Remnants of the Elkhorn Mill remain for inspection by visitors.