Elk Park Pass facts for kids

Elk Park Pass is a mountain pass in southwestern Montana, United States. It sits high up on the Continental Divide. This is like a giant line across North and South America where rivers flow either east or west. The pass is about 4 miles (6.4 km) northeast of Butte. It is 6,352 feet (1,936 meters) above sea level.

Interstate 15 (I-15) goes right over Elk Park Pass. This is one of three places where I-15 crosses the Continental Divide in Montana. The other two are Monida Pass near the Idaho border and Deer Lodge Pass southwest of Butte. Elk Park Pass is located on the border between Silver Bow and Jefferson counties.

What Makes Elk Park Pass Unique?

Elk Park Pass is special because it looks very different from each side. Imagine one side being a gentle slope and the other a steep drop.

The Gentle North Side

If you approach the pass from the north, you travel through a wide, open area called Elk Park. This park is a high plain with very few trees. It is similar to places like South Park in Colorado. The road here barely seems to go uphill. About 10 miles (16 km) from the pass, the elevation is around 6,200 feet (1,890 meters). This means you only climb about 152 feet (46 meters) over a long distance to reach the pass itself.

The Steep South Side

However, the south side of Elk Park Pass is very different. From the pass, the highway drops quickly into the city of Butte. The road goes down about 750 feet (229 meters) in just 4 miles (6.4 km). This makes the south side much steeper and more noticeable for travelers.

History of Elk Park Pass Transportation

Besides the modern highway, Elk Park Pass was once used by trains.

The Old Railroad Line

A railroad line was built over Elk Park Pass by the Great Northern Railway. Later, another company called Burlington Northern operated this line. This train route helped move goods and people across the mountains. However, the railroad line was no longer used after 1972.