07/01/2026
🚴 From Sula to Jackson: High Desert Passes & Hot Springs 🏜️
Yesterday’s ride hit different.
Chief Joseph Pass—7,241 feet of elevation gain. But here’s the thing: Dan started at 4,400 feet already, so 2,841 feet to climb. Still, 10 miles of steady climbing in the thin Montana air is no joke. The pass cuts through Chief Joseph National Forest, where the views open up to endless peaks and the kind of solitude that makes sense for a solo traveler.
Jackson, Montana welcomed him—a town that’s barely a whisper on the map. A Korean restaurant (because you find food where you can), and a lodge with hot springs. After that climb? A soak in geothermal warmth felt like it was deserved.
The high desert keeps surprising him. Mid-80s by day. Mid-40s by night. Beautiful contradiction.
A storm’s rolling in Saturday—big rain predicted. Dan’s taking a day off. Smart move. But today was easier: the push to Dillon, Montana.
The old Wild West saloon in the video is exactly what these small towns are made of—authentic, weathered, and straight out of the movies. This is what self-supported touring really is: small towns, unexpected lodges, the weight of passes, and the reward of what’s on the other side.
Still pedaling. Still climbing. Still finding magic in the details.
Ultralight PikeTrail BikeJourney MountainLife AdventureOnTwoWheels
—
*Swipe through to see the passes, the forests, the landmarks, and the character of these high desert roads. The celebration event in Columbia is coming soon—join us to hear these stories in person.*