Lolo Pass dark-sky meadow — After Dark & Night Sky in Missoula

Entry No. 61 — the Missoula file — filed under: after-dark

Lolo Pass dark-sky meadow

Locals point to Lolo Pass as the easiest genuinely dark sky you can simply drive to from Missoula. Across the highway from Lolo Hot Springs sits a big flat meadow where you can set a chair in the open and watch the Milky Way without a telescope. No gate, no fee - just elevation, distance from city glow, and a wide-open field.

The move: Drive up Highway 12 on a clear, moonless night, lay a blanket in the meadow with snacks, and stay until the Milky Way is fully out.

📍 Before you go Best on clear, moonless nights; bring chairs, layers and a red flashlight. It is an informal roadside meadow with no facilities - pair it with a soak across the road at Lolo Hot Springs.

Where: US-12 near Lolo Pass, across from Lolo Hot Springs, ~35 mi SW of Missoula

Hours: Added 2026-06-24 — confirm current hours before you go.

#after-dark #stargazing #dark-sky #free #meadow #milky-way

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Proof: source 1 · source 2 · source 3

last checked: 2026-06-24