Winter roads from MT to CA? (Bozeman, Helena: best, dates, work)

[ChoozeJoy]

Not being familiar with those roads & what mountain passes there are I am wondering if I moved to the Helena area, would I be able to drive to Southern CA in the winter?

I assume there would be mountain passes to cross? Anyone know what the roads are usually like?

[MTer]

In the winter, the various mountain passes, including those on interstates, do close at times when storms come through. So if you had specific dates you needed to travel MT/CA, you could get delayed, but if you keep flexible, you'll be able to travel MT to CA in winter as long as you work around the weather.

[amarieda]

You should be fine driving to southern CA as long as you can be a bit flexible with dates if a big storm comes through. The best route would probably be to take I-15 south to Salt Lake or Vegas. That would get you down out of the really snowy stuff before you cut west across the mountains again.

We've never had any problems getting to Salt Lake from Bozeman, even in the winter - and we actually don't catch the interstate until Idaho Falls.

[Montanaman1]

The drive up I-15 is great any time of year. I have taken this route in December with no problems. Check out the Montana weather cams to see many of the passes including the Monida pass on I-15, and others near Helena.

Good Luck.

Rick

[cleosmom]

Originally Posted by Montanaman1

The drive up I-15 is great any time of year. I have taken this route in December with no problems. Check out the Montana weather cams to see many of the passes including the Monida pass on I-15, and others near Helena.

Good Luck.

Rick

It might be great but often times in winter it can be ice pack from south of Idaho Falls to Pocatello.