Built as a railroad town in the 1880s, Lima is only around 15 miles from the Montana/Idaho border at Monida Pass. Today, visitors pass through on their way to Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, or for a day on the water at the Lima Reservoir. No matter where they’re headed, visitors make sure to include Jan’s Cafe or the Peat Hotel & Steakhouse on their itinerary.
How to Access the Continental Divide Trail From Lima
With the Continental Divide just 15 miles up the interstate at Monida Pass, Lima is a popular access point for the CDT. The wide-open vistas of the CDT around Lima are popular with day-hikers and thru-hikes alike. The Mountain View Motel will run a shuttle service and hold packages for thru-hikers.
Gateway Community
Access Point
Trailheads
Mountain View Motel & RV Park
The Mountain View Motel in Lima, Montana is a popular stop for hikers along the Continental Divide Trail. The motel offer a shuttle, is happy to accept andhold packages for hikers, and offers showers and hammock space at a low cost.
Things to do While Visiting Lima, Montana
Lima is settled in the Centennial Valley and while the community is small, there is so much to explore in the area. If you are looking for a bite to eat, Jan's Cafe and the Peat Hotel & Steakhouse are great options. The Big Sheep Backcountry Byway provides a beautiful afternoon drive for visitors and is popular among bicyclists as well. Just a short drive, visitors will find Red Rocks Lake Wildlife Management Area which offers some incredible opportunity for wildlife watching. If you are traveling through Montana with an Electric Vehicle (EV), you might be surprised to learn that the Lima Rest Area has a row of Superchargers.
