Route of the Hiawatha: seasonal tunnel-and-trestle ride

Route of the Hiawatha: seasonal tunnel-and-trestle ride — detailed guide

Source review: 2026-10-21. A dated source review does not guarantee current-day conditions.

Closed for the season. Plan a future-season ride only after the operator confirms reopening. In the operating season, ride from East Portal through the St. Paul Pass tunnel and down the main rail trail to Pearson. Take the paid shuttle to Roland and ride back through the long tunnel to East Portal. Arrange tickets, shuttle and suitable equipment first.

Start and parking approach

Start: Route of the Hiawatha East Portal Trailhead, Taft, MT

Use only open designated public visitor parking. Walk through parking aisles and the final access connection; never use private lots without permission. If no lawful open arrival is available, postpone or arrive by transit/foot.

Distance and route

Selected ride: About 16.7 miles. Format: One way plus shuttle and tunnel return.

Published 15-mile East Portal–Pearson route plus about 1.66 miles riding the long tunnel after the Pearson–Roland shuttle, approximately 16.7 miles total; shuttle distance is not bicycle mileage.

In the operating season, ride from East Portal through the St. Paul Pass tunnel and down the main rail trail to Pearson. Take the paid shuttle to Roland and ride back through the long tunnel to East Portal. Arrange tickets, shuttle and suitable equipment first.

Surface and effort

Surface: Improved gravel rail-trail with tunnel and bridge decks. Long ride with roughly 1.6–2% main descent; dark wet tunnels and high trestles require confidence. No surveyed maximum slope or accessibility certification is supplied.

Crossings and shared use

Yield to pedestrians, use the signed bicycle/shared-use route, slow at crossings and blind bends, and walk uncomfortable ramps. Authorized maintenance or emergency vehicles may appear. The written route defines the separated portion; nearby roads and unmarked walking or technical trails are excluded. Check current device rules before bringing an e-bike.

Hours, costs and access

Seasonal operation only. Closed for the season on October 21, 2026; confirm a future opening and daily last-shuttle times before travel. Trail admission, shuttle and any rentals are paid separately. Confirm current prices and operating dates directly with the operator.

Reviewed October 21, 2026. CLOSED FOR THE SEASON as reviewed October 21, 2026. No 2027 opening date is confirmed here. Published main route is 15 miles; approximately 1.7 more miles are ridden back through the tunnel after the shuttle. Lights and helmets required; verify current repairs, device rules and shuttle arrangements. This is not a winter recommendation. This is source-based planning, not a field inspection or a guarantee of present-day conditions. Stop at closures; do not improvise a traffic-road bypass.

Map location

The marker is a labeled planning reference, not a surveyed parking space, bicycle entrance or navigable route line. Use the written start and current on-site signs for the final approach.

Sources

• Route / access source 1
• Route / access source 2
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