Rogers Pass

Rogers Pass – the Montana version, not the more famous one in British Columbia – marks a noticeable transition for travelers. West of here stand the dark forests and tall peaks of the Northern Rockies, while just a few miles to the east the mountains end abruptly and the plains begin. As such, Rogers Pass is not only a visual transition zone, but a meteorological one as well. Snow piles up deep, while the wind can howl and seriously cold air can settle in. The coldest temperature ever recorded in the Lower 48 was reported here, on Jan. 20, 1954, when the temperature fell to -70F. It’s not often that cold, however, and I can say I've had many happy days here under sparkling blue skies and semi-warmth.