One of the most relaxing things to do in Montana is to take a scenic drive – to head out into the backcountry, trace the steps of history, and immerse yourself in beautiful nature.
Whether you prefer winding through the dense forests of Lolo Pass, ascending the Rocky Mountains on the Beartooth Highway, or rolling across the prairie of the National Bison Range, there’s a scenic drive in Montana for everyone.
Read on for the top 15 scenic drives in Montana. Plus, find answers to all of the most commonly asked questions about Montana’s best scenic byways.
15 stunning scenic drives in Montana you must take
Montana scenic drives map
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- Beartooth Highway
- Going-to-the-Sun Road
- Paradise Valley Scenic Loop
- Lake Koocanusa Scenic Byway
- Bitterroot Valley Scenic Drive
- Bozeman Pass
- Mt Haggin Scenic Drive
- Blackfoot River Corridor Scenic Drive
- National Bison Range
- Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway
- Blacktail Plateau Drive
- Lolo Pass Scenic Byway
- Kings Hill Scenic Byway
- Yaak River Scenic Drive
- Grand Loop Road
1. Beartooth Highway
Length: 69 mi – 110 km
Time: 2 hours
Details: We start our list off with one of the most popular and beautiful scenic drives in Montana. The Beartooth Highway receives thousands of visitors in the summer season.
Most people start the Beartooth Scenic Highway, otherwise known as Highway 212, from Red Lodge. From here, it makes a steep ascent via switchbacks up the Beartooth Mountains, revealing deep valleys, snowcapped peaks, and endless views on the way up.
Up top, it traverses across the alpine tundra, where you’ll enjoy even more expansive views over the glacial-carved valleys below.
Wildlife viewing opportunities abound on this highway, including red fox, grizzly bears, mountain goats, and more. The road drops into Wyoming for 33 miles (53 km) before returning to Montana where it ends in Cooke City.
Tallest mountains in Montana
The Beartooth Scenic Highway traverses through the tallest mountain range in Montana. Once you reach the top, dramatic views of iconic peaks abound, including the Bear’s Tooth, Pilot and Index, and Castle Mountain (the highest peak in Montana).
Note: This entire area is a high-density grizzly-bear habitat. Don’t forget to bring bear bells and bear spray with you.
2. Going-to-the-Sun Road
Length: 50 mi – 80 km
Time: 2 hours
Details: The Going-to-the-Sun road is the second main scenic drive in Montana, with over 3 million people driving this road annually. The road itself is an engineering marvel, passing through mountainside tunnels, past waterfalls, and over stone arches as it climbs upwards and upwards.
The journey starts in West Glacier, the west entrance to the park. You’ll drive past fields of alpine wildflowers at the foot of Mount Oberlin, cross through the west tunnel, catch the devastatingly beautiful view of Bird Woman Falls, and much more.
Stop at Logan Pass up top, where you can check out the visitor’s center and take in incredible views west towards Mount Oberlin and east down St Mary Valley.
As you continue on, you’ll pass through the east tunnel, descend down the side of Going-to-the-Sun Mountain, pass by the crystal clear waters of St Mary Lake, and end in St Mary on the east border of the park. The road has numerous places to stop and explore along the way.
This is truly one of the best scenic drives in Montana.
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3. Paradise Valley Scenic Loop
Length: 62 mi – 100 km
Time: 90 minutes
Details: If you’ve visited Montana or you’ve even heard of Montana, it’s likely you’ve heard of Paradise Valley. This stunning valley lives up to its name.
Located just outside beautiful Livingston, Montana, Paradise Valley stretches from Livingston in the north to Gardiner in the south, the north entrance to Yellowstone National Park.
The scenic drive follows US Highway 89 south along the west bank of the Yellowstone River from Livingston to Gardiner. At the southern end, it meets with the East River Road, which takes you back north on the east side of the river.
Enjoy the rolling valley of golden hills, the Yellowstone River flowing through the middle, and the Absaroka and Gallatin Ranges towering over either side.
Fishing, camping, picnicking, and various dude ranches abound in this valley. Paradise Valley is also where you can find Chico Hot Springs, one of Montana’s best hot springs.
4. Lake Koocanusa Scenic Byway
Length: 67 mi – 108 km
Time: 2-3 hours
Details: This byway follows Highway 37 through forested hillsides along the banks of the Kootenay River and the fjord-like Lake Koocanusa, connecting the beautiful small town of Libby, Montana with Eureka, Montana.
The drive offers beautiful views of Lake Koocanusa below, forested hillsides above, and rock outcrops, upon which bighorn sheep often perch themselves.
Opportunities abound for seeing wildlife along the route, including grizzly bears, bighorn sheep, deer, coyote, and moose. Recreational opportunities also abound, such as fishing, boating, camping, the Libby Dam, numerous lookouts, and stop-offs at nearby ghost towns.
There is nothing ordinary about the Lake Koocanusa Scenic Byway. Visitors of this region of Montana are charmed by northwestern Montana’s unique, often overlooked, beauty.
Did you know?
The name “Koocanusa” sounds like a word from the local Kootenay tribal dialect, but it was actually something a local resident came up with. During the dam’s construction, the Corp of Engineers held a contest to name the lake. A Eureka resident won by combining three words: “Kootenay”, “Canada”, and “USA”.
5. Bitterroot Valley Scenic Drive
Length: 95 mi – 153 km
Time: 2 hours
Details: Highway 93 in the Bitterroot Valley is one of western Montana’s most charming scenic drives. The valley lies between the stunning Bitterroot and Sapphire mountain ranges, with the Bitterroot River flowing through its center.
Highway 93 connects Missoula in the north to Chief Joseph Pass in the south. Along the way lie numerous historic and cultural places of significance, including:
- Lolo: A charming small town, home to Travelers’ Rest State Park, a historic trading ground for local native tribes, as well as a campsite for Lewis and Clark.
- Florence: A beautiful small town situated below St Mary’s Peak.
- Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge: A 2,800-acre refuge home to 260+ bird species that call the local wetlands, meadows, and grassland their home.
- Stevensville: Sites include St Mary’s Misson and the Fort Owen State Monument.
- Hamilton: The main town in the Bitterroot Valley.
Lost Trail ski area lies on Chief Joseph Pass in the south. From here, continue south through southwestern Montana and on to Yellowstone National Park.
6. Bozeman Pass
Length: 23 mi – 37 km
Time: 20 minutes
Details: If you happen to be driving west along I-90 from Billings towards Bozeman, Butte, or Missoula, you’ll be delighted to know that the Bozeman Pass scenic drive lies directly on your route.
This is the stretch of I-90 from Livingston to Bozeman, that climbs up and over the Bozeman Pass. Along the way, you’ll see farmhouses scattered across the valley floor, rock outcroppings, and forested mountainsides.
This is the route Lewis and Clark followed on their return journey from the Pacific. From here, they traveled on to the Yellowstone River, built canoes, and continued on to catch the Missouri eastward.
This route is also a migration route for local wildlife, so watch out for deer on the road.
7. Mt Haggin Scenic Drive
Length: 22 mi – 35 km
Time: 45 minutes
Details: The Mount Haggin Scenic Drive is a hidden gem of western Montana. Apart from elk hunters, few people know of it. The beginning of the drive starts amid the mining scars east of Anaconda – one reason many people pass it by. But if you’re patient, you’ll see what makes this drive so special.
This Montana scenic drive follows Montana 569 the entire length from Highway 1 near Anaconda to Highway 43 on the Big Hole River. The road starts near Anaconda and continues up the Continental Divide. Once you breach the continental divide, the trees start breaking, giving hints of what’s to come.
Continue on to the Mt Haggin Wildlife Management Area (WMA), where the landscape opens up, revealing the peaks of the Anaconda Range, and the grasslands and benches that lay at their feet. The drive ends at Highway 43 about 10 miles south of the Mt Haggin WMA.
8. Blackfoot River Corridor Scenic Drive
Length: 18 mi – 29 km
Time: 45 minutes
Details: Not far from Missoula, a side road cuts off Highway 200 and follows the Blackfoot River making for one of Montana’s nicest scenic drives.
The route starts near the Roundup River Access where Highway 200 crosses the Blackfoot River halfway between Bonner and Ovando. Turn west off 200 onto Ninemile Prairie Road, and follow this road back towards Bonner.
The first half of the route offers the most splendid scenery and pleasant views of the Blackfoot River and the surrounding prairie. The latter portion of the road becomes tighter as it winds into the hills, though you’ll have some breaks in the trees offering pleasant views.
Consider stopping for a picnic on the shores of the Blackfoot River.
9. National Bison Range
Length: 19 mi – 31 km
Time: 2 – 4 hours depending on how many stops you make.
Details: In northwestern Montana, near Flathead Lake, lies the National Bison Range, managed by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. Also known as the CSKT Bison Range, this is one of the last places in the United States where the wild bison populations roam freely (within the range’s boundaries).
It’s a fitting and natural landscape for wild, roaming bison. Two driving routes pass through the range, through pastel-colored rolling hills flanked by the Rocky Mountains. Wildlife abounds, including coyotes, black bears, pronghorns, white-tailed deer, and bighorn sheep.
This is a historic piece of land that is truly unique in its beauty. The National Bison Range played a key role in saving the North American bison from extinction over 100 years ago. Read the fascinating story of how a single tribesman’s few calves helped save the bison here.
Learn more: National Bison Range – Visitor’s guide
10. Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway
Length: 49 mi – 79 km
Time: 90 minutes
Details: The Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway is a nationally designated Montana scenic byway that traverses through the beautiful Pioneer Mountains of western Montana. It is a paved road the entire way, with clear signs indicating the route.
Head west of Dillon, Montana, on Highway 278 for 27.4 miles (44 km) and turn right onto the Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway road.
The first several miles are a fast climb, offering expansive views of the southern peaks of the Pioneer Mountains until you reach Maverick Mountain ski resort, an unknown but very fun Montana ski resort with a 2,400 ft (731 m) vertical rise.
Beyond Maverick, the road climbs steadily upward into the forest, passing the side road to Coolidge ghost town, one of Montana’s most well-preserved ghost towns. The following 30 miles of the route follow the Wise River, where there are some excellent camping spots.
The drive ends on Highway 43 in Wise River, just 10 miles (16 km) east of the Mt Haggin Scenic Drive endpoint.
11. Blacktail Plateau Drive
Length: 6 mi – 10 km
Time: 30 minutes
Details: Blacktail Plateau Drive is a quiet, 6-mile (10 km), unpaved road that lies off the beaten path in Yellowstone National Park. Take a break from the Grand Loop road for a slow, relaxing byway drive through the pristine Yellowstone landscape. You’ll have plenty of time to spot the bison, elk, and bears that call this area home.
Blacktail Plateau Drive is one of the best scenic drives in Montana, located in the northern region of the park, starting from just north of Tower Junction and reconnecting with the Grand Loop Road near Petrified Tree.
It rolls through a spectacularly beautiful area of Yellowstone National Park, taking you up onto a plateau where you’ll have clear views out across the countryside. Anyone interested in getting off the Grand Loop Road for some unique sights should definitely take Blacktail Plateau Drive.
12. Lolo Pass Scenic Byway
Length: 132 mi – 212 km
Time: 2.5 hours
Details: This is both a beautiful and historic Montana scenic drive. The Lolo Trail was a well-known trail through the Bitterroot Mountains used by native tribes long before Europeans settled the Americas. Lewis and Clark also used this trail on their way to the Pacific and on their return journey.
Today, the Lolo Pass Scenic Byway closely follows the historic Lolo Trail. The scenic byway, otherwise known as Highway 12, starts in Lolo, ascends the mountain pass, and follows the Lochsa River to Kooksia, Idaho.
Starting from Lolo, the road passes through an open valley, with views of the surrounding wooded hillsides of the Bitterroot Mountains. The surrounding forest closes in on the road as it enters the heart of the Bitterroots.
Consider stopping at Lolo Hot Springs for a dip, or stop at the interpretive center on the state border and learn the interesting history of the Lolo Trail.
13. Kings Hill Scenic Byway
Length: 71 mi – 114 km
Time: 2 hours
Details: The Kings Hill Scenic Byway takes you through one of the most beautiful regions of central Montana – the Little Belt Mountains in the Lewis and Clark National Forest.
The route follows Highway 89, beginning on the southern side of the Little Belts, at its junction with Highway 12 near White Sulfur Springs, and ends at its junction with Highway 87 in the north, near Armington.
The stunning views along the drive include the forested hillsides, rock outcroppings, and open fields that make up the Little Belts. Gravel roads that shoot off from the main road offer access to lakes, campgrounds, trailheads, and former mines.
Endless opportunities abound for Nordic skiing, downhill skiing (Showdown Ski Area), floating, fishing, mountain biking, and more.
14. Yaak River Scenic Drive
Length: 29 mi – 47 km
Time: 60 minutes
Details: This is a hidden gem of northwest Montana, ideal for anyone in the area. The Yaak River Scenic Drive takes you through the heavily forested backcountry and mountainous terrain of the northwest corner of Montana. This region is also known as the Yaak Region.
The route follows Highway 508, beginning at its junction with Highway 2 near Libby, Montana. From here, it ascends north into the mountains, offering numerous pullouts to stop and take in the incredible views of the region.
Along the way, you can visit the Yaak Falls, accessible via a side road clearly marked with signs. The road winds its way through the enchanting Yaak region, eventually following the crystal clear waters of the Yaak River.
The journey ends in the tiny town of Yaak.
15. Grand Loop Road
Length: 142 mi – 228 km
Time: 4 – 7 hours, depending on traffic, wildlife crossings, and how often and for how long you stop.
Details: Anyone who visits Yellowstone National Park will likely travel the Grand Loop Road. This is the main scenic road through the park and one of Montana’s most popular scenic loops.
The Grand Loop Road cuts a figure-eight shape through the park, taking travelers to the most stunning areas of the park, including Mammoth Hot Springs, Norris Geyser Basin, Old Faithful, West Thumb, Fishing Bridge, and on.
The road is paved and makes for a comfortable and smooth drive through the depths of Yellowstone National Park. As a result, the road is busy during the summer months, so be sure to take it slowly. Bear and bison stop traffic as they please, making for great photo opportunities.
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16. Bonus: Chief Joseph Scenic Byway
Length: 46 mi – 74 km
Time: 2 hours
Details: While this scenic byway lies in Wyoming, it’s easily accessible and worth considering if you’re driving the Beartooth Scenic Highway.
The Chief Joseph Scenic Byway connects the Beartooth Highway to wonderful Cody, Wyoming. About two-thirds into the Wyoming portion of the Beartooth Highway (from Red Lodge), turn left (south) onto the Chief Joseph Byway (Highway 296).
The landscape that Highway 296 traverses through is simply stunning, winding its way through forested hillsides, amber-colored valleys, and a section with red rock cliffs, ending in Cody, Wyoming.
This highway was named after Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce tribe who fled through the Yellowstone area while retreating from the US Cavalry, who were trying to force the tribe onto a reservation.
How many scenic byways are in Montana?
Montana has 22 scenic byways, eight of which are state scenic byways and one of which is a national scenic byway. The Beartooth Highway is designated a national scenic byway, and Montana’s state scenic byways include:
- Kings Hill Scenic Byway
- Lake Koocanusa Scenic Byway
- Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway
What is the most scenic highway in Montana?
The most scenic highway in Montana is the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park.
The Going-to-the-Sun Road (GTTSR) steadily winds its way up through the mountainsides and valleys of Glacier National Park, revealing steep valleys, towering mountains, glaciers, and breathtaking views along the way.
Beartooth Scenic Byway (tied for most beautiful scenic highway in Montana)
The Beartooth Scenic Byway in the Beartooth Mountains is the second most beautiful scenic highway in Montana.
The Beartooth Scenic Byway features a steep, short, climb to the top of the Beartooth Pass, offering expansive views across the mountain tundra and deep valleys below and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
What is the most famous road in Montana?
The Beartooth Highway is the most famous road in Montana, and its nickname is “the most beautiful roadway in America”.
Opened in 1936, this 69-mile (110-km) road starts in Red Lodge, Montana, and climbs 5,000 feet (1,524 m) through the Beartooth Range to an elevation of 10,947 feet (3,337 m).
The road ends in Cooke City, Montana, the northeast entrance to Yellowstone National Park.
