Montana, nicknamed “Big Sky Country,” is not only famous for its vast skies and majestic mountains but also a paradise for road trip enthusiasts. The winding roads through national parks, pristine forests, and historic towns offer unforgettable experiences. If you’re seeking an adventure on stunning routes, Montana is definitely the ideal destination. Let’s explore the most scenic drives in Montana, where every turn reveals a breathtaking natural masterpiece.
Exploring the Majestic Beauty of Beartooth Highway
Beartooth Highway, also known as US Highway 212, is one of the most beautiful and challenging high-altitude roads in North America. This 68-mile route traverses the Beartooth Mountains in Custer and Gallatin National Forests, leading to the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone National Park. Beartooth Highway is more than just a road; it’s a journey of conquering wild nature, with hairpin turns, steep ascents, and panoramic vistas.
Driving on Beartooth Highway, you’ll witness the diverse landscapes of Montana, from lush pine forests to alpine meadows filled with wildflowers and year-round snow-capped peaks. An ideal stop on this route is Beartooth Pass, the highest point of the road at 10,947 feet (3,337 meters). From here, you can take in the sweeping views of the majestic Beartooth Mountains, feeling the smallness of humanity before the vastness of nature.
Beartooth Highway is typically open from late May or early June to mid-October, depending on weather conditions. The best time to explore this road is in the summer when the weather is warm and wildflowers bloom across the mountainsides. However, be prepared for sudden weather changes in the high mountains, and always check road conditions before you set off.
Winding Beartooth Highway road through mountainous landscape in Montana
The Legendary Going-to-the-Sun Road
Although most of Going-to-the-Sun Road lies within Glacier National Park, Montana, it’s impossible not to mention this stunning road when talking about the most scenic drives in Montana. Going-to-the-Sun Road is a masterpiece of engineering and architecture, 50 miles long, cutting through the heart of Glacier National Park, crossing the Continental Divide at Logan Pass.
This road offers a journey through the most diverse and spectacular landscapes of Glacier, from turquoise lakes and majestic waterfalls to pristine forests and glacier-capped mountains. The highlight of Going-to-the-Sun Road is Logan Pass, the highest point on the road, where you can stop to admire the scenery, hike, or visit the visitor center.
Going-to-the-Sun Road is usually fully open from late June or early July to mid-October, depending on snowfall. A section of the road, between Apgar Village and Lake McDonald Lodge, is open year-round. To fully experience this road, you should dedicate at least a day to driving and stopping at viewpoints along the way. In peak summer, finding parking at Logan Pass can be challenging, so arrive early or use the free park shuttle service.
Exploring Yellowstone National Park via Hayden Valley Road
Yellowstone National Park, the first national park in the United States, is mostly located in Wyoming, but a small part extends into Montana and Idaho. The Montana section of Yellowstone also has beautiful scenic drives, especially the Hayden Valley Road.
Hayden Valley is one of the best areas for wildlife viewing in Yellowstone. The road running through this valley offers excellent opportunities to see herds of bison grazing leisurely, elk strolling along the Yellowstone River, or even grizzly bears and wild gray wolves.
Besides wildlife, Hayden Valley is also famous for its stunning natural scenery, with vast meadows, the winding Yellowstone River, and surrounding mountain ranges. An interesting stop in the valley is the Mud Volcano Area, a geothermal area with bubbling mud pots and steaming fumaroles.
For the best experience in Hayden Valley, drive slowly and observe carefully on both sides of the road. Bring binoculars and a camera to capture any memorable moments. The best time for wildlife viewing is early morning or late afternoon when they are most active.
Old Faithful Geyser erupting in Yellowstone National Park, Montana
Romantic Flathead Lake Scenic Drive
Flathead Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi in the contiguous United States (excluding Alaska), is located in Northwest Montana. The road running along the eastern shore of Flathead Lake, Highway 35, is a stunning scenic drive, especially in summer and autumn.
Driving along Highway 35, you’ll admire the serene beauty of Flathead Lake, with its crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and the snow-capped Mission Mountains reflected in the lake. Along the way, you can stop at lakeside towns like Bigfork, Polson, and Lakeside to explore local culture, enjoy unique cuisine, and participate in outdoor activities such as swimming, kayaking, or fishing.
In summer, the Flathead Lake area is famous for its abundant cherry orchards. You can stop at roadside farms to buy fresh cherries or enjoy cherry products like pies, jams, and cherry wine. In autumn, the scenery around Flathead Lake becomes even more vibrant with rows of maple trees with red and yellow leaves reflecting on the water.
Journey Through Lolo National Forest on Highway 12
Highway 12, also known as the Lolo Motorway, is a historic and beautiful scenic road running through Lolo National Forest in Western Montana. This 99-mile road was originally used as a trail by the Nez Perce people, and later explored by the Lewis and Clark Expedition in the early 19th century.
Lolo Motorway is not a typical highway but a rugged dirt road, suitable for off-road vehicles or high-clearance SUVs. This route offers an adventurous driving experience and close encounters with wild nature, with vast pine forests, clear rivers, and rolling mountains.
Along Lolo Motorway, you can find many historical and natural attractions, such as the Lolo Pass Visitor Center, where you can learn about the history of the road and the surrounding area, or Jerry Johnson Hot Springs, a natural hot spring nestled in the old-growth forest.
Lolo Motorway is usually open from mid-June to late October, depending on weather conditions. Prepare carefully before driving on this road, including checking your vehicle, bringing maps and essentials, and informing someone about your itinerary.
Montana is a treasure trove of scenic drives, each route offering unique beauty and experiences. Whether you love the grandeur of mountains, the serene beauty of lakes, or the wilderness of pristine forests, Montana has routes to explore and enjoy. Plan your road trip to Montana and experience the most scenic drives that “Big Sky Country” has to offer.