These 10 Beautiful Byways In Montana Are Perfect For A Scenic Drive

It’s no secret that Montanans don’t like to dawdle when they drive -- follow a Montana license plate down the freeway and you’ll see what we mean. But on days when we aren’t in a hurry to be somewhere, or when we happen to be near some gorgeous scenery, we don’t mind tapping the brakes and taking it all in. So what if we all just slowed down a little and enjoyed the ride? (The same can really be said about life in general.) We've compiled a list of the 10 best scenic drives in Montana, each of which deserves your full attention. Let's go for a drive!

1. The Skalkaho Highway Scenic Byway

Known simply as Skalkaho Pass, this 45-mile drive runs between the Bitterroot Valley and the Philipsburg Valley. You’ll climb through the beautiful Sapphire Mountains and see views of the Philipsburg Valley.

2. The Mt. Haggin Scenic Drive

Craving solitude? Even most locals don’t know about this scenic gem in Montana, which starts a few miles from I-90 and runs between Montana Highway 1 near Anaconda and Montana Highway 43 along the Big Hole River.

3. National Bison Range Scenic Byway

The beautiful National Bison Range Scenic Byway has two roads, the 19 mile long Red Sleep Mountain Road and Prairie Drive, which is five miles long. The Red Sleep Mountain Road takes visitors through the heart of the reserve and up to its rolling hills and mountains, but the inclines are so steep that trailers are banned. The Prairie Drive Road is less harrowing, taking visitors along the base of the mountain.

4. The Sun River Wildlife Management Area Scenic Byway

Located west of Augusta, this 20,000 acre wildlife refuge is easy to reach. From Augusta, follow the Sun River Road/Gibson Reservoir Road until you hit a fork (about three miles in). Head left, and a few miles later you’ll be at the Wildlife Management Area. And that’s where the beautiful Montana drive goes from scenic to stunning.

5. The Big Sheep Creek Backcountry Byway

Warning: this is one of the loneliest treks in Montana, so fill your gas tank, pack some water and snacks and prepare to disconnect from the world. This 55-mile trek takes you through one of the most remote areas of Montana, running along the southwest part of the state on the Idaho border. The Big Sheep Creek Backcountry Byway is perfect for a Sunday drive!

6. Junction Highways 24 and 200 from Fort Peck Dam to Malta

There’s nothing like driving through peaceful, quiet country with nothing but sky and the open road around you. This 147-mile trek begins seemingly in the middle of nowhere, heading north along the eastern edges of Fort Peck Lake. Then it crosses the Milk River six times, eventually landed in Malta, one of the most delightful rural towns in Montana.

7. Missouri Breaks National Back Country Byway

This 73-mile loop takes you from Winifred to the James Kipp Recreation Area on Highway 191. The terrain is pretty rough, so bring your four wheel drive vehicles to attempt it. This underrated drive in Montana really is quite lovely!

8. Lake Koocanusa Scenic Byway

Lake Koocanusa Scenic Byway takes you from Eureka to Libby, so needless to say, it’s beautiful. This 67 mile drive in Northwest Montana includes excellent views of the Whitefish Mountains, the Libby Dam, the Kootenai River and Lake Koocanusa.

9. Big Sky Backcountry Byway

Big Sky Backcountry Byway takes you through a section of the historic Regina-Yellowstone (R-Y) Trail, passing through the badlands of Terry. The route is on state highways 253, 200 and 13.

10. The Beartooth Highway

Designated the Beartooth All-American Road in 2002, this highway connects Red Lodge to the northeast entrance to Yellowstone National Park. It’s one of the most scenic drives in the country.

We hope you take the time to tackle each and every one of the above best scenic drives in Montana because they're all stunning and worth experiencing! And don't forget to check out these ideas for cruising down Montana country roads while you're in the mood to road trip through the Treasure State.

Before embarking on your trip, don't forget to check out this handy road trip essentials packing list!