Have you ever wanted to strike out on an expedition? Lemhi Pass in Montana will take you through breathtaking scenery on a journey back in time. One of the best scenic drives in Montana, this beautiful byway has earned national acclaim. Here’s why you should go out of your way to take this scenic route in Montana, recently named one of America’s Most Scenic Roads by Travel + Leisure:

Flickr/David Lee
Lemhi Pass lies on the Montana-Idaho border, following the Continental Divide. This historic pass is located in the Salmon-Challis National Forest and the Beaverhead Mountains (in the Bitterroot Range of the Rocky Mountains). The unpaved road is over 7,300 feet above sea level.
Flickr/Bureau of Land Management
From 1803 to 1846, this pass marked the United States' western border. Lewis and Clark used this pass in 1805 to leave the United States and become the first Americans to travel this far west. They saw the white-capped mountains before them and knew they were beginning a difficult leg of their journey.
Flickr/Bureau of Land Management
Lewis and Clark had to acquire horses to make the pass, and the modern-day traveler should acquire a high-clearance vehicle with four-wheel drive (and a spare tire). The road is unpaved and can be rocky.

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Flickr/Bureau of Land Management
The last four miles of the unpaved road is a single lane and could require some tricky driving if you encounter an oncoming car. Watch out for cattle and moose that often wander onto the road.
Flickr/David Lee
Though it may be nerve-racking for some, the payoff is undeniable. To travel in the footsteps of some of America's greatest adventurers, through scenery that looks almost exactly the same as it did two centuries ago, is an incredible experience. This is absolutely one of the best scenic drives in Montana.
Flickr/Bureau of Land Management
Patches of pine and douglas-fir spring up along the side of the road, blanketed in sagebrush and, in some places, wildflowers. Throughout the drive, the rugged mountains make a breathtaking backdrop. Traveling this pass is an unforgettable experience.

Enjoy taking the scenic route? Do you agree that it’s one of the best driving routes in Montana? For more beautiful road trip adventures in the Treasure State, check out these 10 Beautiful Byways In Montana That Are Perfect For A Scenic Drive. And for more ways to discover all that Montana has to offer, check out the adventures available on Airbnb Experiences.

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best scenic drives in Montana

Sarah | July 19, 2021

What are some of the best scenic drives I can take in Montana?

 

The Treasure State is a veritable treasure trove of scenic drives (see what we did there?)! While there are many scenic drives you can take in Montana, nothing beats Going-to-the-Sun Road. In addition to boasting what is perhaps the most dreamy name ever, this trans-mountain highway is 50 miles of pure Montana majesty, carved out of the earth and mountains of the always stunning Glacier National Park. Going-to-the-Sun Road is located in the heart of Glacier National Park and is the only road that actually traverses through it. This scenic route is listed on the National Historic Landmark and National Register of Historic Places, and it's truly an experience for any outdoor enthusiast's bucket list.

Are there any beautiful byways in Montana?

These five beautiful byways in Montana are all spectacular and sure to satisfy your wanderlust. First on that list is the glorious: 

  • Missouri Breaks National Back Country Byway. This 2-3 hour drive takes you through central Montana, encompassing an area of vastly diverse scenery. This area plays an important role in our local history since the Lewis & Clark Expedition traversed through it. The byway also closely follows the Nez Perce National Historic Trail. It's a scenic, historical adventure in the Treasure State, for sure!

 

Are there many scenic overlooks in Montana?

In a state with so many beautiful byways, you know you'll find lots of scenic overlooks in Montana to stop and enjoy the views, too! You're going to want to lace up your shoes to access many of them, however, as the very best views can be found on the trails:

  • In Flathead County, near Essex, the Tranquil Basin Overlook is a wondrous day trip adventure. It's a strenuous, two-hour hike that has the most wonderful payoff at the end: the beautiful, cerulean blue eponymous Tranquil Basin.
  • In Glacier National Park (one of the most beautiful places in the country!), the 2.7-mile Hidden Lake Nature Trail is an accessible hike that leads to a seriously stunning scenic overlook.

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Lemhi Pass, Montana 59725, USA