There’s no bad time to take a road trip in Montana, as there’s beauty to behold in Big Sky Country all year long. Our freeways and more popular highways offer plenty of sights, but the views from some of the country roads in Montana will make you weak in the knees. There are literally hundreds of beautiful drives to take in our state, and it’s hard to know where to begin! We’re here to help. We searched high and low and compiled the list of the following 11 routes which we think represent the best Montana scenic drives. Take a look, and let us know if you agree!

1. Cruise along the Gallatin River Canyon by taking Highway 191 from Bozeman to West Yellowstone.
U.S. 191, US-191, Montana, USA
Garen M / Flickr
This scenic 89-mile drive is spectacular and offers beautiful Big Sky Country views. Or do the drive in reverse and book a night at the Gallatin River Lodge!

2. Drive Going-to-the-Sun Road from West Glacier to Saint Mary (and back).
Going-to-the-Sun Road, Going-to-the-Sun Rd, Montana, USA
Trevor Bexon / Flickr
The 48 mile mountain drive takes you through parts of Glacier National Park, and it’s considered one of the most visually stunning drives in the country.

3. Take the Smith River Region Backcountry Drive.
Smith River Road, Smith River Rd, Montana 59645, USA
Drew To You / Flickr
This quiet journey will take you from Ulm to White Sulphur Springs. Beginning at Ulm, at the junction with Interstate 15, you’ll take Highway 330, or Mulligan Road. This is a remote part of Montana, so take this drive when you want to get away from it all.
4. Cruise down Montana State Highway 234 in the north central part of the state.
Montana 234, MT-234, Havre, MT, USA
Traci / Flickr
Beginning in Havre, head south on Highway 234, passing through Beaver Creek County Park. There you’ll find the beautiful Beaver Creek Reservoir and Bearpaw Lake, both of which are excellent places to fish, explore, and camp. In addition to being incredibly scenic, did you know Montana State Highway 234 is also thought to be one of the most haunted roads in Montana, too?
5. Drive from Troy toward Thompson Falls on Highway 56.
Montana 56, MT-56, Montana, USA
Holly Hayes / Flickr
Northwest Montana is exceptionally stunning, and the drive down Highway 56 has some unforgettable views. Eventually you’ll come to Highway 200, which will take you to Thompson Falls.

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6. Experience Montana through the eyes of its first inhabitants by driving the oft-overlooked Big Sheep Creek Back Country Byway.
Big Sheep Creek Road, Big Sheep Creek Rd, Montana, USA
Mr Hicks46 / Flickr
This 50 mile two lane gravel road takes you through the backcountry of Southwest Montana. You might drive the entire stretch without seeing another car, but what you will see is a lot of natural beauty (and probably wildlife).
7. Take an unforgettable drive down the Beartooth Highway.
Beartooth Highway, Beartooth Hwy, Red Lodge, MT, USA
Jasperdo / Flickr
The Beartooth Highway, a section of U.S. Route 212 between Red Lodge and the Wyoming border, is one of the most scenic drives in the entire country.
8. Enjoy the views from Looking Glass Hill Road at Glacier National Park.
Glacier National Park, Montana, USA
Jeff Hitchcock / Flickr
If you start in Kiowa off US Highway 98 and head to East Glacier Park, the road winds around rolling green hills and gives you panoramic views in every direction.

9. Take the Big Snowy Mountains Backcountry Drive between Lewistown and Judith Gap.
Big Snowy Mountains, Montana, USA
Forest Service Northern Region / Flickr
Starting in Lewistown, head south on Highway 238, also known as East Fork Road. When the paved road ends, you’ll reach East Fork Dam. The name of the road then changes to Red Hill Road and parallels the East Fork Big Springs Creek. If you follow the route all the way to Judith Gap, you’ll see some breathtaking views of the Big Snowy Mountains. (We also recommend spending some time in the delightfully little locale of Judith Gap!)
10. Head to the Gravelly Range Road, running from Ennis to the Centennial Valley.
Gravelly Range Road, Gravelly Range Rd, Montana, USA
PROMartin van Duijn / Flickr
You’ll see spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains, thousands of acres of beautiful land, and probably some wildlife along the way. Looking to extend this trip? Spend the night at this dreamy resort in Centennial Valley!
11. From Polson, take Kerr Dam Road to Back Road, then head toward St. Ignatius Mission on Highway 93 (you’ll come to the highway by following Round Butte Road west to Ronan).
U.S. 93, US-93, Missoula, MT, USA
Michael Lusk / Flickr
You’ll go by the Pablo National Wildlife Refuge and the Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge, which is home to over 180 species of birds. This really is one of the best scenic drives in Montana, for the abundance of wildlife alone!

There are a plethora of country roads in Montana that are perfect for a scenic drive. What do you think — are these not the best scenic drives in Montana? Which one will you tackle first? Before heading off on your journey, be sure to check out our handy road trip essentials packing list!

For another scenic adventure in Montana, check out this dreamy railroad excursion!

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More to Explore

Best Scenic Drives in Montana

Sarah | September 05, 2021

What are some scenic day trips in Montana?

Some of the best scenic day trips in Montana include:

  • Big Sky Resort
  • The Garden Of One Thousand Buddhas
  • Virginia City
  • Flathead Valley

 

No matter what part of our big and beautiful state you call home, you can always drive for a few hours in any direction and spend your day somewhere scenic. This list includes some of our favorite day trips in Montana. Of course, we're all for scenic day trips of the seasonal variety, and you can plan a year of fun in Big Sky Country with the help of this handy guide we put together.

What's the very best scenic drive in Montana?

Going to the Sun Road is the very best scenic drive in Montana.

Big Sky Country is big on beauty, as evidenced by the above list of 11 of the best scenic drives in Montana. If we had to pick just *one* drive as the scenic superlative superstar of the state, however, it would be Going to the Sun Road. This trans-mountain highway is 50 miles of pure Montana majesty, carved out of the earth and mountains of Glacier National Park. And while Glacier is certainly one of the most wondrous national parks in the country, Going-to-the-Sun Road takes the experience to another level entirely. This scenic drive in Montana is located in the heart of Glacier National Park and is the only road that actually traverses through it. Without stopping, it takes at least two hours to drive Going-to-the-Sun Road in its entirety. But stopping is truly a key part of the experience... so plan on making lots of stops to soak up all the splendor of this scenic drive!

What are some beautiful and scenic places in Montana?

Some of the most beautiful and scenic places in Montana include:

  • Lake McDonald
  • Gates of the Mountain Wilderness
  • Kootenai Falls
  • Bighorn Canyon
  • Flathead Lake

 

Close your eyes, and point to a spot -- any spot -- on a map of Montana, and it's going to be someplace beautiful. In Montana, you're hard-pressed to find a place that isn't completely lovely and scenic! But in terms of standouts, you absolutely need to visit Lake McDonald at Glacier National Park (honestly, *all* of Glacier National Park is breathtaking and well-worth exploring!)

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