Posted in Montana Nature August 12, 2021 by

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!

During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
1. The Skalkaho Highway Scenic Byway
Skalkaho Highway, Skalkaho Hwy, Montana, USA
Management/TripAdvisor
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
Mount Haggin, Mt Haggin, Anaconda, MT 59711, USA
Tim Gage / Flickr
Craving solitude? Even most locals don’t know about this scenic gem, 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
National Bison Range, 58355 Bison Range Rd, Charlo, MT 59824, USA
USFWS Mountain-Prairie / Flickr
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
Augusta, MT 59410, USA
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
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 drive goes from scenic to stunning.
5. The Big Sheep Creek Backcountry Byway
Big Sheep Creek Road, Big Sheep Creek Rd, Montana, USA
Jessica Wick
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. This scenic little backcountry route is perfect for a lazy Sunday drive!
6. Junction Highways 24 and 200 from Fort Peck Dam to Malta
Montana 24, MT-24, Montana, USA
renee_mcgurk / Flickr
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
Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River, Montana 59489, USA
PROBureau of Land Management / Fllickr
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 oft-overlooked drive really is quite lovely!
8. Lake Koocanusa Scenic Byway
Lake Koocanusa Scenic Byway, Montana 59923, USA
Robyn Fleming / Flickr
This scenic drive 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, MT, USA
Montage Big Sky, 995 Settlement Trail, Big Sky, MT 59716, USA
Kurt Haubrich / Flickr
This scenic backroad 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
Beartooth Highway, Beartooth Hwy, Red Lodge, MT, USA
Jasperdo / Flickr
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.

The OIYS Visitor Center

best scenic drives in Montana

August 17, 2021
Sarah

What’s the best scenic drive in Montana?

As evidenced in the article above, there are so many beautiful and scenic drives in Montana! In terms of the *best* scenic drives in Montana, however, we are going to have to go with Lemhi Pass. One of the best scenic drives in Montana, this beautiful byway has earned national acclaim. 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, and it’s absolutely magnificent. Mountains and valleys, fields of wildflowers, striking sunsets — Lemhi Pass truly is a gem of a scenic drive!

What’s the most scenic place in Montana?

If you’re lucky enough to call the Treasure State home, you already know it’s full of gems. There are so many scenic places in Montana, that we simply can’t choose a favorite — we love them all! While it’s impossible to see every scenic corner of Montana, there are certainly some spots in this state that simply shouldn’t be missed. Some scenic superstars? Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park (and *all* of Glacier National Park, for that matter), Gates of the Mountains, Kootenai Falls, Bighorn Canyon, Makoshika State Park, and Flathead Lake.

Does Montana have many scenic overlooks?

In a state as naturally beautiful as Montana, there are a near-endless list of scenic overlooks where adventurers can stop and enjoy the views! The Wild Goose Island Viewpoint is the spot on Going-to-the-Sun Road where you can take a peek at the tiny Wild Goose Island on St. Mary Lake. This view has been published in countless travel articles and books, but every Montanan should see it in person… it’s even better. Going-to-the-Sun Road is located in the heart of Glacier National Park and is the only road that actually traverses through it. The entire scenic drive is full of places you’ll want to stop and gaze upon, so take your time!