The 9 Best Backroads In Montana For A Long Scenic Drive

There's a saying that goes, "Montana is just a small town with very long streets." And sometimes it feels that way, especially when you're driving down a long, quiet country road. Tucked away in our state's rural outskirts and nestled off the beaten path in our spectacular mountain ranges, some of the prettiest backroads in Montana are still hidden gems! Dirt, gravel, and everywhere in between, these scenic Montana backroads offer all of the beautiful sights you can only see in the Treasure State, but sans the crowds and traffic.

1. The Anaconda-Pintler Scenic Route: Anaconda to Drummond

The Anaconda-Pintler Scenic Route 63-mile drive takes you from Anaconda to Georgetown Lake and Philipsburg, passing plenty of visually stunning scenery along the way, such as conifer-clad mountains and sage-covered hills.

2. Yaak River Country: Pipe Creek Road

Have you ever driven from Libby, MT to the Yaak on Pipe Creek Road? It's one of the most peaceful places in the state and perfect for a late summer drive. The Yaak River Valley is wildly underrated, but don't miss it!

3. Highway 83, Seeley Lake to Bigfork

This 74-mile drive has a little bit of everything: the Swan and Mission Mountains, Richmond Peak, and endless meadows.

4. Garnet Back Country Byway

This scenic byway provides a 12-mile journey through the Garnet Mountain Range. Beginning near the Garnet Ghost Town, you'll take Highway 200 through evergreen forests and panoramas of the Blackfoot River Valley.

5. Big Sky Back Country Byway

Southeast Montana has its own unique beauty and this byway will show you the best of it. This route follows a section of the historic Regina-Yellowstone Trail on state highways 253, 200 and 13. You'll see the Terry Badlands, the town of Circle and a view of the historic Lewis and Clark Bridge over the Madison River.

6. Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway

Travel the length of the Pioneer Mountain Range on this scenic byway, which passes Coolidge Ghost Town and great fishing spots such as Big Hole River in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest.

7. Chief Mountain International Highway

You may want to bring your passport if you make this drive. Located on the north side of Glacier National Park, the Chief Mountain International Highway cruises right up to the Canadian border and to Glacier's sister park.

8. Dry Creek Road, Manhattan to Bozeman

The next time you head back to Bozeman, take Dry Creek Road instead of I-90. The surrounding scenery is much prettier and you'll be able to drive slowly enough to enjoy it. Plus, you'll pass the Dry Creek Schoolhouse, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

9. Bears Paw Mountains Back Country Drive

This 76-mile drive passes through the area south of Havre and Chinook near the Bears Paw Mountains. It's one of the most remote drives in north-central Montana, so it's perfect for getting away from it all.

This is just a fraction of the beautiful remote drives you can take in our gorgeous state! What are your favorite memories driving down Montana's backroads? Are there any other scenic drives in Montana you'd recommend?

While you're out road-tripping and exploring all of the state's most breathtaking corners, set up camp to enjoy the views up close! We've got some of the best campgrounds in Montana already picked out for you.