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Montana, also known as "Big Sky Country," provides stunning scenic routes throughout its mountains, lakes, and valleys, establishing a strong bond with its pristine wilderness. The Montana Dinosaur Trail can explore Montana's diverse attractions and historic sites, from Glacier National Park's Going-to-the-Sun Road to Flathead Lake. This guide highlights Montana's best scenic roads, ideal for quick trips or extended journeys, ensuring a memorable experience through beautiful views and traditional American allure.
Going-to-the-Sun Road: A National Treasure
The picturesque Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park is a must-do drive in Montana. Established in 1933, this 50-mile road is ideal for visitors traveling by car. It meanders through green forests and waterfalls and reaches the historic glaciers of Logan Pass at 6,647 feet. Tourists frequently observe mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and grizzly bears. Snowplow teams spend ten weeks clearing the road to prepare it for summer, usually opening in June and closing in October. At the Logan Pass visitor center, you can enjoy hikes and ranger programs and learn about wildlife.
Beartooth Highway: The All-American Road
The Beartooth Highway, named an "All-American" road in 2002, covers 68 miles at elevations around 11,000 feet, providing stunning perspectives of snowy mountains, glaciers, and alpine lakes. Founded in 1872, stretching from Red Lodge to the northeast entrance of Yellowstone, it features many picturesque viewpoints that General Philip Sheridan enjoyed. You need to keep an eye on local road conditions throughout the year in higher elevations in case of snowstorms. During the winter, the road is closed, but from May to October, it becomes a snowmobile route and is identified as "America's most stunning drive," according to journalist Charles Kuralt. At 10,947 feet, Beartooth Pass offers stunning views of Montana's highest mountains in Custer Gallatin National Forest, allowing for wildlife encounters and outdoor activities such as hiking and skiing, including bears, moose, and elk sightings while being prepared for cold weather and high elevations.
Paradise Valley
Extending 62 miles south of Livingston, the constructed loop travels parallel to the Yellowstone River in a scenic valley in Montana. Surrounded by the Absaroka Range on the east and the Gallatin Range on the west, the drive presents a lovely mix of fields and grasslands. The Fishing Access Site at Mallard's Rest is a well-liked destination for fishing and relaxation. Near milepost 42, just off a gravel road, you will have a stunning view of the Yellowstone River curving around the campsite with the Absaroka mountains as a backdrop. Traveling to Yellowstone via Highway 89 will take you on a different route through the valley, which offers beautiful views and avoids traffic.
Lake Koocanusa Scenic Byway
The path between Libby and Eureka spans 67 miles and runs alongside the Kootenai River and Lake Koocanusa, which was formed by the construction of the Libby Dam in 1974. The narrow gorge of the lake reaches into British Columbia and was named by a woman from Eureka. Bighorn sheep inhabit the region and provide excellent fishing chances. The Kootenai River is famous for its trout, while Lake Koocanusa is well-liked for its landlocked salmon. You can visit deserted villages, go climbing, participate in boating activities, and use camping and picnic facilities. Make sure to visit Libby Dam and admire the breathtaking scenery of the Purcell and Salish Mountains.
The Montana Dinosaur Trail: For the History Buff
The combination of history and nature on the Montana Dinosaur Trail appeals to those interested in both historical events and the outdoors. With 14 locations scattered throughout the state, you can visit museums, state parks, and fossil sites to discover Montana's significant involvement in finding dinosaurs. From the Museum of the Rockies to nearby museums displaying well-known fossils such as the Tyrannosaurus rex and Triceratops, the trail offers educational opportunities and picturesque drives through the eastern plains and badlands of the state. Makoshika State Park stands out on the journey due to its geological formations and fossil locations. You can also take part in fossil digs at places like the Two Medicine Dinosaur Center, under the guidance of experts, to enrich your experience of uncovering Montana's dinosaur past. The path weaves history, science, and stunning views together for an exciting journey.
Pintler Veterans’ Memorial Scenic Highway
The Anaconda-Pintler Scenic Route, also called the Pintler Veterans' Memorial Scenic Highway, is a highly-recommended route off Interstate 90 between Butte and Missoula. It is an excellent detour for tourists traveling from Yellowstone to Glacier National Parks. The 64-mile highway with only two lanes has a lower speed limit due to historic towns and outdoor activities, leading to traffic congestion. Anaconda and Phillipsburg are both towns worth exploring, providing distinct opportunities to experience history. You can search for Montana Sapphires in Phillipsburg and enjoy a game of golf at Old Works Golf Course in Anaconda.
Seeley-Swan Scenic Byway
If you like large mountains mirroring in calm natural lakes, visit the Seeley-Swan Valley in western Montana. Highway 83 is approximately 90 miles long and is bordered by the Mission Mountains and the Swan Range. This popular destination for summer trips is also the location of a cool series of more than twenty mountain lakes on the Clearwater River.
Near the southern tip of Highway 83 lies Seeley Lake, the biggest in a series of lakes, featuring campsites, exclusive resorts, and rainbow trout ready for fishing. Holland Lake, located halfway up the highway, is a beautiful lakeside area where hikers can enjoy a misty gravity display at the Holland Falls National Recreation Trail. Swan Lake runs alongside eight miles of the highway at its northern tip, which is also well-known for its fishing and camping options.
Kings Hill Scenic Byway
Here, you can trace a famous 71-mile path from Great Falls to White Sulphur Springs through Lewis and Clark National Forest and the Little Belt Mountains. The region features pristine lakes, untamed rivers, and thick forests that provide homes for various species. Side roads made of gravel allow entry to rough mountain terrains, elevated lakes, camping sites, and old mines spanning over 450 miles. During Lewis and Clark's era, animals such as mountain goats, bighorn sheep, elk, cougars, lynxes, wolverines, and black bears inhabited the region and continue to do so. Showdown Ski Area, along with museums and historic sites, contribute to the attraction of this beautiful scenic route.
Pioneer Mountain Scenic Byway
The apparently brief 45-mile Pioneer Scenic Byway in southwest Montana allows for multiple days of genuine Montana adventures. The road traces the entire length of the Pioneer Mountain Range within Beaverhead Deerlodge National Forest, providing a calm and easy drive that truly embodies the phrase "Big Sky Country."
Several days of outdoor activities are available along the route, with the Big Hole River at the northern end being a premier spot for fly fishing in Montana. National forest campgrounds are also situated along the path.
Big Sky Backcountry Byway
Avoid the busy traffic of the Interstate System by taking a relaxing drive on the Big Sky Byway in eastern Montana. The picturesque pathway links the Yellowstone and Missouri rivers, tracing the traditional Regina-Yellowstone Trail frequented by Canadian visitors heading to Yellowstone National Park. Experience the trail's north-south orientation, providing sights of dry land farming, prairie grasslands, scoria buttes, and badlands. Discover local opportunities and history on the 105-mile route along state highways 253, 200, and 13 with information kiosks in Terry, Circle, and Wolf Point. Explore possibilities for fishing, hunting, rock collecting, and sightseeing in the Terry, Circle, and Wolf Point regions. The northern section of the trail offers great fishing opportunities on the Missouri River and a view of the historic Lewis and Clark Bridge. The Big Sky Byway provides a variety of recreational activities such as wildlife viewing, hiking, bird watching, and fishing for a peaceful road trip adventure. Access the Byway starting from Interstate 94 or Highway 13 for an unforgettable adventure in the stunning Montana scenery.
The Bitterroot Mile Club: A Luxurious End to Your Scenic Drive
The Bitterroot Mile Club, located in Montana's Bitterroot Valley, provides a lavish retreat for travelers looking to unwind after exploring the beautiful landscapes. You can stay in charming accommodations amidst the Bitterroot Mountains, savor delicious local dishes while admiring picturesque mountain sights, and engage in various outdoor pursuits. We provide the perfect combination of luxurious amenities and comfort, guaranteeing a memorable experience that is perfect for a vacation in Montana. Book your stay now!