Your ultimate guide to the most breathtaking road trips in Montana

Road trips through Montana truly take you on an adventure. Majestic mountains, glacial lakes, and wild rivers unfold outside your window as you travel along the state's expansive roads, immersing you in exploration and the beauty of nature. With abundant Western scenery and vast landscapes along the way, road-tripping in Montana emphasizes the experience of the journey itself.

Numerous scenic viewpoints invite you to veer off the main path, and an array of charming towns, campgrounds, and unique Montana experiences encourage longer stops. No matter how you arrive, a Montana road trip welcomes everyone, with every kind of vehicle able to explore the Scenic Byways and All-American Roads throughout the state.

1. Going-to-the-Sun Road, Glacier National Park

Ultimate introduction to driving in Montana

Apgar Village - St. Mary Lake; 50 miles

Exclamations like 'oh wow' and 'no way' often accompany drives along the 50-mile Going-to-the-Sun Road, the only route crossing the entirety of Glacier National Park in northwest Montana. With narrow shoulders, twisting turns, and cascading waterfalls alongside, this drive offers an exhilarating experience, while the towering mountains reaching for the sky ensure you'll be grateful for the ride.

Drivers can begin their journey to the sun from either Apgar Village by Lake McDonald or St. Mary Lake on the park's opposite sides. The entire route can take about 90 minutes without pauses, but it's wise to set aside a full day to explore various roadside sights, including the Logan Pass Visitor Center – at 6646 feet, this is the park's highest point accessible by car.

Planning Tip: The Going-to-the-Sun Road operates seasonally, generally fully open from early June to September. A new Vehicle Reservation System coincides with this timeframe, requiring permits for personal vehicles. If you can't secure a permit, the fare-free GTSR Shuttle provides a great alternative.

2. Beartooth Highway

Ideal route to or from Yellowstone National Park

Red Lodge - Cooke City; 68 miles

Stunning vistas of towering mountains and glacier-formed valleys greet you at every turn along the Beartooth Highway in southern Montana. This All-American Road crosses into Wyoming as it travels from Red Lodge to the northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park, reaching its peak at Beartooth Pass (10,947 ft) and featuring Montana's highest peaks - the impressive Beartooth Mountains.

Custer Gallatin National Forest envelops the entire route, providing access to the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. Home to thriving populations of bears, moose, and elk, this outdoor playground offers endless hiking trails and opportunities to connect with nature. This adventure haven also features a unique chance to ski at Beartooth Basin Summer Ski Area.

Planning Tip: Plan your adventures wisely; the road is open only from Memorial Day (early May) until October 15th. Regardless of the season, pack warm clothing for the cooler temperatures and exposure at the highway's high elevations.

3. Pintler Veterans' Memorial Scenic Highway

Best alternative route for traveling between Yellowstone and Glacier

Drummond – Anaconda; 64 miles

The Pintler Veterans' Memorial Scenic Highway, also known as the Anaconda-Pintler Scenic Route, is an essential detour from Interstate 90 between Butte and Missoula. It serves as a fantastic side trip for those journeying between Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park, situated about halfway between these more popular destinations.

While the speed limit is lower on the 64-mile two-lane scenic highway, it's the charming historic towns and outdoor recreation spots along the way that truly slow down traffic. Key stops include Anaconda and Phillipsburg, both offering a similar historic vibe yet distinct experiences of the past.

Go mining for Montana Sapphires in Phillipsburg and enjoy the unique black slag bunkers at Old Works Golf Course in Anaconda, all while being in view of the iconic Anaconda Smelter Stack. Both towns provide accommodations, but Fairmont Hot Springs Resort near Anaconda offers the most rejuvenating stay. Don’t miss the scenic Georgetown Lake for outdoor fun, located about midway along the route.

4. Seeley-Swan Scenic Byway (Highway 83)

Ultimate road trip into lake country

Clearwater - Swan Lake; 84 miles

If you love breathtaking mountains reflected in crystal-clear lakes, make your way to the Seeley-Swan Valley in western Montana. The Mission Mountains and the Swan Range flank Highway 83, which runs along this approximately 90-mile stretch. This popular summer destination boasts a refreshing series of over two dozen mountain lakes along the Clearwater River.

Seeley Lake, located near the southern end of Highway 83, is the largest in the chain, featuring campgrounds, private resorts, and stocked rainbow trout. About halfway up the highway, Holland Lake offers another picturesque lakeside spot, with the Holland Falls National Recreation Trail guiding hikers to a stunning waterfall display. At the northern end, Swan Lake stretches along eight miles of the highway, renowned for its fishing and camping options.

Planning Tip: Allocate 2-3 days for a rewarding journey through the Seeley-Swan Valley, reserving campsites at locations like Lake Alva or Lindbergh Lake, or choosing accommodations at the Holland Lake Lodge.

5. Pioneer Mountain Scenic Byway

Ideal road trip for discovering the hidden treasures of the Treasure State

Wise River – Polaris; 45 miles

Despite its relatively short 45-mile stretch, the Pioneer Scenic Byway in southwest Montana opens the door to days filled with authentic Montana adventures. The route traces the full length of the Pioneer Mountain Range through Beaverhead Deerlodge National Forest, providing a smooth and enjoyable drive that truly embodies the essence of 'Big Sky Country.'

The route is lined with opportunities for outdoor recreation, including the Big Hole River at its northern end—one of Montana's premier blue-ribbon fly fishing spots. National forest campgrounds dot the landscape, with Price Creek being the largest, featuring 28 sites for tents or RVs. This campground is also the closest to Crystal Park, a must-see destination where you can harvest quartz crystals from 30 acres of open land.

Planning Tip: The Pioneer Scenic Highway is accessible from May 15th to December 1st. During the rest of the year, it becomes one of the state’s favorite snowmobile trails.

6. A Journey through Paradise (Valley)

Perfect road trip for exploring historic hot springs

Livingston-Gardiner; 54 miles

The Yellowstone River flows through Paradise Valley, nestled between the Absaroka and Gallatin Mountains in southern Montana. This picturesque riparian area stretches just 40 miles, yet with Livingston and Yellowstone National Park at its northern and southern ends, it offers over a week’s worth of exploration along its river outlets.

While time spent in Livingston or Yellowstone can easily fill your vacation, be sure to carve out some time to enjoy the drive in between. A great way to take in the breathtaking scenery is by booking an overnight stay at the historic Chico Hot Springs, established in 1900, which still features rustic rooms, a large community pool, and a charming dining room for a memorable romantic evening.

Detour: Highway 89 serves as the primary route through Paradise Valley and is a well-known access road to Yellowstone National Park. For a quieter experience, consider the less-traveled East River Road, which offers a slower pace and a more enjoyable drive.

7. ZooTown to Whitefish via the Flathead Valley – Highway 93

Ideal route for spontaneous adventures

Missoula-Whitefish; 138 miles

The journey from Missoula to Whitefish will make you fall in love with Montana. The route winds through the Rattlesnake Mountains just north of Missoula before entering the Flathead Reservation, home to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, who oversee the southern half of Flathead Lake—an essential highlight along the way.

Flathead Lake, the largest natural lake west of the Mississippi River in the contiguous United States, features two roads that run along its vast shoreline. Highway 93 hugs the western edge, passing through quaint towns like Polson and Big Arm, where visitors can find hotels, boat rentals, and community events such as the Flathead Cherry Festival held on the last weekend in July.

About 10 miles north of Flathead Lake lies Kalispell, an excellent base for exploring the Flathead Valley, offering the most options for hotels, restaurants, and community activities. A further 15 miles north is the year-round mountain town of Whitefish, renowned for its Amtrak station, outdoor adventures, and top-notch skiing at Whitefish Mountain Resort.