Scenic Drives

1. Tongue River Reservoir Tour

Decker, Southeast Montana

This 121-mile loop will take you through some spectacular badland country crowned with rock spires and arid plateaus while dipping into river bottoms and open rangeland.

2. The Black’s Pond Drive

Ashland, Southeast Montana

This tour is 23 miles through the Custer National Forest and it is not for the faint of heart.

3. Powder River Trail

Baker, Southeast Montana

This drive is short and doesn’t require a lot of description. Many of the sights along this trail have been described elsewhere in this section. Consider this an alternative route to I-94.

4. Makoshika State Park

Glendive, Southeast Montana

Rising from the Yellowstone valley and surrounding prairies is a broad region of seeming disarray—bad lands.

Closed

5. Gallatin Canyon Scenic Drive

Big Sky, Bozeman Area

This 85 mile drive is arguably one of the most beautiful and breathtaking drives in Montana, if not in the country.

6. Flying D Ranch: Bison Viewing Area

Gallatin Gateway, Bozeman Area

This is the private property of media mogul Ted Turner. One of the first things he did when he bought the ranch was to remove all of the fences on the 130,000 acres to allow his bison herd (as many as 5,000) to roam as freely.

7. Hyalite Canyon Recreation Area

Bozeman, Bozeman Area

This is the most used recreation area in the state and for good reason. A beautiful mountain lake sits at the end of a beautiful drive up the canyon of Hyalite Creek.

8. Wild Horses & More! Pryor Mountains

Billings, Billings Area

In the extreme southeast corner of Carbon County you’ll find one of the last remaining herds of wild horses in the country.

9. Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area

Fort Smith, Billings Area

The lake and the steep-sided canyons provide a peaceful setting for those seeking a break from the daily routine.

10. Rimrocks

Billings Heights, Billings Area

The landmark that seems to stand out most in Billings are the Rimrocks.

11. Dryhead Overlook

Billings, Billings Area

The drive here is worth it. At the end of the drive, you’ll be standing atop an 8,500 foot rim looking thousands of feet down into the Bighorn Canyon.

12. Beartooth Highway

Red Lodge, Red Lodge Area

Author Charles Kurault described the Beartooth Scenic Highway as the most beautiful drive in America.

13. Boulder River Valley Scenic Drive

Big Timber, Livingston Area

Big Timber marks the confluence of the Boulder and Yellowstone Rivers. The Boulder River Valley is a beautiful drive just south of Big Timber on Route 298.

14. Paradise Valley Scenic Drive

Emigrant, Livingston Area

Paradise Valley has been carved by the Yellowstone River running through the land, separating the Gallatin Range to the west and the Absaroka Range to the east.

15. Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge

Red Rock, Butte Area

Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) was established in 1935 to protect the rare trumpeter swan. Today, this 45,000-acre Refuge continues to be one of the most important habitats in North America for these magnificent migratory birds.

16. Thompson River Road

Thompson Falls, Northwest Montana

Whether you’re looking for some great secluded fishing spots or just a leisurely drive along a scenic mountain river, this is a delightful drive.

17. Lake Koocanusa

Libby,

Take Hwy. 37 just north of Libby to the dam.

18. Kootenai National Forest

Northwest Montana

Libby is in the heart of the forest.

19. Badrock Canyon

Flathead Area

The Great Northern Railway was constructed through Badrock Canyon in 1891.

20. Goat Lick Overlook

Essex, Glacier Park Area

The exposed riverbank cliffs above the Middle Fork of the Flathead River provide an excellent wildlife viewing area

21. Hungry Horse Dam & Reservoir

Martin City, Flathead Area

The nation’s 10th tallest dam towers over the South Fork of the Flathead River just a few miles from the town of Hungry Horse.

Closed

22. Great Bear Adventure

Hungry Horse, Glacier Park Area

This drive requires admission and is a drive-through enclosed park where bears roam the area freely.

23. Lake Mary Ronan

Lake Mary Ronan, Flathead Area

Located on the east shore of Lake Mary Ronan, this 76-acre park is shaded by a forest of douglas fir and western larch.

24. Swan Lake Recreation Area

Swan Lake, Flathead Area

Swan Lake Recreation Area is located near Swan Lake village in northwest Montana at the north end of the Swan Valley.

25. Flathead Lake

Flathead Area

It’s easy to spend an entire day exploring the nooks, crannies, and unique hamlets surrounding Flathead Lake.

26. Goat Lick

Flathead Area

Mountain goats like to hang around this natural salt lick. And kids like to hang around and watch the goats.

27. The North Fork

Columbia Falls, Glacier Park Area

Take the windy gravel road north along the North Fork of the Flathead River for some spectacular views of wildlife, and Glacier Park peaks.

28. Sun River Canyon

Choteau, Great Falls Area

This 4,000-acre area is one of the best places in the state to view bighorn sheep.

29. Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Ranch

Dupuyer, Great Falls Area

This ranch is operated by the Boone and Crockett Club, a national conservation organization. Theodore Roosevelt established the Boone and Crockett Club in 1887.

30. Giant Springs State Park

Great Falls, Great Falls Area

The Giant Springs Heritage State Park is a 218-acre facility which includes the spring, hatchery, and the regional headquarters and visitor center for the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks.

31. Missouri Breaks Backcountry Byway

Winifred, Havre Area

This 81-mile loop starts in Winifred.

32. Fred Robinson Bridge Tour

Lewistown, Havre Area

The Fred Robinson Bridge over the Missouri River is approximately 70 miles south of Malta on Highway 191. Looking from the bridge you are viewing much of the same scenery that Lewis and Clark viewed when passing through this area.

33. Ranching Country and Milk River Route

Malta, Havre Area

This tour through this section's northeast country begins in Malta on U.S. Highway 2, the Hi-Line highway.

34. Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge

Glasgow, Northeast Montana

Named after the prized Montana cowboy-artist, this refuge is the third-largest in the United States and the second-largest in the lower 48 states with over one million acres of prairies, badlands, and rolling hills.

35. Outlaws Oldtrails and the Sioux and Assiniboine Nations Route Scenic Drives

Wolf Point, Northeast Montana

You will cover 188 miles on this circle trip so allow yourself some time. You will probably need to take at least a couple of days even if you hurry through.

36. The Missouri and Yellowstone Route Scenic Drive

Sidney, Northeast Montana

Twenty miles to the northeast of present-day Sidney on April 27, 1805, Lewis and Clark and the Corps of Discovery first entered Montana. A couple of days earlier, they camped at the confluence of the Yellowstone and Missouri Rivers.

37. Jordan Country Circle Range and CMR Wildlife Refuge Route Scenic Drive

Jordan, Northeast Montana

This area was dubbed “The Big Open” by the late 1800s photographer L. A. Huffman. Others have called it “The Big Dry.” Until the 1990s it was fairly unknown area to the rest of the country when the standoff between the Federal agents and the Freeman.

38. Four Buttes Poplar River and Rock Creek Badlands Route Scenic Drive

Glasgow, Northeast Montana

Glasgow is your starting point for this trip. This trip is a 202-mile circle so plan your time accordingly. We’d recommend at least 2 days.

39. Hanover (Spring Creek) Trestle

Lewistown, Central Montana

The trestle is a railroad bridge 78 feet high and 1,391 feet long constructed entirely of milled timber.

40. Kings Hill National Scenic Byway

Armington, Central Montana

This is a beautiful, winding mountain drive. Along this route is Sluice Boxes State Park which offers great fishing and hiking opportunities.

41. Spring Creek Tour

Lewistown, Central Montana

From Lewistown drive 4.5 miles south on MT 238 to MT 466. Go right and drive two miles.

42. Fort Maginnis Scenic Drive

Lewistown, Central Montana

Begin by driving east from Lewistown on Hwy.. 87 approximately 12 miles to the Cheadle turnoff and go north. Head toward the ghost town of Gilt Edge and follow the signs to the Fort.

43. Lewistown Ghost Town Tour

Lewistown, Central Montana

Begin by driving east on Hwy.. 87 approximately 12 miles to the Cheadle turnoff and go north approximately 7 miles to the town of Gilt Edge.

44. Hogback Lookout Scenic Drive

Nelson, Helena Area

While it’s a bit of a drive to this spot, the breathtaking views are ample payback. From Nelson to the lookout, you will drive among 1,500-foot limestone cliffs and stark rock spires.

45. Canyon Ferry Scenic Drive

Helena, Helena Area

This tour starts in Helena and heads south on Hwy.. 12/287. The wide-open meadows just before you reach Townsend are home to a herd of antelope that is visible practically anytime.

46. Elk Park Scenic Drive

Butte, Helena Area

The drive will take you down through an old mining area where you can view tailings from past mining operations.

47. East Fork Bighorn Sheep Herd Viewing Area

Sula, Southwest Montana

This is one of the spots in Montana where you are almost sure to get a glimpse of these magnificent creatures.

48. Spring Emery Road Scenic Drive

Deer Lodge, Butte Area

The drive will take you through scenic vistas and mountain meadows for a total of 25 miles.

49. Deer Lodge/Champion Pass/Bernice Scenic Drive

Deer Lodge, Butte Area

The drive will take approximately three to four hours in which there are four campgrounds along the route to stop for a picnic or fishing along Boulder Creek.

50. Skalkaho Highway Scenic Drive

Philipsburg, Butte Area

The drive is very scenic and will take you over Skalkaho Pass, passing a waterfall and picnic area.

51. Rock Creek Scenic Drive

Philipsburg, Butte Area

The drive is very scenic and provides excellent fishing opportunities along Rock Creek.

52. Beaverhead Scenic Loop Pioneer Mountains National Scenic Byway

Wise River, Butte Area

The stretch from Jackson to Wisdom parallels the Big Hole River, one of the top blue-ribbon trout streams in America.

53. Pintlar Scenic Drive

Anaconda, Butte Area

This highway forms a loop that takes you over high mountain passes to the towns of Anaconda, Philipsburg, and Drummond.

54. Lodgepole Campground

Wise River, Butte Area

10 campsites sit at 6,400ft elevation along the Pioneer Mountains National Scenic Byway.

55. Lid Creek Campground

Hungry Horse, Glacier Park Area

This campground consists of a large loop with 22 sites along the 27,750-acre Hungry Horse Reservoir.

56. Lost Johnny Point Campground

Hungry Horse, Glacier Park Area

This campground is adjacent to the 23,750 a-acre Hungry Horse Reservoir.

57. Grave Creek Campground

Fortine, Northwest Montana

Grave Creek Campground is located in the Kootenai National Forest.

58. Little Therriault Lake Campground

Fortine, Northwest Montana

This campground is located in the Kootenai National Forest. Elevation 5,554ft.

59. Apgar Campground

Apgar, Glacier Park

Apgar is the largest campground in Glacier National Park.

60. Lakeview Campground

Hungry Horse, Glacier Park Area

Lakeview campground has 5 sites on the west shore of Hungry Horse Reservoir. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Vault toilets available, no water.

61. Peter's Creek Campground

Hungry Horse, Glacier Park Area

Peter's Creek Campground is located on the southeast side of the Hungry Horse Reservoir. There are 6 campsites, each with a picnic table and fire ring. Vault toilets available but no water.

62. Rattin / Ratine Campground

Red Lodge, Red Lodge Area

There are 6 campsites at the Rattin Campground that sits along the Main Fork of Rock Creek in the Custer Gallatin National Forest.

63. Peck Gulch Campground

Rexford, Northwest Montana

This 22 site campground is located On Lake Koocanusa in the Kootenai National Forest.

64. Grasshopper Campground

Dillon, Butte Area

This pack in pack out campground at 6,900ft elevation is in a heavily wooded area near the Pioneer Mountains National Scenic Byway.

65. Long Pines Scenic Drive

Ekalaka, Southeast Montana

This is another drive where 4WD and high clearance are recommended. The pine forests and aspen groves south of Ekalaka shelter the nation’s highest reported nesting density of merlins.

66. Devil Canyon Overlook

Pryor, Billings Area

This vista offers a scenic view of the Bighorn River 1,000 feet below, cutting through the Bighorn Canyon. Immediately west of the canyon, you can see where the Pryor Mountains have been uplifted along fault lines.

67. Beartooth Scenic Byway (U.S. Route 212)

Red Lodge, Red Lodge Area

This drive certainly ranks as one of the most spectacular drives in the United States.

68. East Rosebud Lake Scenic Drive

Red Lodge, Red Lodge Area

To start this drive from Red Lodge, take MT Hwy. 78 (the turnoff is just north of downtown) west and drive to the town of Roscoe. This route offers some spectacular uninterrupted views of the Beartooth Range to the south.

69. The City of Murals Whitehall Montana

Whitehall, Butte Area

When you enter the small community of Whitehall, your attention is immediately drawn to a giant mural on the side of a building at the junction of the two main streets in the town.

70. Highlands Scenic Drive

Butte, Butte Area

The Highlands offer several opportunities for scenic drives accessing the Highland Lookout and Humbug Spires. One drive provides a scenic loop that winds through the Highlands and Burton Park and ends at the Feeley interchange on Interstate 15.

71. Delmoe Lake Scenic Drive

Whitehall, Butte Area

From Whitehall, head west on Interstate 90 to the Pipestone exit just below Homestake Pass and continue north on Forest Service Road #222.

72. South Boulder Tobacco Roots Scenic Drive

Whitehall, Butte Area

This drive will take you up into a scenic canyon with high peaks, alpine meadows, and lakes. From Whitehall, head east on Interstate 90 to the Cardwell exit where you will take Montana Highway 359 south approximately six miles to the South Boulder

73. Red Rock Lake Wildlife Refuge Scenic Tour

Dillon, Butte Area

At one time, only a handful of the beautiful and graceful trumpeter swans remained in the Montana- Wyoming-Idaho area. To prevent their extinction in the area, Red Rock Lakes Wildlife Refuge in the Centennial Valley was formed to offer the Trumpeters

74. Glendale-Vipond Park Loop Scenic Drive Tour

Dillon, Butte Area

Take Interstate 15 north from Dillon 30 miles to Melrose exit. Get off of 1-15, turn left into Melrose. Do not take any turns but continue through Melrose, across the bridge over the Big Hole River. Head west on the gravel road approximately 7 miles

75. Yellowstone National Park Via Virginia City Scenic Drive

Virginia City, Butte Area

Leave Dillon on Hwy 41 and travel 28 miles to Twin Bridges. In Twin Bridges turn right on Hwy 287 heading southeast 30 miles to Nevada City and Virginia City. Stop and enjoy both of these towns reminiscent of frontier days in Montana…

76. Skalkaho Pass and Wildlife Area Drive

Hamilton, Southwest Montana

Highway 38 just a few miles south of Hamilton is also known as the Skalkaho Highway. This drive into the mineral-rich Sapphire Mountains takes you on some of Montana’s least traveled mountain roads.

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