They don’t call it Big Sky Country for nothing. In Montana, the name fits and then some. Think wide-open spaces, snow-capped peaks, golden fields and rivers that twist and tumble through wild valleys.
Montana’s scenic drives aren’t just a way to get somewhere, they are the adventure. Whether you’ve got a fly rod in the back, hiking boots in the trunk or just a craving for wide-open nothingness, these scenic drives in Montana deliver some of the most unreal scenery you’ll find anywhere in the U.S.
Note before you go: Some of Montana’s most scenic drives are seasonal. Snow can stick around well into spring, so your sweet spot is late May through early fall.
Nic Y-C Via Unsplash
1. Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway
Location: Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
Montana, unplugged.
Picture this: a two-lane ribbon of road slicing through pine forests, with snow-capped peaks rising like giants on either side…
No service. No crowds. Just you, the breeze through cracked windows and a landscape so wide it feels like it might swallow you whole.
This stretch between Wise River and Polaris is pure Montana magic, granite peaks in the distance, trout flicking through cool streams and campsites so quiet you’ll wonder if anyone else even knows this road exists.
The Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway opens in mid-May (snow plows permitting).
Must-dos:
- Toss a fly in the creek — you’ll swear it’s untouched.
- Camp out deep in the woods and disappear for a bit.
- Pull over. Often. The silence and sights are the main attractions.
Local tip: Soak off the dust at Elkhorn Hot Springs. It’s funky, low-key and 100% worth it.
Photo 1: Greg Towns Via Getty Images, Photo 2: peeterv Via Getty Images
2. Beartooth Highway
Location: Red Lodge to Yellowstone National Park
This road doesn’t just climb—it ascends.
The Beartooth Highway was cut into the mountain peaks in the 1930s as part of the Depression-era Works Progress Administration (WPA) projects. Few roads should make us prouder as a nation than this spectacular stretch of mountainous majesty.
Start in Red Lodge with a thermos of coffee and a full tank, then point your rig toward the clouds. Within minutes, you’re switchbacking through alpine wilderness like you’ve been dropped into a National Geographic cover.
Snowfields cling to jagged cliffs even in mid-summer. Lakes appear out of nowhere. Marmots own the road.
As you crest 10,000 feet, the world goes quiet. Air thins. Views stretch all the way to Wyoming. This isn’t just a drive—it’s a ride across the spine of the earth.
Must-dos:
- Pull over at the top and just breathe it in
- Ski in June—because how many people can say they have?
- Snap that photo at Vista Point. Thank us later.
Local tip: Red Lodge isn’t just a starting point—it’s a vibe. Take some time to soak it in with a stroll down its wild-west style downtown, delicious pastries and friendly residents.
Haizhan Zheng Via Getty Images
3. Going-to-the-Sun Road
Location: Glacier National Park
If heaven had pavement, it’d look like this.
This is Glacier’s crown jewel. A road carved into cliff faces, hanging impossibly above valleys that look like they were airbrushed. Waterfalls spill down rock walls beside you. Peaks explode out of the earth.
Even with summer crowds, this place delivers. Every overlook, every bend—it’s one big breath-stealing moment after another.
Must-dos:
- Bike it in spring before it opens to cars. No traffic. No noise. Just awe.
- Get out at Logan Pass and hike up to Hidden Lake
- Pull over at Wild Goose Island. Take the postcard shot. Then just stare
Local tip: Summer means vehicle entry permits at Glacier. Get one.
Or go early and skip the crowds. Trust us, sunrise here might ruin all other mornings.
Photo 1: Carl Anderson Via Getty Images, Photo 2: Edb3_16 Via Getty Images
When Do Montana Scenic Roads Open?
Montana doesn’t rush into summer, especially in the mountains. Most scenic roads stay snowed in through spring and don’t fully open until late May or even June, depending on conditions.
Before you hit the road, always double-check closures, plowing updates and live conditions.
Pro tip: Consider hitting Montana’s scenic drives during the post-summer shoulder season (generally running from Labor Day to early October). You’ll experience fewer crowds, more wildlife and more crisp mornings.
Here’s a quick cheat sheet to Montana’s scenic road open dates:
- Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway: Mid-May (check after May 15)
- Beartooth Highway: Friday before Memorial Day
- Going-to-the-Sun Road: Late June to early July
Get real-time updates with these resources:
- Montana Road Conditions
- Beartooth Highway Status
- Glacier National Park Webcams
- Glacier Vehicle Reservation System
Filipp Romanovski via Unsplash
What to Pack for Your Scenic Drive
Layers, layers, layers
Weather in the mountains can flip fast. Pack for sun, wind, rain and even snow.
Water, snacks and a full tank
Some stretches are remote with zero services. Fuel up and bring enough to keep you going for hours.
Binoculars
Keep them handy—bears, moose and mountain goats don’t usually pose right next to the road.
Adventure gear
Fly rods, hiking boots, bikes or even skis. These scenic drives in Montana pass by trailheads, rivers and late-season snowfields.
Paper map
Cell service can hit-or-miss. Don’t count on your GPS for all the twists and turns.
Bear spray
It’s not optional. You’re in wild country—carry it, know how to use it and keep it accessible.
SED Photography Via Getty Images
Final Tips for a Montana Road Adventure
The best time to hit Montana’s scenic drives is late May through September, but no matter when you go, come ready for the unexpected.
Be flexible. Mountain weather has a mind of its own. A sunny morning can turn into a snow flurry by lunch, especially at higher elevations.
Check before you roll. Road conditions, trail closures, and park updates can change daily. Always check Montana DOT and National Park Service alerts before you head out.
Build in bonus stops. These drives pair perfectly with cozy campgrounds, quiet hot springs and Montana’s small-town gems.
Montana doesn’t do halfway. In Big Sky Country, the roads are wild, the views are massive and adventure is always just one bend away. Pack up and roll out to Montana’s most scenic drives.
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