Montana is an absolute paradise for road-trippers. Often described as “one small town with a lot of roads in between,” you had better learn to love to drive if you live in the Treasure State. And if you want to see some of our finest windshield views, you’ll want to go off the beaten path and check out some of the backroads.
There are hundreds upon hundreds of beautiful backroads in Montana, but these five are particularly beautiful. Stock up on snacks and enjoy the adventure.
- Skalkaho Highway Scenic Byway
jimbev2015 / TripAdvisor This 45-mile drive down Highway 38 runs between the Bitterroot Valley and the Philipsburg Valley, climbing through the beautiful Sapphire Mountains along the way. The views of the Philipsburg Valley from the pass are incredible.
- Yaak River Scenic Drive
Troy Smith / Flickr The Yaak Valley is a secluded, heavily forested area near the Canadian border. This 29-mile route follows Highway 508 and runs between US Highway 2 and the tiny town of Yaak. You’ll most likely have to go on an entire road trip just to reach this stretch, but it will be worth it. Yaak, MT 59935, USA
- The Anaconda-Pintler Scenic Route
Jon Wick / Flickr The Anaconda-Pintler Scenic Route is a low-key alternative to I-90. The 64-mile drive runs between Drummond and Anaconda, following the northern shoreline of Georgetown Lake. While this route will obviously take you a bit longer than I-90, the mileage is about the same… and it’s substantially more scenic.
- Lake Koocanusa Scenic Byway
Robyn Fleming / Flickr Lake Koocanusa Scenic Byway connects Libby with Eureka, following the banks of Lake Koocanusa and the Kootenai River along the way. This 67-mile stretch of highway is unbelievably gorgeous, especially on a sunny day. Lake Koocanusa, Montana 59923, USA
- Gallatin Canyon - Highway 191
Janel Brown / Flickr The beautiful Gallatin Canyon is our pride and joy. Just follow the Gallatin River west on Highway 191 from Bozeman to Big Sky for a visual treat. Keep an eye out for wildlife that sometimes likes to cross the road, like deer, moose, and bighorn sheep. Gallatin Canyon, Montana 59730, USA
Do you have a favorite scenic drive in Montana?
jimbev2015 / TripAdvisor
This 45-mile drive down Highway 38 runs between the Bitterroot Valley and the Philipsburg Valley, climbing through the beautiful Sapphire Mountains along the way. The views of the Philipsburg Valley from the pass are incredible.
Troy Smith / Flickr
The Yaak Valley is a secluded, heavily forested area near the Canadian border. This 29-mile route follows Highway 508 and runs between US Highway 2 and the tiny town of Yaak. You’ll most likely have to go on an entire road trip just to reach this stretch, but it will be worth it.
Yaak, MT 59935, USA
Jon Wick / Flickr
The Anaconda-Pintler Scenic Route is a low-key alternative to I-90. The 64-mile drive runs between Drummond and Anaconda, following the northern shoreline of Georgetown Lake. While this route will obviously take you a bit longer than I-90, the mileage is about the same… and it’s substantially more scenic.
Robyn Fleming / Flickr
Lake Koocanusa Scenic Byway connects Libby with Eureka, following the banks of Lake Koocanusa and the Kootenai River along the way. This 67-mile stretch of highway is unbelievably gorgeous, especially on a sunny day.
Lake Koocanusa, Montana 59923, USA
Janel Brown / Flickr
The beautiful Gallatin Canyon is our pride and joy. Just follow the Gallatin River west on Highway 191 from Bozeman to Big Sky for a visual treat. Keep an eye out for wildlife that sometimes likes to cross the road, like deer, moose, and bighorn sheep.
Gallatin Canyon, Montana 59730, USA
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