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Scenic Drives in Montana
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Defining the top scenic drives in Montana is an extremely difficult task. Not just because there are so many, but rather because all of Montana is one giant scenic drive. From the southeastern part of the state where any road gives you vistas of unique badlands, to the Hi-Line of the Northeast where panoramas of rolling wheat fields blended with expansive stretches of rippled gulches appear much as they did during the wild west days and boom-days of the railroad. In the western part of the state, endless varieties of mountains greet you at every turn of the road. Whether driving in one of many expansive valleys between the ranges or along rushing mountain streams surrounded by towering cliffs, you are constantly aroused by the endless beauty and magnificence of this state.
 Trying to define areas that don't qualify as scenic is an almost impossible task. From anywhere you stand, the only thing that interrupts seemingly endless views to the distant horizon, are magnificent mountain ranges, each with its own distinctive personality. It has been said that for every geologic formation known on the planet, their is an example of it in Montana. One thing that is a given, if you donıt like the view, it will change in a moment.
Notwithstanding, here are a few of the drives that stand out in the state. Some of them are long stretches, some are short drives that reveal some awesome and unique features of the state. No doubt those of you who are familiar with the state will want to point out areas Iıve missed. In my book "The Ultimate Montana Atlas and Travel Encyclopedia" I have over 65 unique drives. Obviously, I canıt fit them all here. The following top my list:
The Beartooth Highway
Dubbed the "most beautiful drive in America" by author Charles Kurault, it is one of only 52 drives in the country that share the designation of National Scenic Byway. This spectacular 65-mile drive reaches the highest driveable points in both Wyoming and Montana. The drive winds slowly to a panoramic view from the 10,942 ft. summit of peaks, varied topography, glaciers, plateaus, alpine lakes, cascading streams, wildflowers and wildlife.
 Going-to-the-Sun Road
This is the main road through Glacier National Park and one of the few paved roads in the park. Completed in 1932, this 52-mile road combines both history and unparalleled scenery. It bisects the heart of Glacier. Its construction made accessible the remote backcountry of the park to everyone. While portions of this scenic route remain open year-round, the higher sections are generally not open until late May or June and close the third Monday in October, unless closed earlier by snowfall.
The Pioneer Mountain Scenic Byway
This relaxed drive through the Pioneer Mountains in southwest Montana extends north from Hwy 278 between Dillon and Jackson, Montana, to Hwy 43 at Wise River. You will see mountain meadows, lodgepole pine forests and broad "willow bottoms", not to mention numerous varieties of wildlife. Along this route you will pass the Maverick Mountain ski area, a hot springs, and a couple of ghost towns. As you descend the 7,800 foot divide between Grasshopper Creek and Wise River, you will see the old railroad bed of the Montana Southern Railway, the last narrow-gauge railroad built in the U.S. The railroad served the Elkhorn Mine, one of the largest ore-mill structures in the U.S., It also served the town of Coolidge, which grew up around the mill. Elkhorn and Coolidge offer an interesting side trip from the byway.
Pintlar Scenic Drive
This highway forms a loop that takes you over high mountain passes to the towns of Anaconda, Philipsburg, and Drummond. It skirts the shores of the scenic Georgetown Lake with the magnificent backdrop of the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness. In the middle of the stretch is the unique little sapphire mining town of Philipsburg. Like the precious stones mined nearby, this town is a gem of its own. All of the buildings on its main street are original and historic, and practically all have been restored and maintained in their original and colorful state. Start at either end of MT Hwy 1 at the I-90 Drummond exit or the Anaconda exit.
Makoshika State Park
 This drive is found on the outskirts of Glendive in southeastern Montana. The drive is really just a loop through the park, but one that requires many stops for short walks to lookout points over this dreamscape terrain. Hogback ridges, fluted hillsides, pinnacles and cap rocks ornament a network of buttes. The mineral-banded, soft, sedimentary rocks with their decor of contrasting pines and junipers create a panorama of unique shapes and colors that has a chameleon character, changing with the ever-varying pattern of light and shadow from the passing sun, clouds, moon and seasons. If youıre in a camping mode, rise early to watch the sun rise and paint color into this incredible landscape.
 Gallatin Canyon
This 85 mile drive is my favorite and arguably one of the most beautiful and breathtaking drives in Montana, if not in the country. The drive stretches along Highway 191 from the west entrance to Yellowstone Park at West Yellowstone to Gallatin Gateway just south of Bozeman. At Gallatin Gateway, visit the Gallatin Gateway Inn, a magnificent restored railroad hotel. There is also an excellent hot springs to soak in at this point. The highway parallels the Gallatin River and skirts the majestic Spanish Peaks. The river is a mecca for whitewater enthusiasts and fishermen alike. Many of the scenes for "A River Runs Through It" were filmed here. The road passes the Big Sky Ski Resort, one of the top ski areas in the country. If you are driving in the summer, head up to Big Sky and ride the gondola to the top for a view you won't be able to capture on film. On its way to West Yellowstone, the highway passes through 20 miles of Yellowstone Park. Keep your eyes open for bison, moose and elk. The yellow cliffs rising from the river on much of the route are constant backdrops for the paintings of the world famous Gary Carter.
These are just a few of the countless stretches of scenic highway in the state. You can find over 65 of them in "The Ultimate Montana Atlas and Travel Encyclopedia."
Photos by Michael Dougherty
Copyrightİ 2001 Michael Dougherty
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