Every Montanan knows there’s nothing quite like climbing into the car and exploring some of our beautiful state from the road. And while road trip season is definitely limited in the Treasure State, it never hurts to plan out some incredible weekend road trips in Montana. If it’s been a while since you’ve taken in the amazing natural beauty of the Beartooth Highway, we hope this road trip route inspires you to do just that.

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Technically, you can start this road trip anywhere you'd like... but we highly recommend starting it in beautiful Bozeman.
edwardhblake / Flickr
Fuel up your car and enjoy a hearty breakfast at the Nova Cafe, Main Street Overeasy, or any number of amazing restaurants in Bozeman, then hit the road as you embark on one of the best weekend road trips in Montana.
You'll cruise down I-90, passing through some of our most charming towns, including Livingston and Big Timber.
Jasperdo / Flickr
Stop in Big Timber and stretch your legs - it's surrounded by natural beauty.
Just before jumping onto the Beartooth Highway, you'll come to Red Lodge.
Frank DiBona / Flickr
Tucked into a mountain valley between glaciers and plains, Red Lodge is a delightful little town that happens to be a perfect place to spend a night. In fact, it's considered to be one of the best small towns in Montana.

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If you decide to stay in Red Lodge, treat yourself to a delicious dinner and take an evening stroll before retreating to the historic Pollard Hotel.
management / TripAdvisor
The hotel dates all the way back to 1893, so it's brimming with local history. Plus, it has an on-site pub in case you'd like to grab a nightcap (and possibly enjoy some live music too).
The next morning, rise and shine and head straight for Highway 212.
Jasperdo / Flickr
It's time to take in the scenic beauty of the Beartooth Highway.
The Beartooth Highway is a 68-mile travel corridor that begins just south of Red Lodge and ends near the Northeast Entrance to Yellowstone National Park and Cooke City / Silver Gate.
Jasperdo / Flickr
The route dips into Wyoming briefly, taking you through some incredibly stunning territory.
Come see why this highway has been called "The Most Beautiful Drive in America."
Jasperdo / Flickr
A section of it has even been awarded the National Scenic Byways' All-American Road status.
After passing through the beautiful Cooke City, you'll dip back into Wyoming again before ending up in Gardiner.
Ken Lund / Flickr
Gardiner is one of Montana's gateways to Yellowstone, and it's a perfect place to stop to top off your gas tank and have some lunch. Then, simply take Highway 89 North to Livingston and I-90 back to Bozeman to complete your road trip.

Here’s a handy interactive map to help lead the way on one of the best weekend road trips in Montana!

Have you ever driven the Beartooth Highway? If you can’t make it that way anytime soon, perhaps these other Montana road trips will inspire you.

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More to Explore

Weekend Road Trips In Montana

Beth C. | June 21, 2021

What are some fun things to do in Montana?

Traveling through Montana means you'll virtually never run out of fun things to do. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, history buff, or a fan of odd roadside attractions, a trip to Montana will not disappoint. If you happen to find yourself looking for some fun things to do in Montana, you might consider visiting any of the following destinations: Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman, Fort Peck Theatre, the Old Montana Prison in Deer Lodge, Dumas Brothel Museum in Butte, ZooMontana, the Gates of the Mountains Boat Tour, Montana Vortex & House of Mystery, the Lewiston Public Library, the Moss Mansion in Billings, the Silver Bow Drive-In Theater in Butte, Lolo Hot Springs, and Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument.

What are the most beautiful places in Montana?

Montana is renowned for having some of the most beautiful scenery in the entire country. No matter which region of the state you're visiting, there's likely something stunning nearby. Some of the most beautiful places in Montana include Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park, Gates of the Mountains, Kootenai Falls, Missoula's "M" Trail, Bighorn Canyon, the Whitefish Range, Logan Pass in Glacier National Park, Makoshika State Park in Glendive, Palisade Falls in Bozeman, Wild Goose Island Viewpoint near St. Mary Lake in Glacier National Park, and Flathead Lake.

What are some other scenic drives in Montana?

Montana is a large state, and it makes sense to experience it by car if you want to travel to various regions. Fortunately, most of the roads in Montana happen to be positively gorgeous. Some of the most scenic Montana drives include the Missouri Breaks National Back Country Byway, Kings Hill Scenic Byway, Big Sheep Creek Back Country Byway, the Anaconda-Pintler Scenic Route, and Garnet Back Country Byway. How many of these scenic drives in Montana have you completed?

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Beartooth Highway, Beartooth Hwy, Red Lodge, MT, USA