There’s a saying that goes, “Montana is just a small town with very long streets.” And sometimes it feels that way, especially when you’re driving down a long, quiet country road. Tucked away in our state’s rural outskirts and nestled off the beaten path in our spectacular mountain ranges, some of the prettiest backroads in Montana are still hidden gems! Dirt, gravel, and everywhere in between, these scenic Montana backroads offer all of the beautiful sights you can only see in the Treasure State, but sans the crowds and traffic.

1. The Anaconda-Pintler Scenic Route: Anaconda to Drummond
Pintler Veterans Memorial Scenic Highway, Pintler Veterans Memorial Scenic Hwy, Anaconda, MT, USA
Robert Kunz/GoogleReviews
The Anaconda-Pintler Scenic Route 63-mile drive takes you from Anaconda to Georgetown Lake and Philipsburg, passing plenty of visually stunning scenery along the way, such as conifer-clad mountains and sage-covered hills.
2. Yaak River Country: Pipe Creek Road
Pipe Creek Road, Pipe Creek Rd, Libby, MT, USA
Troy Smith/Flickr
Have you ever driven from Libby, MT to the Yaak on Pipe Creek Road? It's one of the most peaceful places in the state and perfect for a late summer drive. The Yaak River Valley is wildly underrated, but don't miss it!
3. Highway 83, Seeley Lake to Bigfork
Montana 83, MT-83, Bigfork, MT, USA
Matt Lemke/GoogleReviews
This 74-mile drive has a little bit of everything: the Swan and Mission Mountains, Richmond Peak, and endless meadows.
4. Garnet Back Country Byway
Montana 200, MT-200, Missoula, MT, USA
pawsitivelyrving/GoogleReviews
This scenic byway provides a 12-mile journey through the Garnet Mountain Range. Beginning near the Garnet Ghost Town, you'll take Highway 200 through evergreen forests and panoramas of the Blackfoot River Valley.

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5. Big Sky Back Country Byway
Terry Badlands, Montana 59349, USA
Alan Majchrowicz/Getty
Southeast Montana has its own unique beauty and this byway will show you the best of it. This route follows a section of the historic Regina-Yellowstone Trail on state highways 253, 200 and 13. You'll see the Terry Badlands, the town of Circle and a view of the historic Lewis and Clark Bridge over the Madison River.
6. Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway
Pioneer Mountains Scenic By-Way, Polaris, MT, USA
Timothy Hearsum/Getty
Travel the length of the Pioneer Mountain Range on this scenic byway, which passes Coolidge Ghost Town and great fishing spots such as Big Hole River in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest.
7. Chief Mountain International Highway
Waterton National Park viewpoint, 3685+FF, Waterton Park, AB T0K 2M0, Canada
Jamie Stamey/Getty
You may want to bring your passport if you make this drive. Located on the north side of Glacier National Park, the Chief Mountain International Highway cruises right up to the Canadian border and to Glacier's sister park.
8. Dry Creek Road, Manhattan to Bozeman
Dry Creek Road, Dry Creek Rd, Belgrade, MT 59714, USA
CountryRoads2012/Getty
The next time you head back to Bozeman, take Dry Creek Road instead of I-90. The surrounding scenery is much prettier and you'll be able to drive slowly enough to enjoy it. Plus, you'll pass the Dry Creek Schoolhouse, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
9. Bears Paw Mountains Back Country Drive
Bears Paw Mountains, Montana 59523, USA
Troy Smith/Flickr
This 76-mile drive passes through the area south of Havre and Chinook near the Bears Paw Mountains. It's one of the most remote drives in north-central Montana, so it's perfect for getting away from it all.

This is just a fraction of the beautiful remote drives you can take in our gorgeous state! What are your favorite memories driving down Montana’s backroads? Are there any other scenic drives in Montana you’d recommend?

While you’re out road-tripping and exploring all of the state’s most breathtaking corners, set up camp to enjoy the views up close! We’ve got some of the best campgrounds in Montana already picked out for you.

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More to Explore

Backroads in Montana & Related Info

Jennifer | August 16, 2023

What are the prettiest scenic overlooks in Montana?

In Big Sky country, there's no shortage of stunning panoramic views and epic high points (both natural and man-made) from which to enjoy them. Craving some mile-high sights? Check out these scenic overlooks, byways, and alpine peaks in Montana:

 

Which restaurants in Montana have the best views?

Don't just watch those gorgeous sights pass you by... sit back and enjoy them up close! Fortunately, dining with a view comes easy in Big Sky Country. Waterfront restaurants, mountain-top resorts, and even remote restaurants in the heart Montana's wide-open spaces all offer phenomenal sights to go with your locally-sourced meal, whether you enjoy it al fresco or in a cozy, romantic space. These delicious restaurants (and bars) in Montana all offer some of the best views in the state:

  • Amber Bear Inn, Heron
  • Boat Club Restaurant, Whitefish
  • East Shore Smokehouse, Polson
  • Fiesta en Jalisco, Polson
  • Finn, Missoula
  • Flathead Lake Brewing Co., Bigfork
  • Gallatin River Lodge, Bozeman
  • Gallatin Riverhouse BBQ, Big Sky
  • Harbor Grille, Lakeside
  • Iron Horse Bar & Grill, Missoula
  • Lakeside on Hauser Bar, Beach & Marina, Helena
  • Lolo Creek Steakhouse, Lolo
  • Mackenzie River Pizza, Great Falls
  • Montana Sky Restaurant, Billings
  • Raven, Woods Bay
  • Schafer's Restaurant
  • SkyBar at Casey’s, Whitefish
  • Tamarack Brewing Company, Missoula
  • Whitefish Lake Golf Club Restaurant, Whitefish
  • Yellowstone Valley Grill, Livingston

 

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