Montana, also known as the “Treasure State,” is a popular destination for road trips. With its vast and diverse landscapes, Montana offers breathtaking views of mountains, rivers, and wildlife. If you’re planning a road trip in Montana but don’t know where to start, here are some destinations worth adding to your itinerary.
Glacier National Park
Overview
Glacier National Park is one of the most iconic national parks in the United States. Located in northern Montana, it covers over 1 million acres of wilderness and features over 700 miles of hiking trails. The park is home to two mountain ranges, over 130 lakes, and hundreds of species of wildlife.
Things to Do
Some of the top activities at Glacier National Park include hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The Going-to-the-Sun Road is a must-see attraction that takes you through stunning mountain scenery and offers panoramic views from high elevations.
Yellowstone National Park
Overview
Yellowstone National Park is primarily located in Wyoming but also extends into Montana and Idaho. It was America’s first national park and covers over 2 million acres of wilderness. Yellowstone is known for its geothermal features such as Old Faithful geyser and hot springs.
Things to Do
While visiting Yellowstone National Park on your road trip through Montana, some popular activities include hiking, camping, fishing, boating on Yellowstone Lake or the Madison River. Wildlife viewing is also a highlight with animals such as bison, elk, wolves and bears roaming throughout the park.
Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area
Overview
The Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area spans across both Montana and Wyoming with approximately 120 miles of shoreline on the Bighorn Lake. The area is known for its stunning canyon walls, towering cliffs, and diverse wildlife.
Things to Do
Activities at Bighorn Canyon include hiking, fishing, boating, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. The Bighorn Canyon Overlook offers a scenic view of the canyon and surrounding landscape that you won’t want to miss.
Flathead Lake
Overview
Flathead Lake is the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River. Located in northwest Montana, it covers over 200 square miles and has over 185 miles of shoreline. The lake is known for its clear blue waters and stunning mountain views.
Things to Do
Some popular activities at Flathead Lake include swimming, boating, fishing, camping, and hiking in the nearby mountains. The Wild Horse Island State Park is a must-visit destination for wildlife viewing with bighorn sheep, deer and wild horses accessible by boat.
The Beartooth Highway
Overview
The Beartooth Highway is an iconic scenic drive that winds through the Beartooth Mountains in southwest Montana. It offers incredible views of snow-capped peaks towering above alpine lakes and valleys.
Things to Do
Driving along this highway offers some incredible photo opportunities but there are also plenty of opportunities for hiking or camping in this region too. If you’re looking for a unique experience take a detour to visit Red Lodge Mountain Ski Resort or explore the ghost town of Cooke City.
In conclusion, Montana has a great deal to offer when it comes to road trips with stunning national park vistas like Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks as well as beautiful natural attractions such as Flathead Lake or Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. Don’t forget about the scenic drives too, like the Beartooth Highway. So pack your bags, hit the open road and explore all that Montana has to offer!