Get a taste of Montana life and scenery, see the Continental Divide, herds of cattle, and beautiful mountain ranges.
If you were touring the great state of Montana, using the national parks back in the days before interstates, and when U.S. highways served as the main arterial cross-country routes, the main route between Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park would have been U.S. 89.
Today, although U.S. 89 is still perhaps the most straight path, most tourists will likely pass I-90 to I-15 and take the easy way, this is all the better for travelers of U.S. 89. It would be difficult to pick a
road that represents the character of such a diverse and massive state as Montana, but U.S. 89 comes close. Running the length of the state north to south near the western end, U.S. 89 not only links two of the country’s most sacred national parks but it also offers a taste of Montana life and scenery. Leaving north out of the Yellowstone area in the summer, you will most likely have to wade through a column of RVs until you get to I-90. Winter driving can be truly dangerous here, and this route gets pretty remote. However, once you’re beyond the “big road,” U.S. 89 opens right up. You won’t be able to experience the “reasonable and prudent” speed limits Montana is famous for, but you will get an eyeful of magnificent views, as U.S. 89 skirts the Continental Divide and snakes through several mountain ranges and the national forests along the way. Also, when you reach the flatter stretches, you’ll want to watch out because ranches are everywhere, and U.S. 89 is a popular thoroughfare for enormous herds of cattle. You may have to kick back and watch the cowboys for several minutes, as that’s certainly part of the Montana adventure.
Starting Point:
Yellowstone National Park, MT
Distance of Drive:
440 miles
Must Eat:
Overland Express
2250 11th Avenue, Helena, MT 59601
Phone: 406-449-2635
Call ahead to confirm hours of operation.
Best Time of Year for Drive:
Late spring to early fall
Points of Interest on Drive:
Glacier National Park
Continental Divide
Yellowstone National Park
Tagged with: best time:summer and fall • glaciers • Montana
Filed under: Best Road Trips