Montana is the ultimate summer escape. With its crisp mountain air and abundant natural beauty, the Big Sky State offers a cooler alternative to the sweltering heat found in many other parts of the country. When temperatures do climb, there’s no shortage of rivers, lakes, and streams to help you cool off.

One of the best ways to soak in Montana’s scenery is by taking a road trip. With vast stretches of wilderness, rolling plains, and dramatic mountain ranges, there’s always something new to explore. The state is massive, so whether you’re chasing hidden waterfalls, charming small towns, or panoramic mountain views, adventure is never far away.

The Best Scenic Drives in Montana

Reader’s Digest released a list of the 40 Most Scenic Drives in America, and of course, Montana was included.

Choosing a single “must-see” drive in Montana is nearly impossible, but one road consistently earns high praise: Going-To-The-Sun Road in Glacier National Park. Spanning the park’s rugged terrain, this route offers jaw-dropping views at every turn. Whether you’re making your first trip or your tenth, the grandeur of glaciers, alpine valleys, and turquoise lakes never gets old.

With stunning views of the Rocky Mountains and Glacier National Park, this 50-mile drive is one of the most beautiful in the northwest.

Another gem, often overlooked, is the Beartooth Highway. Stretching roughly 69 miles between Red Lodge and Cooke City, this drive climbs to an astonishing 10,947 feet, making it one of the highest paved roads in the country. Snow blankets the area for much of the year, so the highway is a seasonal treasure.

For those with time to spare, both Going-To-The-Sun Road and the Beartooth Highway are road trips you’ll never forget. On a recent trip along the Beartooth, a friend of mine remarked that the views were even more striking than the Grand Canyon which is high praise for a place that feels like a world apart.

If you’re planning a summer getaway, Montana’s scenic drives are an unbeatable combination of adventure, beauty, and fresh mountain air. Pack your camera, buckle up, and let the Big Sky State show you what summer is all about.