The Six Most Heart Stopping Scenic Routes In Montana

I recently took my in laws on a ride up the Beartooth Highway, one of the most scenic stretches of road you’ll ever see. Let’s just say they were gripping the armrests the entire way. I couldn’t help but laugh and think, if that drive rattled them, imagine their reaction if I’d taken them on some of Montana’s other roads.

Our state has some of the most beautiful drives in the country, but also some of the scariest. Let' take a look at six of the most intimidating drives in Big Sky Country, shall we?

MacDonald Pass: Beauty with a Hint of Danger

Just west of Helena, MacDonald Pass cuts across the Continental Divide. The views are breathtaking, but the road itself is a challenge. With sharp turns, steep cliffs, and winter ice, this mountain pass is one that demands every bit of your focus.

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Going to the Sun Road: A Thrilling Yet Nerve Wracking Journey

Glacier National Park’s famous Going to the Sun Road is both stunning and terrifying. With hairpin turns, sudden mist, and sheer drop-offs, it’s not for the faint of heart, especially if heights make you uneasy. The scenery will leave you speechless, but so might the drive itself.

Highway 93: Deceptively Deadly

Stretching from the Canadian border down to Missoula, Highway 93 doesn’t look dangerous at first glance. But it’s one of the deadliest roads in Montana thanks to reckless drivers and thousands of wildlife collisions every year.

Sheep Mountain Road: A Rough Ride with Scenic Views

Over in Park County, Sheep Mountain Road reaches some of the highest points in Montana. It’s a gravel road, uneven and bumpy, and winter only makes it more treacherous. Still, if you’re up for the challenge, the views are worth every nerve-wracking mile.

Pioneer Mountain Scenic Byway: A Test of Nerves and Driving Skills

The Pioneer Mountain Scenic Byway offers rugged mountain views that will make your jaw drop, but driving it is no small task. Winter turns this already challenging route into something downright intimidating, especially for those uneasy with heights.

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Highway 191: A Tale of Two Seasons

Highway 191 connects Bozeman to West Yellowstone, and in the summer it’s gorgeous. In the winter, however, it transforms into one of the most hazardous drives in the state. With snow, ice, and heavy traffic, this stretch of road has a long history of accidents.