The Rocky Mountains offer some of the most breathtaking drives in North America.
Winding roads traverse dramatic peaks, pristine valleys, and stunning alpine
landscapes. From Colorado’s highest passes to Montana’s glacier-carved valleys,
these scenic routes showcase the raw beauty and grandeur of the Rockies.
Whether you are a seasoned mountain driver or just looking for a memorable
adventure, these twenty routes will leave you with lasting impressions of America’s
most majestic mountain range.
Trail Ridge Road – Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
This 48-mile scenic byway winds through the heart of Rocky Mountain National Park,
climbing to an impressive elevation of 12,183 feet. The route passes through every
ecological zone in the park, from montane forests to the windswept alpine tundra
above the treeline.
The road features numerous pullouts offering spectacular views of the surrounding peaks and valleys, including many opportunities to spot local wildlife like elk and bighorn sheep. Trail Ridge Road truly exemplifies the rugged beauty of the Colorado Rockies.
Going-to-the-Sun Road – Glacier National Park, Montana
This engineering marvel stretches 50 miles across Glacier National Park, offering
unparalleled views of glacier-carved valleys and towering peaks. The road climbs
past waterfalls and the historic Logan Pass, where mountain goats often graze
alongside the highway.
Drivers experience dramatic elevation changes as they traverse through dense cedar forests and past alpine meadows filled with wildflowers. The route showcases some of the most pristine wilderness remaining in the continental United States.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Beartooth Highway – Montana/Wyoming
The Beartooth Highway covers about 68 miles from Red Lodge, Montana, to
Yellowstone National Park, covering an altitude of almost 11,000 feet. A zigzag
along 20 summits above 12,000 feet also provides scenery consisting of glacial
lakes and meadows with enormous alpine plateaus.
Spotting wildlife is easy for those on the road: sightings of grizzly bears, mountain goats, elk, etc. The highway is one of America’s most scenic drives, stunning during wildflower season.
Million Dollar Highway – Colorado
This 25-mile stretch of Highway 550 between Silverton and Ouray features sheer
cliffs, hairpin turns, and three mountain passes above 10,000 feet. The route follows
historic mining paths through the San Juan Mountains, passing abandoned mine
structures and ghost towns.
Waterfalls cascade alongside the road during spring snowmelt, creating dramatic photo opportunities at nearly every turn. The highway earned its name from its million-dollar views or costly construction — both interpretations ring true today.
Peak to Peak Scenic Byway – Colorado
This 55-mile route connects Central City to Estes Park and offers spectacular views
of the Continental Divide. The highway passes through historic mining towns and
past scenic overlooks of Mount Meeker and Longs Peak.
Fall colors transform the landscape into a vibrant display of golden aspens contrasting against evergreen forests. This historic byway provides one of the most accessible ways to experience Colorado’s high country.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Cascade Loop – Washington
This 440-mile journey includes the spectacular Stevens Pass through the Cascade
Mountains, which showcases pristine wilderness areas and alpine lakes. The route
passes through charming mountain towns, offering glimpses of glaciers and
opportunities to view wildlife.
Seasonal changes create different experiences, from spring wildflower displays to winter snow scenes. The loop combines mountain vistas with cultural attractions, making it appealing year-round.
Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway – Wyoming
The byway follows the 27-mile North Fork of the Shoshone River through volcanic
rock formations and dense forest. Scenic roads provide frequent passes along
numerous thermal features and ample opportunities to spot bighorn sheep and bald
eagles.
Scattered historic structures from early settlers tell the story of the American West. The byway is an east entrance gateway into Yellowstone National Park.
Teton Pass – Wyoming/Idaho
This dramatic mountain pass connects Jackson Hole, Wyoming, to Victor, Idaho.
The road tops out at an elevation of 8,431 feet and passes through some
outstanding views of the Teton Range.
Moose might be seen across wetland areas. Innumerable trails branch off along the highway for hidden alpine lakes and meadows. This pass provides access to the region’s best recreational activities year- round.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Owl Creek Pass Road – Colorado
This remote 26-mile dirt road winds through the Cimarron Range, offering views of
Courthouse Mountain and Chimney Rock. The route passes through aspen groves
and past historic ranches that still operate today.
During the summer months, wildflower meadows stretch for miles, creating carpets of color. The pass gained fame as a filming location for the original True Grit movie.
Pioneer Mountains Scenic Byway – Montana
This 49-mile route through the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest showcases
rugged mountain peaks and pristine valleys. The road passes historic mining sites
and offers access to numerous hiking trails and fishing streams.
Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with chances to spot elk, deer, and various bird species. The byway represents one of Montana’s less-traveled but equally spectacular mountain drives.
Chief Joseph Scenic Byway – Wyoming
This 47-mile highway traces the route of the Nez Perce in their 1877 flight from the
U.S. Army. At 8,048 feet, it crosses Dead Indian Pass, offering dramatic views of the
Absaroka Mountains. Historical markers tell the story of Chief Joseph and his
people’s journey.
The byway connects Cody with the Beartooth Highway and Yellowstone National Park.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
West Elk Loop – Colorado
This 205-mile scenic byway encircles the West Elk Mountains, passing through
historic mining towns and ranch lands. The route includes views of the Black Canyon
of the Gunnison and passes through three distinct climate zones.
Fall brings spectacular color changes as aspen groves turn brilliant gold. The loop offers
numerous opportunities for side trips to ghost towns and hiking trails.
Gallatin Canyon – Montana
This 30-mile drive follows the Gallatin River through a dramatic canyon between
Bozeman and Big Sky. It features towering rock walls, whitewater rapids, and
frequent wildlife sightings.
Numerous fishing access points and hiking trails branch off from the main road. The canyon was filmed for ‘A River Runs Through It.’
Cache la Poudre – North Park – Colorado
This 101-mile scenic byway follows Colorado’s only designated Wild and Scenic
River through dramatic canyons. The route passes through Roosevelt National
Forest and offers access to numerous recreation areas.
Along the way, historic sites tell the story of early settlers and mining operations. The byway represents one of Colorado’s most diverse scenic drives.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Sunlight Basin Road – Wyoming
This 45-mile route through the Absaroka Mountains offers spectacular views of
surrounding peaks and valleys. The road passes through areas rich in wildlife,
including grizzly bears and mountain lions.
Numerous fishing streams and hiking trails branch off from the main route. The basin represents one of Wyoming’s most remote and pristine mountain areas.
Montana Highway 83 – Montana
This 91-mile scenic route through the Seeley-Swan Valley passes between two
wilderness areas. The road offers views of the Mission and Swan mountain ranges
and access to numerous mountain lakes.
Wildlife viewing opportunities include spotting moose, elk, and various bird species. The highway represents one of Montana’s most scenic forest routes.
Scenic Basin Road – Wyoming
This 27-mile route through the Bighorn Mountains passes alpine meadows and
prehistoric Native American sites. The road offers access to Medicine Mountain and
its ancient medicine wheel.
Numerous hiking trails lead to hidden lakes and spectacular viewpoints. The basin provides some of Wyoming’s most diverse mountain scenery.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
La Sal Mountain Loop – Utah
This 60-mile scenic drive circles Utah’s second-highest mountain range, offering
views of red rock canyons and alpine peaks. The route passes through multiple
climate zones, from desert to alpine environments.
Numerous viewpoints offer perspectives of the surrounding Colorado Plateau. The loop provides one of Utah’s most dramatic elevation changes.
Flaming Gorge-Uintas Scenic Byway – Utah
This 82-mile route follows the rim of Flaming Gorge Reservoir and crosses the
eastern Uinta Mountains. The road passes through red rock canyons and high-
mountain forests, offering dramatic contrasts.
Numerous viewpoints provide opportunities to spot bighorn sheep and other wildlife. The byway represents one of Utah’s most diverse mountain drives.
Deep Creek Road – Montana
This 45-mile route through the Beartooth Mountains offers views of Montana’s
highest peaks and pristine alpine lakes. It passes through remote wilderness areas
rich in wildlife and wildflowers, and numerous fishing streams and hiking trails
provide access to backcountry adventures.
The route represents one of Montana’s least-known but most spectacular mountain drives.
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.
Begin Your Rocky Mountain Adventure Today
These scenic drives through the Rocky Mountains offer more than just beautiful
views – they provide gateways to adventure, history, and natural wonders. From
wildlife encounters to geological marvels, each route tells its own story of the
mountain landscape.
Whether planning a dedicated road trip or looking to add memorable detours to your
journey, these drives showcase the best of the Rockies. Pack your camera, bring
plenty of snacks, and prepare to be amazed by these unforgettable mountain roads.
More from Travel Pug
- 15 Dangerous European Cities to Avoid
- 15 Caribbean Islands Where Tourists Keep Getting Scammed
- The 20 Most Fascinating Abandoned Places: A Journey Through Time and Forgotten Spaces
- 15 Hidden Places in the Smithsonian Museums Locals Love: A Guide to Lesser-Known Treasures
- 16 Hidden Florida Beach Towns That Aren’t Overrun with Tourists
Like Travel Pug’s content? Follow us on MSN.