The Best Scenic Motorcycle Rides in Montana to Consider
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Montana is well known as the best state for motorcyclists with adventurous souls and is frequently regarded as America’s top spot for breathtaking road trips.
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Table of Contents
1. Beartooth Highway
2. Going-to-the-Sun Road
3. Lolo Pass (US-12)
4. Chief Joseph Scenic Byway
5. Flathead Lake & Koocanusa Scenic Byway
Montana is undoubtedly among the most scenic, premier, and favorite states for motorcycle riders. For those who love scenic routes, breathtaking rugged terrain, and ‘Big Sky’ Vistas, Montana offers the most amazing ride experience. We will list the most favorite motorcycle ride picks in Montana that can mesmerize anyone who experiences them on two wheels.
1. Beartooth Highway
The Beartooth Highway (US-212) is often voted as the ‘No. 1’ motorcycle ride in the whole of the US. It is a 69-mile ride that should be on every rider's bucket list. What makes it interesting yet dramatic are panoramic Alpine views and the sudden elevation to around 11,000 feet. The hairpin turns along the way can make riders feel like they're in a totally different world.
It can take almost 2 hours to complete the route. However, it is best enjoyed when you plan a full-day ride with stops so that you can appreciate the ride's beauty more fully. Make sure that your saddlebags are fully packed with essentials if you plan to stay for a while.
2. Going-to-the-Sun Road
If you are one of the adventurous souls, don’t miss the Going-to-the-Sun Road motorcycle ride in Montana’s Glacier National Park. Though it offers an out-of-the-world experience, it is not for faint-hearted bikers. This 50-mile stretch features cliffside riding at 6,600+ ft, steep grades, and sharp turns, making it more sensational yet adventurous. You get to see waterfalls, glaciers, and alpine scenery as you choose to travel on this road. However, make sure to plan your motorcycle journey for late June to mid-September, as it usually opens then.
3. Lolo Pass (US-12)
The Lolo Pass (US-12) route offers another top-tier motorcycle ride in Montana. It connects Lolo, Montana, to Kooskia, Idaho. It is a 132-mile-long route, full of scenic landscapes, mountain views, and high-speed twisties. If you also prefer river-side riding and going through thick forests, there is no better ride than this. There is lush greenery along the road. Nevertheless, the twists and turns are pretty intense and technical for someone new to motorcycling.
4. Chief Joseph Scenic Byway
The Chief Joseph byway is another very charming byway to ride in Montana, known for its incredible mountain scenery, sweeping curves, and historical significance. You get to see the highlights, such as the Dead Indian Pass, Sunlight Bridge, and Absaoka Mountain vistas, if you choose to travel this route. However, make sure to stay alert for challenges; the spirited, high-altitude switchbacks and hairpin curves are not for the fragile-hearted riders.
5. Flathead Lake & Koocanusa Scenic Byway
The Flathead Lake & Koocanusa scenic byway is another of Montana's favorite rides. If you wish to enjoy the picturesque views of the largest freshwater lake in the West, it is the way to go. The route also offers a winding reservoir route near the Canadian border. If you crave witnessing mountainous topography and winding roads, take the Koocanusa Bridge and Highway 93 North.
Make sure to prioritize your safety and stay alert while riding. Also, be aware of the wildlife, including deer and other critters, that suddenly cross the road. Plan your ride and stops before you leave.