Chief Joseph Pass in Montana

To see some amazing scenery on your next vacation, choose to follow the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway through the Chief Joseph Pass and onward, a trip that is sure to please. Traveling this amazing route through the Big Sky country of Montana, you will find one of this nation's great drives.

The Chief Joseph Scenic Highway is truly a must-see on any trip to Montana. This route is part of a trail named after the last chief of the Nez Perce Indians who led his people in flight from the Army in 1877.

This is forty-six miles of incredible scenery, from Cooke City, Montana down to Cody, Wyoming on the northeastern edge of Yellowstone. Beartooth Pass is accessible from this road, and all but eight miles are open all year.

You drive over Dead Indian Pass and on through the Sunlight Basin. See incredible red rock mesas and gorges. Beautiful alpine vistas await you here. There are plenty of opportunities to pull over and walk, viewing wildlife and mountain scenes.

Take your camera in case you see a bear or mountain lion. Get some pictures of an eagle perched in a tree. Memorize the scenic canyon carved by the Yellowstone River. Stop and fish the river, catching some trophies to brag about once you are home.

There's plenty of camping close to this wilderness area and you may want to stay a while. Certainly there is much to see and enjoy on the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway.