From Chico, head to East River Road and follow the river north toward Livingston along this gorgeous backroad.īack in Livingston, spend time exploring the numerous downtown art galleries and eclectic shops downtown, as well as the top-notch restaurant scene. After a relaxing soak, grab a bite to eat at one of Chico’s two dining options, Percie’s Poolside Grille or the Chico Dining Room, and, if you’re up for it, stay the night in one of Chico’s cozy rooms for an extended Montana road-trip experience. Continue south toward Gardiner, turning onto East River Road (State Highway 540) to begin heading back north.īring your bathing suit and plan to stop at Chico Hot Springs, a historic resort tucked into the foothills of the Absarokas. Be sure to stop at Mallard’s Rest Fishing Access Site (13 miles from Livingston at mile marker 42), for what might be the most scenic part of the drive. Along the route, the contrast of golden cottonwood and aspen trees, green pine and snowcapped mountains will take your breath away.īegin your trip in Livingston, heading south on U.S. The 62-mile scenic loop through the valley follows the Yellowstone River (the last major undammed river in the lower 48) along the soaring peaks of the Absaroka Mountains to the east, with the picturesque Gallatin Range to the west. Here are five of our favorite scenic drives, but don’t stop there, we have miles and miles to explore.Īptly named, Montana’s Paradise Valley is impressive any time of year, but the area’s fall foliage is especially stunning. There is nothing better than an open road under a big sky, and there is no shortage of that in Yellowstone Country.

Montana scenery