Road Trips from Kalispell, MT
Planning a trip from Kalispell? You've got options for both quick escapes and longer hauls. Several destinations are within a half-day's drive, featuring mostly highway routes with some challenging climbs. For those seeking a longer adventure, there are two distinct long-haul drives over 500 miles, with one even recommending an overnight stay and passing a national monument. Whether you want a short scenic drive or a multi-day exploration, Kalispell is a solid starting point.
Total Routes
10
Shortest
0.3h
With Parks Nearby
5
Under 2 hours
Full-day getaway
Weekend trip
Clancy, MT
4h 1m206.4 mi one way
Covering 206.4 miles and taking 4 hours, this trip is mostly highway with high-altitude sections and climbs. It's a comparable distance to Montana City, MT, but offers similar terrain characteristics. This is a good choice for a moderately long drive with elevation changes.
Sun Prairie, MT
4h 18m218 mi one way
This 4.3-hour route is 218 miles and includes access to Glacier National Park, a major draw. The terrain has high-altitude sections with climbs, adding interest to the predominantly highway drive. It's a great option if you want a park visit on a medium-length trip.
Livingston, MT
6h 3m333.8 mi one way
Anaconda, MT
4h 3m211.6 mi one way
This 4.1-hour drive covers 211.6 miles and is primarily highway. Expect high-altitude sections with climbs, similar to other routes heading south. It's a medium-distance option that offers a bit of a challenge in its terrain.
Big Sky, MT
6h 24m346.5 mi one way
This 6.4-hour drive spans 346.5 miles and is mostly highway. While it doesn't list specific parks nearby, the terrain includes high-altitude sections with notable climbs, making it a more engaging drive than flatter routes. It's one of the longer day-trip possibilities.
Long-haul ideas
Miles City, MT
10h 29m594.5 mi one way
This is the longest option at 10.5 hours and 594.5 miles, suggesting an overnight stop. The drive is mostly highway and features high-altitude sections with climbs, making it a more demanding journey than the Colstrip route. It's the furthest destination available.
Colstrip, MT
10h 20m575.9 mi one way
A true long-haul at 10.3 hours and 575.9 miles, this drive is recommended for an overnight stay. It passes Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, a significant historical site. The terrain is gently rolling, offering a different feel than the high-altitude options.
Forsyth, MT
9h 46m550.5 mi one way
Browse by Mood
Clancy, MT
4h 1m206.4 mi one way
Miles City, MT
10h 29m594.5 mi one way
Sun Prairie, MT
4h 18m218 mi one way
Livingston, MT
6h 3m333.8 mi one way
Miles City, MT
10h 29m594.5 mi one way
Livingston, MT
6h 3m333.8 mi one way
Anaconda, MT
4h 3m211.6 mi one way
Colstrip, MT
10h 20m575.9 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
Spring drives may encounter lingering high-altitude snow in the climb sections. Parks like Glacier National Park might have seasonal access limitations.
Summer
Summer offers ideal conditions for all drives, including the long-hauls. Parks are fully accessible, and the terrain is clear.
Fall
Fall colors could enhance the high-altitude climbs. Ensure park access, as some areas may begin to close.
Winter
Winter travel on high-altitude sections requires caution due to potential snow and ice. Long-haul drives may be challenging.
Starting Somewhere Else?
Other nearby cities with their own escape planners.
Ready to plan?
Pick any destination above for full turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost, rest stops, and weather. Or visit the Kalispell, MT city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.