Road Trips from Missoula, MT
Missoula sets you up for a variety of trips, from quick half-day excursions to longer, overnight adventures. You've got options that stick to higher altitudes with climbs, and others that roll more gently. Some routes offer park access, including a major national park, while others focus purely on the drive itself. Whether you're looking for a scenic 3-hour loop or a 9-hour haul to a new region, Missoula is a solid starting point.
Total Routes
7
Shortest
4.3h
With Parks Nearby
7
Weekend trip
Havre, MT
5h 13m278.2 mi one way
This 278-mile, 5.2-hour drive offers a different landscape with gently rolling terrain, a contrast to the high-altitude routes. It doesn't include park access, focusing more on the journey across flatter plains.
Big Timber, MT
4h 17m262.4 mi one way
At 262 miles and 4.3 hours, this route gets you to a destination with park access. The drive includes high-altitude sections with notable climbs, providing a good balance of distance and natural scenery, all on mixed highway and surface roads.
West Yellowstone, MT
4h 36m264.4 mi one way
This 264-mile, 4.6-hour drive is your closest option to a major national park, Yellowstone. It features high-altitude terrain with climbs, similar to other routes, but the proximity to a significant natural attraction makes it stand out.
Lame Deer, MT
7h 27m446.3 mi one way
A longer haul at 446 miles and 7.5 hours, this route offers access to Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument. The drive is mostly highway, featuring high-altitude sections with climbs.
South Browning, MT
4h 19m205.2 mi one way
Long-haul ideas
Wolf Point, MT
9h 8m485.4 mi one way
At 485 miles and 9.1 hours, this is another option for an overnight trip. The drive is mostly highway and traverses gently rolling terrain, distinct from the mountainous routes, without specific park access.
Glendive, MT
9h 22m563.9 mi one way
This 563-mile, 9.4-hour trip is a true long-haul drive, recommended for an overnight stay. It covers high-altitude sections with climbs and offers park access, providing a significant journey to a distant part of the state.
Browse by Mood
Havre, MT
5h 13m278.2 mi one way
Big Timber, MT
4h 17m262.4 mi one way
West Yellowstone, MT
4h 36m264.4 mi one way
Lame Deer, MT
7h 27m446.3 mi one way
Havre, MT
5h 13m278.2 mi one way
Big Timber, MT
4h 17m262.4 mi one way
West Yellowstone, MT
4h 36m264.4 mi one way
Lame Deer, MT
7h 27m446.3 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
Spring drives might encounter high-altitude sections with climbs, with potential park access depending on your chosen route.
Summer
Summer travel offers access to parks and scenic high-altitude drives with climbs, suitable for both day trips and longer journeys.
Fall
Fall routes offer varied terrain, from rolling hills to high-altitude climbs, with some destinations providing park access.
Winter
Winter travel may be impacted by high-altitude sections with climbs, and park accessibility can vary; longer, overnight drives are recommended.
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 Missoula, MT city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.