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Summer Road Trips in Montana

Routes

30

Avg Distance

480 mi

Avg Drive

8h 34m

Destinations

17

Montana in summer means long days and access to its vast landscapes. Our routes here average 476 miles and over 8 hours, with drive scores ranging up to 8. You'll find varying terrain, including hilly areas with moderate elevation changes up to 4,776 feet. While EV coverage can be sparse on some routes, you'll find a few DC fast chargers scattered across the state. These summer drives offer a great way to see Montana's wide-open spaces.

Planning Tips

Carry extra water — summer heat in the car and at rest stops dehydrates faster than you think.
Start drives early or late to avoid peak afternoon heat, especially through desert or plains stretches.
Check your tire pressure before long summer drives — hot pavement increases blowout risk with underinflated tires.

Frequently Asked Questions

We've identified 30 routes in Montana that work well for summer travel, based on drive quality, typical weather conditions, and distance (averaging 480 miles).

Drive times and distances come from actual road network data via OSRM. Fuel costs use current state-level gas prices. Drive scores factor in elevation profile, road variety, and terrain. All data is recalculated regularly.

Yes. Click any route to see its full trip page with turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost estimates, elevation profile, stop suggestions, weather conditions, and more.

Summer Routes

Editor's pick

Sidney, MT → Hamilton, MT

600.2 mi 11h 3m Score: 7/10

This 600-mile option features state parks and a drive score of 7, making it a solid choice for exploring Montana's breadth. It's a long-distance drive that spans over 11 hours.

Editor's pick

Evergreen, MT → Miles City, MT

595.9 mi 10h 26m Score: 8/10

With a high drive score of 8, this route covers 596 miles through gently rolling terrain, reaching a maximum elevation of 4,693 feet. It promises an engaging summer cruise.

Editor's pick

Glendive, MT → Kalispell, MT

575 mi 10h 53m Score: 7/10

This 575-mile trip boasts access to parks and a drive score of 7. The hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes, peaking at 4,776 feet, offers a dynamic driving experience.

Baker, MT → Missoula, MT

566.5 mi 10h 1m Score: 8/10

Sidney, MT → Evergreen, MT

557.4 mi 10h 43m Score: 8/10

Evergreen, MT → Forsyth, MT

551.9 mi 9h 42m Score: 8/10

Miles City, MT → Ronan, MT

543.6 mi 9h 13m Score: 8/10

Libby, MT → Billings, MT

537.7 mi 9h 37m Score: 7/10

Dillon, MT → Sidney, MT

526.2 mi 9h 22m Score: 8/10

Seeley Lake, MT → Miles City, MT

502.5 mi 8h 39m Score: 8/10

Missoula, MT → Miles City, MT

488 mi 8h 12m Score: 9/10

Billings, MT → Whitefish, MT

465.9 mi 8h 14m Score: 7/10

Columbia Falls, MT → Billings, MT

457 mi 8h 3m Score: 8/10

Evergreen, MT → Lockwood, MT

456.9 mi 7h 59m Score: 8/10

Red Lodge, MT → Kalispell, MT

456.7 mi 8h 10m Score: 7/10

Billings, MT → Evergreen, MT

451.4 mi 7h 55m Score: 8/10

Kalispell, MT → Billings, MT

449.7 mi 7h 59m Score: 8/10

Billings, MT → Kalispell, MT

449.6 mi 7h 54m Score: 8/10

Columbia Falls, MT → Laurel, MT

442.3 mi 7h 43m Score: 8/10

Miles City, MT → Browning, MT

441.9 mi 8h 44m Score: 8/10

Somers, MT → Billings, MT

441.4 mi 7h 44m Score: 8/10

Miles City, MT → South Browning, MT

441.4 mi 8h 43m Score: 8/10

South Browning, MT → Miles City, MT

441.1 mi 8h 41m Score: 7/10

Miles City, MT → Lincoln, MT

440.2 mi 7h 43m Score: 8/10

Lockwood, MT → Bigfork, MT

436.9 mi 7h 38m Score: 8/10

Evergreen, MT → Laurel, MT

436.3 mi 7h 35m Score: 8/10

Polson, MT → Billings, MT

412.8 mi 7h 6m Score: 9/10

Sidney, MT → Bozeman, MT

412 mi 7h Score: 8/10

Columbus, MT → Evergreen, MT

411.3 mi 7h 10m Score: 8/10

Dillon, MT → Miles City, MT

400.5 mi 7h 16m Score: 8/10

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