Montana--Yellowstone to Glacier

 
Date: Sunday, 08. October 2006

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If you were touring the great state of Montana, through the national parks back in the days before interstates, and when U.S. highways served as the main arterial cross-country routes, the main route between Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park would have been U.S. 89.

Today, although U.S. 89 is still perhaps the most direct path, most tourists will likely pick up I-90 to I-15 and take the easy way, this is all the better for travelers of U.S. 89. It would be hard to pick a road that represents the character of such a massive and diverse state as Montana, but U.S. 89 comes close. Running the length of the state north to south near the western end, U.S. 89 not only connects two of the country's most revered national parks, it offers a taste of Montana life and scenery. Leaving north out of the Yellowstone area in the summer, you will probably have to wade through a column of RVs until you get to I-90. Winter driving can be really treacherous here, and this route gets pretty remote. However, once you're past the "big road," U.S. 89 opens right up. You won't be able to experience the "reasonable and prudent" speed limits Montana is famous for, but you will get an eyeful of great views, as U.S. 89 skirts the Continental Divide and snakes through the national forests and several mountain ranges along the way. Also, when you hit the flatter stretches, you'll want to watch out because ranches are everywhere, and U.S. 89 is a popular thoroughfare for great herds of cattle. You may have to kick back and watch the cowboys for a few minutes, as that's definitely part of the Montana adventure.

Starting Point:
Yellowstone National Park, MT

Distance of Drive:
440 miles

Must Eat:
Overland Express
2250 11th Avenue, Helena, MT 59601
Phone:  406-449-2635
Call ahead to confirm hours of operation.

Best Time of Year for Drive:
Late spring to early fall

Points of Interest on Drive:
Yellowstone National Park
Glacier National Park
Continental Divide

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