The best motorcycle rides in Montana

Map showing a driving route from Billings to Hyalite Canyon Road, covering 157 miles in 2 hours and 36 minutes.

Hyalite Canyon

Hyalite Canyon is a perfect spot for an afternoon picnic and is one of Montana's most popular destinations. Just a short drive from Bozeman, head south on 19th Avenue. The road will take a sharp right turn, and soon after, you'll make a left onto Hyalite Canyon Road.

Enjoy the winding canyon road as it follows a beautiful river with stunning mountain views. After about 25 minutes, you'll arrive at Hyalite Reservoir. Park your car, and enjoy a picnic, afternoon campfire, or a leisurely stroll along the shore.

Norris Road

Enjoy a scenic drive through picturesque farmland and along the breathtaking Madison River on this short out-and-back route, which takes about 40 minutes each way from Bozeman.

Notes:
If it's your first time on MT-84, be aware that the stop sign at the intersection with 287 appears at the peak of a curve that might tempt you to hit 60 mph. Use Norris Hot Springs as your cue to start slowing down.

Map showing driving routes from Billings to Gallatin Canyon, with two options covering 167 and 221 miles.

The Gallatin Canyon

A favorite among locals and visitors alike, Gallatin Canyon offers endless curves and stunning mountain views. Start your journey in Bozeman or Belgrade by taking US-191 south toward Gallatin Gateway, following signs for Big Sky and Yellowstone National Park. After about 10 miles, you'll enter Gallatin Canyon, where the road follows the river, offering spectacular scenery as you wind through the canyon. After roughly 20 miles of continuous curves, you'll reach the town of Big Sky. To explore the town, take a right onto MT-64.

  • Icon of a checklist with three checked boxes.

    Know before you go

    Plan ahead and be prepared to ensure safer, more enjoyable, and low-impact travels

  • Icon of a safety vest in white on a green background.

    Play it safe

    Bring the right gear, take necessary precautions, understand your limits, and choose activities that align with your skill level.

  • Icon of vertical wavy lines inside a rectangular border.

    Tread lightly

    Protect our trails and waterways by riding responsibly according to your motorized activity.

  • Icon of layered lines with a wavy bottom edge inside a rectangle.

    Keep our waters clean

    Prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species by following Clean, Drain, Dry guidelines and meeting watercraft inspection requirements.

  • Icon of two feathers with stylized arrow patterns on a green background.

    Respect tribal lands

    Recognize and acknowledge when you enter tribal lands, know tribal guidelines, and secure a tribal conservation permits for recreation.

  • Icon of a campfire with flames above crossed logs on a green background.

    Follow fire safety

    Prevent wildland fires by properly attending to and extinguishing campfires, and staying informed about current fire restrictions.

  • Icon of a ram's head with curved horns on a green background.

    Be wildlife wise

    Observe wildlife from a safe distance. Never approach, touch, or feed animals. Carry bear spray and be familiar with how to use it.

  • Icon of a trash bin with a handle on a green background.

    Leave no trace

    Respect all public lands, waters, tribal lands, and local communities. Whatever you bring in, take it out with you.

  • Icon of an eye with a tree inside and rays extending outward on a green background.

    Explore mindfully

    Be thoughtful about and aware of your impact, embrace inclusivity, and respect communities and fellow adventurers.