Chief Joseph Scenic Byway
A 46-mile gem connecting Cody to Beartooth Hwy, stunning with Absaroka peaks, lush valleys, and Nez Perce history. A smooth, wildlife-rich drive.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better wildlife viewing
Chief Joseph Scenic Byway
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better wildlife viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 46-mile gem connecting Cody to Beartooth Hwy, stunning with Absaroka peaks, lush valleys, and Nez Perce history. A smooth, wildlife-rich drive.
"This is an incredibly beautiful journey from Cody to the Beartooth Highway. The scenery here is breathtaking!"
🚗 Cattle Crossing Alert!
Watch for free-range cattle on the road, especially when entering from Cody. Drive slowly and be patient.
📸 Pullout Perfection
Numerous scenic pullouts offer incredible photo ops. Take your time to soak in the views!
Quick Facts
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Absaroka Peaks Panorama
Various pullouts along the byway
Towering, rugged peaks of the Absaroka Range create a dramatic backdrop. Absolutely breathtaking views!
Nez Perce Trail History
Interpretive signs along the route
Trace the historic path of the Nez Perce during their 1877 flight. A poignant journey through American history.
Wildlife Viewing Opportunities
Meadows and forests
Keep an eye out for elk, deer, bears, and other native wildlife in their natural habitat. Always maintain a safe distance.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Wildlife & Road Conditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Best way to cover Beartooth highway and chief Jospeh scenic byway
Our plan is to start at Cody, take the chief jospeh scenic byway and then onto the beartooth highway. Dow we need to drive all the way to red lodge or is there some point on the beartooth highway that we could say we have covered most of it and turn around and drive back towards…
🚗 Cattle Crossing Alert!
Watch for free-range cattle on the road, especially when entering from Cody. Drive slowly and be patient.
📸 Pullout Perfection
Numerous scenic pullouts offer incredible photo ops. Take your time to soak in the views!
Chief Joseph Highway or Beartooth pass?
Hello everyone. My family and I are taking our first trip to Yellowstone and we were hoping for some opinions on this. We are leaving from Cody and plan on going through the Northeast entrance to enter Lamar Valley. My question is whether it’s worth the hour or so detour to…
Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway or Chief Joseph Scenic Byway?
Looking for some opinions. We will be traveling from Cody and staying at Mammoth Campground, in September. After doing some research, both of these drives are remarkable, but I have to choose one. They are both similar time wise. We will be in Yellowstone for 7 days, so we are…
🗺️ Connect to Beartooth
This byway is a fantastic connector to the even more famous Beartooth Highway. Plan accordingly!
⛽ Fuel Up Beforehand
Services are limited along the byway. Ensure your vehicle has enough fuel before you start your journey.
Lake Yellowstone,Chief Joseph Hwy, Beartooth, to Mammoth
I'm having trouble estimating the time this would take: Lake Yellowstone Hotel to Cody, then Chief Joseph Hwy to Beartooth vista, back to Mammoth Hotel (still hoping for Roosevelt cancellations) in mid July. Trying to do this in one day unless unreasonable. Thanks.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Cattle Crossing Alert!
Watch for free-range cattle on the road, especially when entering from Cody. Drive slowly and be patient.
📸 Pullout Perfection
Numerous scenic pullouts offer incredible photo ops. Take your time to soak in the views!
🗺️ Connect to Beartooth
This byway is a fantastic connector to the even more famous Beartooth Highway. Plan accordingly!
⛽ Fuel Up Beforehand
Services are limited along the byway. Ensure your vehicle has enough fuel before you start your journey.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway's breathtaking Absaroka mountain views and smooth, winding roads, calling it a 'must-see detour' and 'one of my favorites.' The historical Nez Perce Trail connection and potential for wildlife sightings add to its appeal. Some caution is advised regarding free-range cattle on the road.
"Chief Joseph Scenic Byway (WY 296), a 46-mile gem from Cody to Beartooth Hwy, stuns with Absaroka peaks, lush valleys, and Nez Perce history. Smooth drive, wildlife like grizzlies, and epic pullouts. Summer/fall shine. Yellowstone’s must-see detour!"
Chris Bilberry
"What an amazing ride, one of my favorites I have done. watch out for the free range cattle. I ran into a herd within the first mile when entering from Cody side. Only 1 other bike on the road on a Saturday morning."
Joe Wildbur
"This is an incredibly beautiful journey from Cody to the Beartooth Highway. The scenery here is breathtaking and for this boy from flatland Louisiana it is almost otherworldly. The views, the smells, just the wonder of it all.
I chose this route after finding it on a website, scenicbyways dot info. It has a great listing of roads less traveled across the country. I recommend checking it out and maybe using it to help plan some of your adventures. This roadway was part of my trip of a lifetime and it did not disappoint."
christopher trochez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Chief Joseph Scenic Byway (WY 296) is easily accessible from Cody, Wyoming, connecting to the Beartooth Highway (US 212). It's a popular detour for those traveling to or from Yellowstone National Park's northeast entrance.
No, the byway is typically closed during winter months due to heavy snowfall. It usually opens in late May or early June and closes in October or November. Always check road conditions before your trip.
Many travelers enjoy driving it from Cody towards the Beartooth Highway for stunning mountain views. However, the scenery is spectacular in both directions. Motorcyclists often praise its winding curves.
The byway itself is about 46 miles long. Driving directly from Cody to the Beartooth Highway junction takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes without significant stops.
Yes, the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway leads directly to the Beartooth Highway, which then connects to the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone National Park. It's a scenic route to access the park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway is a public road and does not require any tickets or entrance fees. It's a free scenic drive for all to enjoy.
There are no direct fees for driving the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway itself. However, if you are using it as a route to Yellowstone National Park, you will need to pay the park's entrance fee.
As a public road, the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway is open 24/7 when weather permits. However, driving it at night is not recommended due to wildlife and lack of lighting.
Yes, there are numerous pullouts and designated areas where you can safely stop to enjoy the views and take short walks. Always be aware of your surroundings and wildlife.
Cell service is very spotty to non-existent along most of the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway. It's advisable to download offline maps and inform someone of your travel plans before you depart.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Prepare for breathtaking vistas of the Absaroka Mountains, lush valleys, and expansive skies. It's a truly awe-inspiring landscape that many describe as otherworldly.
You have a good chance of spotting elk, deer, pronghorn, and potentially bears. Free-range cattle are also common, so drive with caution.
Absolutely! The byway is dotted with numerous scenic pullouts specifically designed for visitors to stop, admire the views, and take photographs.
Yes, the road is generally well-maintained and suitable for RVs and larger vehicles. However, some of the curves can be tight, so experienced drivers are recommended.
Pack layers of clothing as mountain weather can change quickly. Bring water, snacks, a camera, binoculars for wildlife viewing, and a physical map as cell service is unreliable.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Services are very limited along the byway itself. It's highly recommended to fill up your gas tank and pack food and drinks before you start your drive from Cody or your next major town.
Your best bet for dining options will be in Cody, Wyoming, at the southern end, or in Cooke City/Silver Gate near the Beartooth Highway junction, which leads to Yellowstone's northeast entrance.
Yes, there are many scenic pullouts where you can safely stop and enjoy a picnic lunch with incredible views. Remember to pack out everything you pack in.
📸 📸 Photography
Every pullout offers a unique perspective, but look for spots with sweeping valley views and dramatic mountain backdrops. The early morning and late afternoon light are particularly stunning.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes, while a telephoto lens is useful for wildlife photography. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions.
Focus on the dramatic mountain ranges, the winding road itself, the expansive skies, and any wildlife you encounter. The historical markers also offer interesting photographic opportunities.
The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offer the most dramatic and flattering light for landscape photography. Midday can be harsh.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit