Gravelly Range Road (Forest Road 290)

The Gravelly Range Road delivers what its name promises — miles of loose gravel winding along 9,000-foot ridgelines with unobstructed views across southwestern Montana’s basin and range country. This maintained forest road connects Ennis to the Madison River Valley via Sphinx Creek, passing weathered foundations of forgotten mining camps and offering glimpses of the distant Tetons. The highlight comes at Baldy Mountain overlook, where you can see three mountain ranges and understand why early settlers called this Big Sky Country.

Easy to moderate difficulty on well-maintained gravel suitable for high-clearance vehicles, though washboard sections will rattle your fillings loose. Best driven June through October before snow closes the high passes. Stock up in Ennis — it’s 45 miles to the next services with limited cell coverage throughout. The reward is classic Montana high country with excellent dispersed camping, fishing access to pristine streams, and the kind of big views that make you understand why people move to Montana.