Chief Joseph Scenic Highway Road Trip

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This stunning byway along SR 296 inside Shoshone National Forest features a vision of granite, snow-capped mountains and valleys. Travel from on high over a narrow gorge and then descend by a riverbank. Make sure your vehicle is weather ready, especially in winter when the road’s not maintained; however, snow may fall even during the summer.

The scenic drive, named after Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce, follows a section of the tribe’s 1,100-mile 1877 retreat from the U.S. Cavalry. Along the way, drivers can pull off to read historic markers or take pictures of tree-lined peaks and high mountain pastures. In addition to the incredible views, the area is home to wildlife such as bear, elk, mule deer and the elusive mountain goat.