One gorgeous road links the Beartooth Highway in northern Wyoming to the popular town of Cody. While the Beartooth is closed all winter long, if you’re looking for a scenic drive, head to Cody and embark on a journey to travel the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway. You’ll have to turn around when you get to the end, but that just means you can enjoy the best drive in Wyoming twice. It’s a win-win, and you won’t have to deal with tourist season traffic, either.
One of Wyoming’s most scenic byways is maintained year-round, so visitors can enjoy the best drive in Wyoming even through the winter months.
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Take the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway from the Absaroka Range down into the town of Cody for a breathtaking adventure.
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Can you imagine living way out here? This Wyoming byway is certainly a spot off the beaten path.
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Even though it’s a remote road, plenty of people still live and work along the land. You might even get to see ranchers working their herds.
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Along the drive, you’ll cross the Sunlight Creek Bridge. It’s the tallest bridge in Wyoming, and you can enjoy the view into the canyon below thanks to a nearby turnout and walkway.
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The highway twists and turns as it makes it way to the pass. Over 46 miles, it follows the path that Chief Joseph took as he led the Nez Perce to safety.
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Today, the journey takes drivers to one of the highest mountain passes in the Rockies. Dead Indian Pass sits over 8,000 feet high.
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All along the byway, turnouts leave space for you to pull over and catch the view. Keep your eyes on the road while you’re driving, and rest assured you can catch the views when you get a chance to stop.
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From atop the pass, you can see for miles and miles in every direction.
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Two metal statues sit at the summit, honoring Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce who were forcibly changed from their lands and struggled to find safety.
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These beautiful statues are stunning works of art that tell the tale of an important part of Wyoming history.
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Take time at the top to read the interpretive signs that explain the injustice done to the Nez Perce and their struggles as they fled the Yellowstone area.
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A drive along the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway is sure to be one of your favorite adventures of the year.
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You can learn more about this beautiful scenic byway on the Travel Wyoming website, right here.
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