Wyoming · United States
Chief Joseph Scenic Byway
WY 296Cody to Cooke City
Switchbacks over Dead Indian Pass linking Cody to the Beartooth.
WY 296, the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway, climbs over Dead Indian Pass on a sweep of broad switchbacks between Cody and the foot of the Beartooth Highway, with huge views over the Sunlight Basin and the Absaroka mountains. Mind the wildlife, the weather at the pass, and ice in the colder months.
Scenery
MountainValley
Best seasons
SpringSummerAutumn
In these collections
In these Grand Tours
Where it runs36.2 mi · point to point
CodyStart · Wyoming
Cooke CityEnd · Wyoming
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Character
Corners30bends
Tightness5of 10
Max gradient8%≈ 1-in-13
Climb1,289 mtotal ascent
Summit2,462.2 mhighest point of the line · 8,078 ft
Corners
busiest around mile 11Elevation
under 4%4–8%over 8%1,773 – 2,462.2 mFrom the road
Points of interest3 stops
- Dead Indian OverlookViewpoint8.2 mi in
- Sunlight Bridge OverlookViewpoint18 mi in
- Antelope MountainViewpoint21 mi in
Hazards
- Wildlife on the road
- Weather at the pass
- Ice in the colder months
Sources
“Wyoming's Chief Joseph Scenic Byway is not just one of America's most beautiful drives; it takes the number-one spot.”
Verified route: mapped from real road geometry and fact-checked by a human editor. How roads get checked
Driving the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway: quick answers
How long does it take to drive the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway?
Chief Joseph Scenic Byway runs 36.2 miles (58 km) and takes about 1 h 12 min to drive without stops.
How difficult is the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway to drive?
We rate it moderate: 30 corners, a maximum gradient of 8%, and a tightness of 5 out of 10.
When is the best time to drive the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway?
Spring and Summer and Autumn are best.
Nearby roads
The closest great drives to Chief Joseph Scenic Byway.
Chief Joseph Scenic Byway
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