Distinctly Montana Magazine

www.DistinctlyMontana.com 77 Everyone knows about Montana's most famous scenic drives, includ- ing Going-to-the-Sun Road and the Beartooth Highway. But these are not routes you can enjoy in the cold- er months, too. It is also nice to have a route or two to enjoy regardless of the season so you can witness its changes. And although many of Montana's most scenic drives are off-limits in the winter, it does not mean there aren't roads to ex- plore. It just means your routes change. And your level of preparedness needs to be better. These are some of my most favorite drives in Montana, regardless of the sea- son. But I think they can be appreciated even more so in the colder months of the year. So, grab your Thermos of hot cocoa, an extra warm blanket or two, and your best winter tires. Let's go for a drive. KINGS HILL SCENIC BYWAY Kings Hill Scenic Byway along U.S. Highway 89 through Cascade and Me- agher County offers plenty to see and do. If it's me, I'm starting my journey in Belt, which is quintessential small-town Montana. This quaint little nook south- east of Great Falls is busy regardless of the season. And oddly, it often seems to have a completely different climate than what you will experience on the rest of your trip through the Little Belt Moun- tains. Load up on fuel and supplies at the Belt Valley Grocery Store and then walk over to Belt Creek Brew Pub for some delicious food and/or revelry if you're making the trip in reverse. A bottle of Beltian White from Belt's very own Har- vest Moon Brewing Company is a great beer for those who aren't driving. Heading south to Armington Junction and you will continue your trek toward White Sulphur Springs. You will drive through beautiful rural foothills and pass wild streams, changing terrain, and you are likely to see some wildlife along the way. Be sure to stop at the scenic overlook 12 miles south of Armington Junction to peer down into Upper Sluice Boxes State Park. Whether it's summer or winter, it is quite a view. From there you will drive through Monarch and Neihart, which are a buzz of activity in the winter as both snowmobilers and skiers make this their base camp for a host of different winter activities in the region. As you climb the mountains toward Kings Pass, Belt Creek, mountainous vistas, and plenty of Ponderosa pines through the center of the Lewis and Clark National Forest will accompany you along your journey. Upon arriving at Kings Pass, at an elevation of 7,385', you will be immediately greeted by tall slopes of Showdown, which a popular central Montana alpine ski area. In the winter you can of course ski or, if ski- ing is not your thing, you can still visit King's Hill Grille for some delicious hot food as you watch the men and women fly down the slope. In the summer the views are still spectacular as you drive along 89 past Showdown where only a guardrail, good driving, and control of your dark impulses prevent you from plummeting thousands of feet below. Before hitting White Sulphur Springs, consider turning west onto Newlan Creek Road to drive around this beautiful reser- voir hidden in the mountains. From there you can enter White Sulphur Springs from the west, where you will find plenty to do. Bar 47 and The Jawbone are among KINGS HILL SCENIC BYWAY FORT BENTON WINIFRED BROWNING

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