Chief Joseph Scenic Highway
Chief Joseph Byway Tour

Departure: Cody, Wyoming, Wyoming
Destination: Crandall, Wyoming, Wyoming
Time to allow: 1 day

Many awe-inspiring sites await you on the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway. Drive through the open country of Two Dot Flats, climb through switchbacks to view Dead Indian Summit, and cross the highest bridge in Wyoming.

Day 1

  • Start: Cody, Wyoming

    Suggested time at this stop: 2 hours

    Visit the Old West town of Cody. Go white-water rafting, attend a rodeo, or relax by fly-fishing.

  • Stop 2: Two Dot Flats

    From previous stop: 26 minutes / 16.4 mi (26.2 km)
    Directions:

    From WY-120, drive north 16.4 miles, and turn left onto Crandall Rd/ WY-296.
    Suggested time at this stop: 45 minutes

    Spend some time at Two Dot Flats. Although Two Dot Flats is part of a cattle ranch, it is also home to elk, mule deer, various types of birds, and large predators including bears, wolves, and mountain lions. Here you can also view interpretive signs describing the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway and the flight of the Nez Perce Indians in 1877.

  • Stop 3: Dead Indian Summit Overlook

    From previous stop: 33 minutes / 13.2 mi (21.1 km)
    Directions:

    Head northwest on Crandall RD/WY-296 for 13.2 miles.
    Suggested time at this stop: 20 minutes

    From the top of Dead Indian Summit, enjoy panoramic views of the Absaroka Mountains and the mouth of Sunlight Basin.

  • Stop 4: Dead Indian Campground and Trailhead

    From previous stop: 22 minutes / 7.4 mi (11.8 km)
    Directions:

    Drive 7.4 miles on Crandall Road/WY-296.
    Suggested time at this stop: 20 minutes

    Stretch your legs and learn about the history of the Nez Perce exodus.

  • Stop 5: Sunlight Creek Bridge

    From previous stop: 20 minutes / 8.3 mi (13.3 km)
    Directions:

    Head northeast on Dead Indian Hill Rd. for 0.7 miles. Turn left toward Crandall Rd/WY-296 for 0.5 miles. Make a sharp right on Crandall RD/WY-296. Follow Crandall RD/ WY-296 for 6.7 miles. The bridge will be on the right.
    Suggested time at this stop: 20 minutes

    Sunlight Creek Bridge is the highest in Wyoming. Spanning across sheer cliffs, this award winning bridge is worth a visit. From the bridge, you can catch a glimpse of Sunlight Gorge.

  • Stop 6: Cathedral Cliffs

    From previous stop: 31 minutes / 12.9 mi (20.6 km)
    Directions:

    Head north on Crandall Rd/WY-296 for 12.2 miles.
    Suggested time at this stop: 45 minutes

    Marvel at the grandeur of the beautiful Cathedral Cliffs. You can also catch a glimpse of Table Mountain and Beartooth Butte. Take some time to walk around this beautiful area.

  • End: Crandall, Wyoming

    From previous stop: 20 minutes / 7.5 mi (12.0 km)
    Directions:

    Drive for 7.5 miles on Crandall RD/WY-296.
    Suggested time at this stop: 1 hour

    Crandall is the only place where you can get commercial goods on the byway. You can either end your journey at Crandall, or drive 10 miles west on the Beartooth All American Road to Yellowstone National Park, or go east and north on the Beartooth All American Road to Red Lodge, Montana.

Totals for Day 1

Total Distance Traveled: 65.7 miles / 105.1 km
Total Travel Time: 2 hours 32 minutes
Total Stopping Time: 5 hours 30 minutes