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United States WY-296 Difficulty: 7/10

Chief Joseph Scenic Byway

Traces the retreat route of Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce tribe in 1877 through the Absaroka Mountains. Climbs dramatically to Dead Indian Pass at 8,071 feet before dropping into Sunlight Basin with sweeping high-speed radius bends, Clarks Fork Canyon gorge views, and pristine mountain asphalt.

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Distance
Distance
46 mi
74 km total run
Turns
Turns
170
3.7 turns per mile
Summit
Summit
8,071 ft
Dead Indian Pass
Surface
Surface
Paved (Twisty)
Difficulty: 7/10
3D Vector Trajectory
CARTO Dark Matter GL
Start: WY-120 Junction (North of Cody), WY End: US-212 Junction (Beartooth Hwy), WY
Elevation Profile 4,900 – 8,071 ft
SUMMIT 8,071 FT
Dead Indian Pass
Apex Density Index 3.7 curves / mi
Scenic Sweeper Technical Switchback
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Nearby Staging
Yellowstone Powersports ~18 mi
Cody, United States • +1-307-587-6818
Yellowstone East Gate Emergency Service | Tire & Mounting | Cooling Systems
Brands: Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, KTM, Polaris
Beartooth Harley-Davidson ~74 mi
Billings, United States • +1-406-656-7878
Full Service & Diagnostics | Emergency Tire Center | Highway Touring Express
Brands: Harley-Davidson
Lodge

Rider-Friendly Lodging

Covered Parking
Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort & The Tree of Shame ~1471 mi
Robbinsville, NC

The undisputed epicenter of motorcycle culture in the eastern United States, sitting at Mile 0 of the Tail of the Dragon (US-129). An electric, adrenaline-fueled carnival of sportbikes, adventure tourers, and interstate cruisers. Smells of warm tire rubber, two-stroke exhaust, and hickory smoke.

Cue

Tank-Bag Quick Reference Sheet

Start Point WY-120 Junction (North of Cody), WY 44.7578, -109.1864
Summit / High Point Dead Indian Pass 8,071 FT Summit
End Destination US-212 Junction (Beartooth Hwy), WY 44.9125, -109.6019
T-CLOCS Pre-Ride: Tires & Wheels Controls & Cables Lights & Electric Oil & Fluids Chassis & Stand
DUNLOP
Official Tire Partner: Grip for Mountain Passes
Dunlop Roadsmart IV and Trailmax Mission provide maximum wet/dry confidence on mountain switchbacks.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How many curves and miles is Chief Joseph Scenic Byway?

Chief Joseph Scenic Byway spans 46 miles and packs approximately 170 curves (3.7 curves per mile) with an elevation delta of 4,900 ft - 8,071 ft (Dead Indian Pass) and technical rating 7/10.

Where are the start and end coordinates?

The route starts at WY-120 Junction (North of Cody), WY (Latitude 44.7578, Longitude -109.1864) and finishes at US-212 Junction (Beartooth Hwy), WY (Latitude 44.9125, Longitude -109.6019).

How can I download the GPX file for GPS navigation?

Click the "Download Free GPX" button on this guide. The standard XML file is 100% free and ready to load into Garmin zūmo, BMW Motorrad Connected, Rever, Scenic, or Google Maps.

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