Jackson Creek Loop: Montana Driving Tours

Driving 5 miles east of Bozeman Montana on Interstate 90 takes you into a high-sided canyon where the highway, the Northern Pacific railroad, and Rocky Creek are all squeezed between the jagged spires surrounding Frog Rock. This rock formation looks surprisingly like a huge frog crouched on a mountain side - particularly from the western approach.

For a major interstate highway, this stretch of road can be quite hazardous during early spring and late fall, due to ice on the road, so speeding is not suggested! After passing the Bear Creek exit at the canyon base, and Trail Creek exit at mid-canyon, the upper Bozeman Pass area opens into a high valley of sorts. The Jackson Creek exit allows you to leave the interstate and loop back west to Bridger Canyon, which is connected to Bozeman from the northeast. This was a nicely maintained gravel road until recently. It is now fully paved.

At the Jackson Creek exit, there is now a small bear "zoo", where a few orphan grizzly bears live. For a fee, you may drive into the viewing area to see and learn about these impressive creatures. Fees go toward upkeep of the bears and facility, and public education.

Immediately east of the bear attraction is a small farm, where the "Yellowstone Coffee Company" roasts their delicious coffee beans from around the world. There are no sales or samples on-site, but look for their product in stores throughout Bozeman.

Just to the north of the interstate, you will pass the historic Malmborg School. This octagonal, one-room schoolhouse was built in 1905, and is still in use as a grade shool! A bit further, and you pass a Forest Service access road that follows upper Jackson Creek into the hills, with a few "rustic" camping spots along the way.

The main Jackson Creek Road continues north and westward, surrounded by spectacular mountain countryside and full-frontal views of the Bridger Mountains. The road ends in the heart of beautiful Bridger Canyon - a welcoming mountain valley, with some evidence of its pricey real estate. A short drive to the right (north) will take you to the Bridger Bowl ski area. A few miles to the left (southwest), and you arrive back at Bozeman's north end. The entire drive takes about an hour to complete.