History of the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway - The Chief Joseph Scenic Byway is named after the Native American chief of the Nez Perce tribe. Following the Battle of the Big Hole in Idaho in 1877, Chief Joseph and 1,000 members of his tribe fled east through Yellowstone. The Nez Perce were trying to escape into Canada (a 1,800 mile trek), but surrendered after the six-day Battle of the Bear Paw in northeastern Montana. They were only 30 miles from the Canadian border. In his speech of surrender, Chief Joseph expressed dignity and defeat with his famound words, "Hear me, my chiefs, I am tired; my heart is sick and sad. From where the sun now stands, I will fignt no more forever." The Nez Perce tribe was forced onto reservations in Oklahome and Washington despite promises to allow them back on their lands. Yellowstone's Nez Perce Creek is named for this valiant attempt at freedom.
Chief Joseph Scenic Byway
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Byway Overview
The Chief Joseph Scenic Byway, Wyoming 296, links the town of Cody with the Beartooth Highway and the Northeast Gate of Yellowstone National Park. The route crosses the Shoshone National Forest through the Absaroka Mountains to the Clarks Fork Valley. The 47 paved miles of the Scenic Byway run from the junction with U.S. 120, 17 miles north of Cody, northwest to their connection with U.S. 212, the Beartooth Highway. The Beartooth Mountains and the Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone River lie to the north of the road, and the Absaroka Mountains and North Absaroka Wilderness are to the south. The most predictable times to drive this highway are during the fall and summer. During the winter months, snow plows keep the roadway open to just east of the entrance to Yellowstone National Park. Allow one hour minimum driving time over this stretch of Byway.
Quick Facts
- Designation
- State Byway
- Location
- WY
- Total Length
- 46 miles
Visitor Information & Byway Partners
Contact Details
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Local Byway Partners
The Chief Joseph Highway, Hwy 296 runs along the Northeastern edge of the Yellowstone National Park. The road starts 17 miles north of Cody off State Hwy 120 as Crandall Road before coming to an end at Beartooth Highway US Hwy. 212.