Vigilante Trail

Butte - Yellowstone, Est. 1920’s

It all started when…

Montana was said to have the worst roads in the Union. The grandeur of the mountains and lifestyle of the “wild west” beckoned travelers, yet very few chose to make the difficult trek through the state. Untouched by travelers, Montana’s tourism potential was not being met. In the 1920s, the Vigilante Trail was created to encourage family vacationing by way of automobile to Yellowstone National Park.

Officials believed that the wide open and untouched spaces of Montana would market themselves – if only there were roads on which to travel.

The roads that did exist at the time followed the rugged path of old wagon trails and were often too steep or narrow to allow for travel by automobile. It was not an uncommon site to find passengers aiding vehicles along from the ground, or drivers making their way back down the steep grade.

Dedicated by President Harding in 1924, the new “Vigilante Trail” was deemed a scenic byway between Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks. The gentle grade of the road that cuts through what is now “Pipestone” made travel easy and promoted Yellowstone as a favorite travel destination.

The Vigilante Trail, originally dedicated in 1924, provides a corridor for Montana tourists from Butte to West Yellowstone. The trail was marked with the vigilante code, 3-7-77, on bright signs to ensure that visitors would not lose their way. This code served as a warning for frontier ruffians and criminals to leave the area immediately – or else. The trail cuts through the heart of Southwest Montana, taking travelers along the road that was frequented by so many of the early Montana settlers. Rich in territorial history, outdoor recreational opportunities, and genuine Montana hospitality, a trip along the Vigilante Trail will provide a memorable experience for all visitors.

If you’d like to know more about the Vigilante Trail go to https://www.southwestmt.com/itineraries/vigilantetrail/3777/