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Madison River and Quake Lake: US-287, Madison Valley, Montana
Photo: Forest Service - Northern Region · Public domain

Drives Montana Bozeman, Big Sky and Paradise Valley

Madison River and Quake Lake: US-287

US 287, Hebgen Lake Road · Ennis → Hebgen Lake

Leisurely61 mi1 hr3,000 ft climbHigh point ≈ 6,700 ftOne way
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The drive

US-287 runs south from Ennis up the Madison Valley, between the Madison and Gravelly ranges, then through the canyon past Earthquake Lake and along Hebgen Lake. The valley half is long and wide, with mountain views. The canyon and lake half has the river curves.

Earthquake Lake Visitor Center, run by the Custer Gallatin National Forest, is near the lake. The drive ends just before US-191, about 8 miles north of West Yellowstone.

Along the way

  1. Ennis
  2. Earthquake Lake
  3. Hebgen Lake (US-191)
Elevation
3,000 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 6,700 ft
EnnisHebgen Lake
Curves
Mostly gentle curves
EnnisHebgen Lake
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • Rockfall has closed US-287 near Quake Lake before, and a rockfall warning may be posted; check Montana 511 before you go.
  • The visitor center's hours were 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. when it reopened; call the Hebgen Lake Ranger Station at 406-823-6961.
  • MDT does not list US-287 as seasonally closed.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Montana 511 (MDT).

Questions about this drive

How long does US-287 from Ennis to Hebgen Lake take?

US-287 from Ennis to Hebgen Lake is 61 miles and takes about 1 hour.

Is US-287 near Quake Lake safe?

It is usually open, but rockfall has closed the road near Earthquake Lake before. Check Montana 511 for warnings before you go.

Where is Earthquake Lake?

Earthquake Lake is on US-287 between Ennis and Hebgen Lake, with a visitor center run by the Custer Gallatin National Forest.

What you get in the app

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Madison River and Quake Lake: US-287, from Ennis to Hebgen Lake