MT 2 begins in Butte at an interchange with I-15 and I-90, which travel concurrently through the city.

The highway heads south and then southeast through rural Silver Bow County.

The highway crosses Pipestone Pass and enters Jefferson County.

As it nears Three Forks, MT 2 meets US 287 and the two highways travel concurrently for approximately ten miles (16 km).

Just west of Three Forks, MT 2 splits away from US 287 and then enters the city.