Beartooth Highway
A breathtaking 68-mile scenic byway climbing over 10,000 ft, connecting Montana to Yellowstone with unparalleled mountain vistas and alpine lakes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clearer skies, fewer crowds
Beartooth Highway
Best Time
Clearer skies, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking 68-mile scenic byway climbing over 10,000 ft, connecting Montana to Yellowstone with unparalleled mountain vistas and alpine lakes.
"The most beautiful drive in America, offering epic landscapes and wildlife encounters."
⛽ Fuel Up Beforehand
Gas stations are scarce. Fill your tank in Red Lodge, MT, or Cooke City, MT, before embarking on this ~68-mile drive.
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Many viewpoints require short walks. Pack sturdy footwear for exploring the alpine terrain and scenic pull-offs.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Summit Vista
Beartooth Pass Summit
Reach the highest point of the highway for unparalleled panoramic views of rugged peaks and alpine tundra.
Alpine Lakes
Various pull-offs along the highway
Discover pristine, crystal-clear alpine lakes reflecting the dramatic mountain scenery. Perfect for a peaceful moment.
Wildlife Sightings
Throughout the highway
Keep an eye out for native wildlife like mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and marmots in their natural habitat.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Prepare for the Altitude
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⛽ Fuel Up Beforehand
Gas stations are scarce. Fill your tank in Red Lodge, MT, or Cooke City, MT, before embarking on this ~68-mile drive.
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Many viewpoints require short walks. Pack sturdy footwear for exploring the alpine terrain and scenic pull-offs.
📸 Camera Ready!
The views are constantly changing. Have your camera or phone easily accessible to capture the stunning landscapes.
🧥 Pack Layers
Weather at high elevations can change rapidly. Bring warm layers, even in summer, as it can be chilly.
Tips
from all over the internet
⛽ Fuel Up Beforehand
Gas stations are scarce. Fill your tank in Red Lodge, MT, or Cooke City, MT, before embarking on this ~68-mile drive.
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Many viewpoints require short walks. Pack sturdy footwear for exploring the alpine terrain and scenic pull-offs.
📸 Camera Ready!
The views are constantly changing. Have your camera or phone easily accessible to capture the stunning landscapes.
🧥 Pack Layers
Weather at high elevations can change rapidly. Bring warm layers, even in summer, as it can be chilly.
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Cell service is spotty to non-existent. Download maps of the Beartooth Highway and surrounding areas beforehand.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently rave about the Beartooth Highway's breathtaking, unparalleled scenic beauty, often calling it one of the most stunning drives in the USA. The dramatic mountain vistas, pristine alpine lakes, and opportunities for wildlife sightings are major highlights. However, some note the challenging, winding roads and the limited services, emphasizing the need for preparation.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Beartooth Highway (US-212) connects Red Lodge, Montana, to the northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. You can access it from either end. Many visitors drive it as part of a trip to Yellowstone. +1
Absolutely! It's widely considered one of the most beautiful scenic drives in America, with dramatic mountain scenery, alpine lakes, and abundant wildlife. +2
Yes, but be prepared for steep grades, sharp curves, and high altitudes. Drivers of larger vehicles should exercise caution and use lower gears.
Many people drive it as a scenic route to or from Yellowstone. Others make it a dedicated day trip from nearby towns like Red Lodge or Billings. +1
No, the highway is typically closed from mid-October to late May or early June due to heavy snow. Always check the official status before planning your trip. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Beartooth Highway itself is a public road and does not require an entrance fee or ticket. However, if you are entering Yellowstone National Park via the northeast entrance, you will need a park pass.
The highway is open 24/7 when it is not closed for the season due to snow. The main consideration is the seasonal opening and closing dates.
There are no specific entrance stations for the Beartooth Highway itself. However, you will encounter park rangers and potential checkpoints if you are entering Yellowstone National Park.
While there aren't many dedicated tours solely for the highway, many Yellowstone tours incorporate it as a scenic route. You can also find local tour operators in Red Lodge or Cooke City.
The Beartooth Pass reaches an impressive elevation of 10,947 feet (3,337 meters) at its summit. +1
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Key stops include the summit vista, various pull-offs with stunning alpine lake views, and areas known for wildlife sightings like mountain goats. +2
It can be challenging due to steep grades, sharp curves, and high altitudes. Drivers should be cautious, especially in adverse weather or when driving larger vehicles.
You might spot mountain goats, bighorn sheep, elk, deer, and various birds. Always maintain a safe distance and never feed wildlife.
Yes, there are numerous opportunities for short hikes to viewpoints and around alpine lakes. Be prepared for rugged terrain and changing weather.
Descend to a lower elevation if possible, stay hydrated, and avoid strenuous activity. If symptoms are severe, seek medical attention.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Dining options are very limited directly on the highway. You'll find more choices in Red Lodge, MT, and Cooke City, MT, at either end. Pack snacks and water!
Yes, there are many scenic pull-offs perfect for a picnic. Remember to pack out all your trash to keep the area beautiful.
Your best bet is to stock up in Red Lodge or Cooke City before you start your drive. There are very few services once you're on the pass.
No, there are no grocery stores directly on the highway. Plan your food purchases in advance.
Both towns offer a range of casual dining, from diners and cafes to pubs and some sit-down restaurants, catering to travelers.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit vista, overlooks of alpine lakes, and any spot with dramatic mountain backdrops are prime photography locations. +1
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for landscape photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, and a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. A sturdy tripod can help with low-light conditions.
While not common, some Yellowstone-focused tours might include photography stops. It's often best to explore independently for personalized shots.
Look for reflections in the alpine lakes, dramatic cloud formations, and the winding ribbon of the highway itself against the vast landscape.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Take frequent stops at the numerous pull-offs to let kids stretch their legs and marvel at the views. Short, easy walks to alpine lakes can be a hit. Be mindful of the high altitude; keep activities light and ensure everyone stays hydrated.
🚗 Road Trippers & Photographers
Bring your best camera gear, including wide-angle lenses for sweeping panoramas and telephoto lenses for wildlife. The best light for photography is typically during the golden hours of early morning and late afternoon.
⛰️ Hikers & Nature Enthusiasts
Explore the shores of pristine alpine lakes and enjoy the unique flora and fauna of the high-altitude ecosystem. Pack layers of clothing and sturdy hiking boots. Always practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve the pristine beauty of this area.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Beartooth Highway
When planning your drive, remember that services are extremely limited. It's crucial to fuel up your vehicle in Red Lodge, Montana, or Cooke City, Montana, before you begin. Pack plenty of water and snacks, as there are very few places to purchase them along the route.
The highway is a seasonal road, typically open from late May or early June through mid-October, depending on snow conditions. Always check the Beartooth Highway status before your trip, as unexpected closures can occur due to weather.
Wildlife and Nature on the Pass
The landscape is dotted with numerous alpine lakes, many of which are pristine and offer stunning reflections of the surrounding peaks.
While the drive itself is the main attraction, the Beartooth Highway also offers opportunities for short hikes. Many pull-offs lead to short trails that allow you to immerse yourself further in the natural beauty. Be prepared for rugged terrain and rapidly changing weather conditions, even in summer.
Connecting to Yellowstone
Driving the Beartooth Highway before entering Yellowstone provides a different perspective on the vastness and beauty of the American West. The high-altitude scenery is a stark contrast to some of the more geothermal-focused areas within the park.
When planning your trip, consider the timing of the Beartooth Highway's opening and closing dates in relation to your Yellowstone visit. Ensuring the highway is open will allow you to fully utilize this breathtaking scenic byway as part of your journey.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit