Beartooth Highway: Your Ultimate Guide To A Scenic Drive

05 May, 2025

Are you ready to embark on a journey that will redefine your definition of scenic beauty? The Beartooth Highway, a ribbon of asphalt winding through the heart of Montana and Wyoming, offers an unparalleled driving experience, promising breathtaking vistas and a connection with nature that few roads can match.

Stretching for approximately 68 miles, the Beartooth Highway (US Highway 212) is a testament to the raw, untamed beauty of the American West. This iconic route seamlessly connects Red Lodge, Montana, to Cooke City, Montana, near the northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park. It's a drive that transcends mere transportation; it's an immersion into a world sculpted by glaciers, adorned with alpine lakes, and crowned by peaks that pierce the sky. From its starting point in Red Lodge, situated at an elevation of 5,500 feet, the road relentlessly climbs, testing both the limits of your vehicle and your own sense of wonder, culminating in the dramatic Beartooth Pass, an astounding 10,947 feet above sea level.

This route offers the most enchanting experience, the journey begins at Red Lodge, Montana and ends at the northeast entrance of Yellowstone. It is also the highest elevation highway in both states, offering spectacular views in every direction. The beartooth highway is an incredible scenic byway in the united states. It is also renowned for its picturesque views of the beartooth mountains. The 68.7 mile long highway runs from red lodge, montana, to cooke city near the northeast entrance to.

Feature	Details
Location	Part of Route 212 in Montana and Wyoming. Runs between Red Lodge, Montana and the northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park. Connects Red Lodge to Cooke City, Montana.
Length	Approximately 68 miles (68.7 miles between Red Lodge and Cooke City)
Starting Point	Red Lodge, Montana (elevation 5,500 feet)
Ending Point	Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone National Park, near Cooke City, Montana
Highest Point	Beartooth Pass (10,947 feet)
Scenery	Alpine lakes, peaks over 12,000 feet, glacially carved cirques, vibrant wildflowers, sylvan stretches, fragile tundra, hanging valleys, views of the Absaroka and Beartooth Mountains.
Designation	US Highway 212 has been designated as the Beartooth Highway, also known as the Beartooth All-American Highway.
Open/Closed Dates	Typically open from late May/early June through the fall, but subject to weather conditions. High elevation can cause closures due to snow and fog.
Points of Interest	Beartooth Pass Overlook, Lake Creek Falls & CCC Bridge, Clarks Fork Valley Overlook, Pilot & Index Peak Overlook, Clay Butte Lookout Tower, Beartooth Falls, Top of the World Store, West Summit & Beartooth Pass Overlook, Gardiner Lake Pullout.
Associated Byways	Chief Joseph Scenic Byway (Wyoming Highway 296)
Featured in Videos	A map of the Beartooth Highway is provided to assist with descriptions and landmarks mentioned in the videos.
Other Information	The 2025 clearing is underway, Make sure to follow us on facebook (@montanadot) and instagram (@mtdot) to stay updated.
Link to an authentic website	National Park Service (Yellowstone National Park)

As you ascend, the landscape undergoes a dramatic transformation. The lodgepole pine forests gradually give way to a world of alpine lakes, with twenty peaks that soar above 12,000 feet, glaciers that have carved the land into cirques, and bursts of vibrant wildflowers that paint the landscape in a kaleidoscope of colors. The air thins, the views broaden, and the experience becomes increasingly surreal. It is truly one of the most spectacular routes in the continental United States. As you drive, you'll also pass through sylvan stretches, fragile tundra, alpine lakes, and hanging valleys.

The journey to the Beartooth Pass is one of the most unforgettable aspects of this drive. This is the highways high point offering truly spectacular views in every direction. It is an opportunity to pause and breathe in the crisp mountain air. The overlook provides a panorama of the surrounding peaks and valleys. However, the high elevation also presents a challenge. In late May and early June, harsh weather conditions, including blowing snow and fog, can lead to short-term highway closures. It's wise to check road conditions before you go, and always be prepared for rapidly changing weather.

Beyond the sheer beauty, the Beartooth Highway offers a historical connection. The route, a segment of Route 212, holds a place in the history of the American West, connecting two iconic locations: Red Lodge, a town rich in mining and ranching history, and Yellowstone National Park, the world's first national park. This road is also a scenic route to Yellowstone as well as a destination in its own right. Driving the Beartooth Highway is like embarking on an adventure in itself. Whether you're a seasoned road-tripper or a first-time visitor, the Beartooth Highway promises an adventure you will never forget.

Along the way, you'll discover a number of points of interest. Numerous pullouts allow you to pause and soak in the scenery. The Beartooth Falls cascade down rocky cliffs, Lake Creek Falls & CCC Bridge, Clarks Fork Valley Overlook, Pilot & Index Peak Overlook and West Summit & Beartooth Pass Overlook provide glimpses into the geological wonders of the area. The Top of the World Store offers a chance to refuel and pick up souvenirs. Keep an eye out for wildlife this area is home to a variety of creatures, from bighorn sheep and mountain goats to bears and elk.

For those seeking an extended adventure, the Beartooth Highway is ideally situated near the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway (Wyoming Highway 296), offering a complimentary driving experience that adds another dimension to your trip. Sixteen miles north of Cody, Wyoming, you can turn onto the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway, crossing historic Two Dot Ranch and winding your way to the top of Dead Indian Hill. This route provides further stunning views, offering a wider perspective on the region's natural wonders.

As you plan your trip, remember that the Beartooth Highway is typically open from late May or early June, depending on weather conditions, through the fall. Due to the high elevation, snow and ice can be present even in the summer months, so it is always wise to check road conditions before you go. The clearing of the highway for the 2025 season is already underway. You can also stay updated on road conditions and closures by following the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) on Facebook (@montanadot) and Instagram (@mtdot).

In comparison to iconic routes like Route 66 or the Pacific Coast Highway, the Beartooth Highway might seem like a relatively short drive. But the compressed beauty and the sheer drama packed into those 68 miles are unlike anything else. Driving the Beartooth Highway and Beartooth Pass is a scenic route to yellowstone as well as a destination in its own right.

The Beartooth Highway is more than just a road; it's an experience. It's a journey through a landscape that has been sculpted by the forces of nature. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, the Beartooth Highway promises an adventure you won't soon forget, providing a unique perspective of the magnificent scenery that Montana and Wyoming have to offer. From its start in Red Lodge, Montana, through Beartooth Pass to the northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park, the Beartooth Highway is one of the most scenic drives in the United States.

Beartooth Highway Driving Map Road trip planning, Yellowstone trip

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Beartooth Highway Map TravelsFinders.Com

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