05/23/2025
The Beartooth Highway is often called one of the most scenic drives in America—and for good reason. Spanning the rugged northern Rockies between Montana and Wyoming, it’s a dramatic journey through alpine tundra, towering peaks, and glacial lakes, often described as a "highway to the sky."
🛣️ Beartooth Highway at a Glance
Official Designation: U.S. Highway 212
Length: ~68 miles (109 km)
Route: From Red Lodge, Montana, to the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone National Park, near Cooke City, Montana
Elevation: Peaks at 10,947 feet at Beartooth Pass
🌄 Why It’s Special
Alpine Landscapes: The highway climbs above the tree line into an otherworldly alpine tundra, rare for a U.S. road.
Switchbacks & Vistas: Numerous hairpin turns with sweeping views of glaciated peaks, deep valleys, and high alpine plateaus.
Wildlife: Expect to see mountain goats, marmots, elk, and sometimes even grizzlies.
Seasonal Access: Usually open Memorial Day through mid-October—snow can close it even in early summer or late spring.
🧭 Points of Interest Along the Route
Red Lodge, MT – A charming gateway town with restaurants, shops, and outdoor outfitters.
Beartooth Pass – The high point, offering panoramic views at nearly 11,000 feet.
Top of the World Store – Remote stop offering snacks, gas (sometimes), and souvenirs.
Cooke City, MT – A rustic town near Yellowstone’s northeast entrance.
Yellowstone National Park – The highway ends (or begins) right at the park, near Lamar Valley.
🏔️ The Name – Beartooth
Named after the Beartooth Peak, which resembles a bear’s tooth in profile. The region is part of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, a vast, rugged area full of backcountry beauty.
🧳 Tips for Travelers
Drive slowly and pull over often—it’s a route best enjoyed at a relaxed pace.
Bring layers: Even in summer, temps can dip below freezing at the summit.
Watch for snow: Even in July, snowbanks can line the road at higher elevations.
Fuel up: Services are limited on the highway itself.
