01/25/2026
Definitely on my list to ride.
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
Full journey, hidden viewpoints, and travel tips are all in the video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XVqpWCXi3U
