The Beartooth Highway, designated as an All-American Road and often proclaimed "the most beautiful drive in America" by late CBS correspondent Charles Kuralt, is a stunning 68-mile segment of U.S. Route 212 that traverses the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness along the Montana-Wyoming border. Starting in the charming town of Red Lodge, Montana, it ascends through dramatic switchbacks to Beartooth Pass at 10,947 feet—the highest point in both states—before descending to Cooke City, Montana, near the northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. This high-altitude route showcases alpine tundra, glacially carved valleys, pristine lakes, and snow-capped granite peaks rising over 12,000 feet, offering panoramic vistas that rival those in the Alps. Ideal for adventurous drivers, motorcyclists, and nature enthusiasts, it's a seasonal gem open typically from late May or early June to mid-October, weather permitting, with opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing (including grizzly bears, mountain goats, and moose), and photography amid wildflowers and lingering snowfields.
Work on the Beartooth Highway kicked off in 1931 under President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal programs, which were designed to create jobs and stimulate the economy during the depths of the Great Depression while also improving transportation links to Yellowstone National Park. Managed by the Bureau of Public Roads, the ambitious project faced immense hurdles such as steep, rocky terrain, unpredictable high-altitude weather, and the need for innovative engineering solutions like the construction of unique bridges, including the historic Long Lake Bridge built in 1932-1933 using specialized techniques for the plateau's flat sections. Despite these challenges, the highway officially opened to motorists on June 14, 1936, providing employment to hundreds of workers and marking a key milestone in U.S. infrastructure development as one of the first federally funded roads of its kind. The path itself echoes ancient routes traversed by Native American tribes, including the Crow and Shoshone, who used these high passes for hunting, trading, and seasonal migrations long before European settlers arrived. In the early 1900s, it helped fuel a boom in regional tourism by offering adventurous travelers a dramatic gateway to the wonders of Yellowstone. After World War II, widespread media exposure, including praise from CBS correspondent Charles Kuralt who dubbed it "the most beautiful drive in America," cemented its iconic status among scenic routes. The highway received National Scenic Byway recognition in 1989 and was further honored as an All-American Road in 2002, highlighting its unparalleled scenic, cultural, and recreational value. In modern times, maintenance has focused on resilience against environmental threats exacerbated by climate change; the catastrophic 2022 floods, for example, damaged sections and prompted extended closures, with repair and reconstruction projects extending into 2025, including road resurfacing and improved drainage systems. As of December 2025, the highway remains closed for the winter season following its typical mid-October shutdown due to snow and ice, but plowing operations are anticipated to begin in April 2026 for the next seasonal reopening around Memorial Day, incorporating safety upgrades like reinforced guardrails, advanced avalanche control measures, and enhanced signage to protect drivers in this unpredictable alpine environment.
This 68-mile paved stretch can be driven straight through in about
2-3 hours, but to truly savor its breathtaking vistas and diverse
ecosystems, allocate 4-6 hours or even a full day, allowing time for
stops, hikes, and photography. Elevations soar from roughly 5,600 feet
at the starting point in Red Lodge, Montana, to a dizzying peak of
nearly 11,000 feet, crossing into Wyoming along the way and offering a
dramatic shift from lush valleys to barren, wind-swept summits. Mile
markers begin at 0 in Red Lodge for easy navigation. Below is a detailed
section-by-section guide, incorporating key landmarks and tips for
visitors:
Red Lodge to Vista Point (Miles 0-12): The journey starts
in the verdant, wooded lower elevations of the Custer Gallatin National
Forest, featuring gradual ascents amid stands of quaking aspens, vibrant
wildflower fields in summer, and pine-scented air. Early switchbacks
reveal stunning panoramas of Rock Creek Canyon below and the imposing
Beartooth Mountains looming in the distance; a must-stop is Rock Creek
Vista Point, where restrooms, interpretive signs, and observation
platforms provide ideal spots to watch for wildlife like marmots and
chipmunks while taking in the expansive views.
Vista Point to
Beartooth Pass (Miles 12-27): Here, the climb steepens dramatically with
tight hairpin curves, exposed cliffs, and vertigo-inducing drop-offs
that demand cautious driving. The landscape transitions into sparse
alpine tundra, dotted with hardy wildflowers and patches of permafrost;
crossing the state line into Wyoming, you'll encounter ancient glacial
cirques—bowl-shaped depressions carved by ice ages—and vast high
plateaus where snowfields persist well into July. Look out for the Clay
Butte Lookout, a historic fire tower offering 360-degree sights of the
Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, and keep an eye for bighorn sheep or
mountain goats navigating the rocky outcrops.
Beartooth Pass to
Gardner Lake (Miles 27-40): Reaching the pinnacle at Beartooth Pass
(elevation 10,947 feet), travelers are rewarded with unobstructed,
panoramic views encompassing distant ranges, valleys, and even glimpses
of the Tetons on clear days. The descent winds past a series of
jewel-toned alpine lakes, including Gardner Lake and the nearby Twin
Lakes, framed by jagged granite peaks and opportunities for easy trails
like the short hike to Frozen Lake or Island Lake for fishing and
picnicking. This area, often blanketed in wildflowers during peak
season, also features the iconic Bear's Tooth spire—a distinctive rock
formation that inspired the highway's name—and is prime for spotting
pikas or golden eagles in the crisp, thin air.
Gardner Lake to Cooke
City (Miles 40-68): The road gradually drops through denser subalpine
forests of lodgepole pine and spruce into the serene Clarks Fork Valley,
with commanding sights of landmark summits like Pilot Peak (11,699 feet)
and Index Peak (11,313 feet), both popular among hikers and
photographers. As you near the end, the route passes Beartooth Lake with
its historic 1930s bridge and outlet stream, ideal for a quick stop to
admire the high-mountain reflections. The drive concludes in the quaint,
historic mining community of Cooke City, Montana, which serves as a
charming basecamp with rustic lodges, eateries, and direct access to
Yellowstone's northeast entrance—perfect for extending your adventure
into the park's Lamar Valley for wildlife viewing.
This segmented
overview underscores the highway's profound elevation gradients and
biodiversity shifts, from temperate montane woodlands teeming with flora
and fauna to stark, arctic-inspired highlands where only resilient
species thrive, making it a microcosm of the Greater Yellowstone
Ecosystem's natural splendor.
The Beartooth Highway, often hailed as one of America's most scenic
drives, features numerous viewpoints, hiking paths, and natural wonders
that allow travelers to fully engage with its rugged, untouched
landscapes. Spanning about 68 miles from Red Lodge, Montana, to the
northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park near Cooke City, this
All-American Road climbs to nearly 11,000 feet, offering dramatic vistas
of snow-capped peaks, glacial lakes, and diverse wildlife habitats.
At Mile 12, Rock Creek Vista Point provides an easy-to-reach overlook
equipped with restrooms and picnic facilities, delivering panoramic
sights of the expansive Hellroaring Plateau—a vast, high-elevation
grassland dotted with wildflowers in summer—and the jagged Absaroka
Mountain Range. This spot is especially popular among photographers for
capturing sunrise or sunset hues reflecting off the granite cliffs, and
it's wheelchair-accessible for broader appeal.
Reaching the pinnacle
at Mile 27, Beartooth Pass Summit stands at 10,947 feet and includes
educational plaques detailing the region's ancient geology, formed by
volcanic activity millions of years ago, and its resident animals.
During late spring and early summer, adventurous visitors can ski or
snowboard on lingering snow patches, while throughout the open season,
you might spot adorable pikas scurrying among rocks or yellow-bellied
marmots sunbathing. The thin air here can be invigorating but demands
caution for those sensitive to high altitudes.
Between Miles 35 and
38, Gardner Lake and the nearby Twin Lakes offer serene, crystal-clear
alpine waters perfect for trout fishing—stocked with species like
cutthroat and brook trout—or leisurely strolls along the shores. In
mid-summer, the surrounding meadows burst with colorful wildflowers such
as lupines, paintbrushes, and columbines, creating a vibrant carpet
against the backdrop of towering pines and granite outcrops.
Venturing off the main route at Mile 42, a 3-mile gravel detour leads to
Clay Butte Lookout, a restored 1940s fire tower that affords full
360-degree views of the expansive Beartooth Plateau, including distant
glimpses of the Tetons on clear days. This historic site, listed on the
National Register of Historic Places, highlights the area's firefighting
heritage and is reachable by most vehicles, though high clearance is
advisable.
Hiking enthusiasts will find a variety of trails, from the
family-friendly 0.5-mile Beartooth Loop near the summit, which circles a
small tarn with reflections of surrounding peaks, to the challenging
4-mile round-trip Clay Butte Trail ascending to open meadows teeming
with butterflies and occasional elk sightings. Wildlife abounds along
the route, including opportunities to observe grizzly bears safely from
a distance (bring binoculars), mountain goats scaling cliffs, and birds
like golden eagles soaring overhead.
Beyond the natural draws,
cultural immersion awaits in the gateway towns: Red Lodge boasts a
charming historic district with Victorian-era buildings, art galleries,
and breweries reflecting its coal-mining past, while Cooke City
preserves remnants of its gold rush history through museums and old
saloons. Seasonal highlights, like July's wildflower explosions or
autumn's fiery aspen groves turning shades of gold and red, enhance the
drive's visual splendor.
Optimal Visiting Periods: Plan your journey from late June through
early September to enjoy mild weather, blooming flora, and fully
accessible roads; June brings a magical snow-draped scenery but may
involve plowing delays or partial closures. For a quieter experience
with stunning fall foliage, aim for September to mid-October before
winter snows set in. Those susceptible to altitude-related issues, such
as headaches or shortness of breath, should consult a doctor beforehand,
as elevations exceed 10,000 feet.
Vehicle Recommendations and Route
Guidance: Due to hairpin curves and steep grades, avoid large RVs over
40 feet or towing trailers; opt for a reliable car or SUV and adhere to
speed limits of 25-45 mph for safety. Enhance your drive with audio
guides via apps like Gypsy Guide, which provide narrated insights on
history and sights. Cell coverage is spotty or nonexistent in remote
sections, so preload offline maps from Google or AllTrails, and carry a
physical map as backup.
Cost and Planning Essentials: Entry is free,
but budget $50-100 per day for fuel, meals at roadside cafes, and
accommodations—expect around $150 per night for motels in Red Lodge or
similar in Cooke City. Services are absent along the highway itself, so
stock up on gas, water, snacks, and emergency supplies in the endpoint
towns. Dress in layers, as temperatures can plummet by 30°F or more from
the lower valleys to the summit, even in summer.
Updated Insights: As
of December 2025, the Beartooth Highway remains closed for the winter
season, with reopening typically targeted for late May or early June
2026, weather permitting. The 2022 flood-damaged sections have been
fully repaired, though monitor for occasional rockslides, dense fog, or
animal crossings during open months. Recent reviews from 2025 noted
drier conditions due to ongoing drought in the region, which could
reduce summer greenery and heighten wildfire risks—check the Montana
Department of Transportation (MDT) or U.S. Forest Service websites for
real-time alerts. Side roads near Cooke City might still show minor
roughness from past events.
Eco-Friendly Practices: To preserve the
delicate alpine ecosystem, stick to designated paths and avoid trampling
tundra vegetation, which takes decades to recover. Drones are prohibited
in adjacent wilderness zones to minimize wildlife disturbance. Bolster
sustainability by patronizing local businesses in Red Lodge and Cooke
City, such as farm-to-table eateries or eco-tour operators.
Embarking
on the Beartooth Highway delivers a thrilling passage through pristine
wildlands, merging heart-pounding switchbacks with moments of profound
tranquility, crafting memories that linger long after the journey ends.