Overview
Beartooth Highway (US Route 212) is a 68-mile All-American Road that runs between Red Lodge, Montana, and the northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park near Cooke City, Montana. It climbs to a summit of approximately 10,947 feet (3,337 m) at Beartooth Pass, making it one of the highest paved highways in the United States. Designated a National Scenic Byway and All-American Road, it is frequently cited by travelers and publications as among the most visually striking drives on the continent.
The highway traverses the Beartooth Plateau, a vast expanse of alpine tundra dotted with hundreds of glacially carved lakes, granite peaks, and snowfields that persist well into summer. The landscape shifts dramatically as you gain elevation — dense conifer forest gives way to open subalpine meadows and then to the stark, windswept plateau above treeline. Wildlife including moose, elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and black bears may be spotted along the route.
The road is not simply a throughway; it is a destination in itself. Pullouts and overlooks are numerous, and short trails branch off at various points to lakes, waterfalls, and viewpoints. Understanding its seasonal nature and the potential for rapidly changing mountain weather is essential before visiting.
Before You Go
Seasonal Closure
Beartooth Highway typically opens in late May or early June and closes in mid-October, though exact dates vary by year depending on snowpack. The highway can also close temporarily during summer for snow or storm events. Check current road conditions with the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) or Wyoming DOT before departure, as conditions can change with little warning.
Weather Preparation
Even in July and August, temperatures near the summit can drop sharply, and afternoon thunderstorms are common. Pack warm layers, a waterproof jacket, and sun protection — UV exposure is intense at high altitude. Snow or ice on the road surface is possible any month the highway is open.
Vehicle Considerations
The highway features steep grades and sharp switchbacks. Vehicles with brake or cooling issues should use caution; downhill sections require gear reduction to avoid brake fade. There are no gas stations on the highway itself — fill up in Red Lodge, Cooke City, or Silver Gate before setting out.
Altitude Awareness
The sustained elevation above 10,000 feet can cause mild altitude sickness in some visitors, particularly those arriving from sea level. Symptoms include headache, nausea, and fatigue. Staying hydrated, ascending slowly, and resting at pullouts can help. Those with heart or respiratory conditions should consult a physician before visiting.
Getting There
By Car
The western (Montana) end of the highway begins just south of Red Lodge on US-212. Red Lodge is approximately 60 miles southwest of Billings, Montana, which is the nearest city with a commercial airport (Billings Logan International Airport). The eastern (Wyoming) end connects to the northeast entrance of Yellowstone near Cooke City. Driving the full highway from Red Lodge to Cooke City takes roughly 1.5 to 2.5 hours under good conditions, not accounting for stops.
By Air
Billings Logan International Airport (BIL) is the most practical air gateway for visitors approaching from the Montana side. Cody Regional Airport (COD) in Wyoming is an option for those combining the drive with Yellowstone or Cody. Car rental is essential — there is no public transit to or along the highway.
Note on RVs and Trailers
Large vehicles are not prohibited but should exercise considerable caution. Some pullouts and turnaround areas are tight. Verify the current advisories on the official MDT or NPS sites if traveling with an oversized vehicle.
Getting Around
A personal vehicle is the only practical way to experience Beartooth Highway. The road is a single two-lane highway with no public bus or shuttle service. Motorcycles are popular on the route during summer months, and cycling the highway is attempted by experienced riders, though the grades, altitude, traffic, and weather make it a serious undertaking.
Pullouts are spaced throughout the drive and are the designated spots for stopping to photograph or take in views. Stopping on the travel lane is dangerous and prohibited. The Top of the World area near the summit offers restroom facilities and, seasonally, a small store — verify current services locally before relying on them.
If you plan to hike from trailheads along the route, note that most require no permits but some Wilderness areas within the Beartooth-Absaroka range may have regulations. Confirm current requirements with the Custer Gallatin National Forest or Shoshone National Forest depending on which side of the state line you are accessing.
Where to Stay
There are no hotels or lodges on the highway itself. Overnight visitors base themselves at either end of the route or at points in between.
Red Lodge, MT is the most developed base, with motels, inns, and vacation rentals ranging from budget to mid-range. It has grocery stores, outfitters, and restaurants, making it a comfortable hub for multi-day exploration.
Cooke City and Silver Gate, MT are very small communities near the Yellowstone northeast entrance. A handful of small motels and cabins operate seasonally — book well in advance for summer visits as capacity is extremely limited.
Campgrounds: The Beartooth area has several developed US Forest Service campgrounds along or near the highway, including sites at Beartooth Lake and Island Lake. These are popular and fill quickly in peak summer; reserve through Recreation.gov where reservations are available, or verify which sites are first-come, first-served.
Things to See & Do
Scenic Driving and Overlooks
The drive itself is the primary activity. Key viewpoints include the Rock Creek Vista Point Overlook (accessible via a short paved path), Gardner Lake, and the views from Beartooth Pass summit. Allow ample time for stops rather than rushing through.
Hiking
Several trailheads along the highway provide access to alpine lakes and Beartooth Wilderness terrain. Island Lake, Beartooth Lake, and Clay Butte are commonly visited starting points. Trails range from easy lakeside walks to strenuous backcountry routes. Always check weather forecasts and carry the ten essentials for mountain hiking.
Fishing
The lakes and streams of the Beartooth Plateau are known for trout fishing. A valid Montana or Wyoming fishing license is required depending on location; verify which state's waters you are fishing. Catch regulations vary — check with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks or Wyoming Game and Fish.
Photography and Wildlife Watching
The plateau is exceptional for wildlife photography. Early morning and evening offer the best light and the highest probability of wildlife activity. Binoculars are recommended for spotting animals on distant slopes.
Snowfields
Even in midsummer, persistent snowfields near the summit attract visitors who walk on snow in July — an experience many find memorable. Exercise caution as slopes can be icy and unstable.
Food & Drink
There are no restaurants on the highway itself. Red Lodge at the northern end is a small but well-served town with a range of dining options from casual cafes and brewpubs to sit-down restaurants. It is the best place to fuel up on a meal before or after the drive.
Cooke City at the southern end is a very small community with a handful of restaurants and general stores that cater to travelers heading into or out of Yellowstone. Options are limited — do not arrive expecting a wide variety of cuisine.
Carry water and snacks for the drive. Dehydration is easy to overlook at altitude, and the drive can take longer than expected when accounting for stops. There are no vending machines or food outlets on the road itself outside of whatever services are seasonally available at Top of the World (verify locally).
Practical Information
Cell Service
Mobile phone coverage is extremely limited or nonexistent for most of the highway. Download offline maps, trail information, and road condition updates before departing. Do not rely on real-time navigation apps once on the road.
Emergency Services
The highway is remote. In a medical emergency or breakdown, the nearest substantial services are in Red Lodge to the north or, to a lesser extent, Cooke City to the south. A satellite communicator device (such as a personal locator beacon) is a sensible precaution for anyone venturing off the highway on foot.
Fuel
Fill your tank completely before beginning the drive. Gas is available in Red Lodge, Cooke City, and Silver Gate, but not on the highway.
Fees
As of the time of writing, there is no toll or fee to drive Beartooth Highway itself. However, if your route continues into Yellowstone National Park, standard NPS entrance fees apply. Verify current fee information on the NPS official website.
Leave No Trace
The alpine tundra ecosystem is fragile and slow to recover from disturbance. Stay on established trails and pullouts, pack out all waste, and do not pick wildflowers or disturb wildlife.
Safety
Weather is the primary safety concern on Beartooth Highway. Afternoon thunderstorms can develop rapidly in summer, bringing lightning, hail, and reduced visibility. If a storm develops while you are at or near the summit, descend to lower elevation. Lightning is a serious hazard in open alpine terrain.
Road conditions can deteriorate quickly. Ice, snow, and fog have been recorded on the highway in every month it is open. Check MDT road condition reports (511mt.com or equivalent) before and during your trip. The highway may close with minimal advance notice.
Wildlife encounters are possible. Maintain safe distances from all animals — approaching or feeding wildlife is illegal in national forest and national park areas and is dangerous. Bears are present in the region; carry bear spray if hiking and know how to use it.
If you experience vehicle trouble on the highway, pull fully off the road at a pullout, turn on hazard lights, and remain with your vehicle if possible. Cell service is unreliable, so a plan for communication failures is advisable before you set out.
