Take a Drive on the Scenic Beartooth Highway

Not every journey through Yellowstone requires hiking boots. For those seeking adventure with a touch of comfort, the Beartooth Highway offers an unforgettable passage through some of the park’s most stunning landscapes. With every mile, this high-altitude road winds through rugged peaks, alpine meadows, and glacial lakes, revealing vistas that feel both timeless and untamed.

The journey begins at the northeast entrance of Yellowstone, where the highway quickly ascends into the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. Switchbacks carve through the mountains, each turn unveiling a view more dramatic than the last. Peaks wrapped in snow rise like ancient sentinels, their jagged silhouettes etched against the endless sky. Below, wildflower-strewn valleys cradle shimmering lakes that reflect the grandeur above.

At Beartooth Pass, nearly 11,000 feet above sea level, the air is thin but exhilarating. The tundra-like terrain, dotted with turquoise glacial lakes, feels otherworldly—an untouched expanse where nature reigns supreme. The horizon stretches endlessly, with mountain ranges rolling out in every direction like a sea of stone waves.

The drive is filled with moments of awe. Pull-offs like Rock Creek Vista Point offer panoramic views that beg to be photographed, while Hell Roaring Plateau invites exploration for those eager to stretch their legs. Wildlife adds to the magic: mountain goats perch on rocky outcrops, marmots scurry through the tundra, and bald eagles soar high above.

What makes the Beartooth Highway truly special is its ability to stir the soul. The interplay of light and shadow on the peaks, the whisper of wind through alpine meadows, and the sheer scale of the landscape remind you of nature’s vast power and quiet beauty. It’s a drive that doesn’t just take you somewhere—it transforms you along the way.

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Adventure Guide Summary

Beartooth Highway

• Route: 68 miles from Cooke City, Montana, to Red Lodge, Montana.
• Elevation: Reaches 10,947 feet at Beartooth Pass.
• Season: Open late May through early October, weather permitting.
• Scenic Highlights:
  • Beartooth Pass: Jaw-dropping views at the highway’s highest point.
  • Rock Creek Vista Point: Perfect for panoramic photography.
  • Hell Roaring Plateau: A haven for short hikes and quiet reflection.
  • Twin Lakes Overlook: A serene spot to take in alpine beauty.
• Tips:
  • Dress in layers for unpredictable high-altitude weather.
  • Fill your tank before the drive—no gas stations en route.
  • Drive carefully on steep grades and switchbacks.