Destination
Beartooth Highway
Drive one of America’s most spectacular scenic roads with alpine lakes, glacial cirques, wildflower meadows, high mountain tundra, dramatic overlooks, wildlife habitat, and access to Yellowstone’s Northeast Entrance.
Region
South-central Montana and northwest Wyoming, from Red Lodge to Cooke City and Silver Gate near Yellowstone National Park
Best For
Scenic drives, photography, motorcycle touring, wildlife viewing, alpine lakes, mountain views, wildflowers, road trips, and Yellowstone gateway travel
Nearby Highlights
Red Lodge, Cooke City, Silver Gate, Yellowstone Northeast Entrance, Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, alpine lakes, Beartooth Pass, and high mountain overlooks
local charm
A legendary mountain road shaped by glaciers, alpine tundra, rugged peaks, wildflower meadows, sweeping views, and the wild edge of Yellowstone country
Tour Overview
An All-American Road Through Alpine Montana
The Beartooth Highway is one of the most breathtaking drives in the United States, climbing from the mountain town of Red Lodge, Montana, toward Cooke City and Silver Gate near the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone National Park.
Designated as an All-American Road, this scenic route climbs through lodgepole pine forests, alpine tundra, glacial cirques, high mountain lakes, and some of the most dramatic terrain in the Absaroka-Beartooth Range. With more than 20 nearby peaks rising over 12,000 feet, the views feel enormous from nearly every turn.
At its highest elevations, the highway reaches a world of lingering snowfields, rugged rock, wildflower meadows, and wide-open alpine views. Whether traveled by car, motorcycle, or as part of a Yellowstone-area itinerary, the Beartooth Highway is a true Montana road trip classic.
All-American Road
The Beartooth Highway is recognized as one of the nation’s premier scenic routes, known for unforgettable mountain views and dramatic elevation gain.
High Alpine Scenery
Travel through forests, tundra, cirques, alpine lakes, snowfields, and rugged high-country landscapes.
Yellowstone Gateway
The route connects Red Lodge with Cooke City, Silver Gate, and Yellowstone National Park’s Northeast Entrance.
Wildlife & Wilderness
The surrounding Beartooth Mountains and Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness support bears, elk, deer, moose, bighorn sheep, and other mountain wildlife.
Red Lodge to Yellowstone
Begin in Red Lodge and follow the highway toward Cooke City and Silver Gate, creating a scenic approach to Yellowstone’s Northeast Entrance.
Beartooth Pass
The road climbs to high elevation, with sweeping views, chilly mountain air, alpine tundra, and dramatic overlooks.
Alpine Lakes & Glacial Terrain
Travel past lakes, cirques, rocky basins, and landscapes shaped by ancient glaciers.
Wildflower Meadows
In late June and July, high-elevation meadows can bloom with colorful wildflowers against rugged mountain scenery.
Best Times to Visit
Summer
Peak driving season, alpine views, wildflowers, wildlife sightings, photography, motorcycle touring, and access to high mountain overlooks.
Fall
Cooler temperatures, crisp mountain air, fewer crowds, golden color near lower elevations, and dramatic late-season scenery before closures.
Winter
The highway is typically closed due to extreme snow and alpine conditions, though nearby gateway towns may offer winter recreation.
Spring
Snow clearing and weather conditions determine access. Lower areas may begin to open while high elevations can remain snow-covered.
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