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August 13, 2025
The Beartooth Highway
The Beartooth Highway, often called an “All-American Road,” is one of the most scenic drives in the United States. Stretching along U.S. Route 212, it connects Red Lodge, Montana, to the northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park.
Each visit to the Beartooth Highway feels like a new adventure. Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, the landscape never fails to inspire. Montana’s small towns and friendly locals add to the experience.
Getting Started
Red Lodge, a charming mountain town at the base of the highway, is a perfect starting point for the journey. With cozy cafés, local shops, and a laid-back vibe, it’s a great place to fuel up before the climb.
As you ascend, the scenery transforms quickly. Snowbanks appear, even in June, and it’s not uncommon to see kids sledding or skiers carving turns on lingering snowfields. Adventurers of all kinds are drawn to the area – paraskiers, hikers, and photographers alike.
Taking in the Sights
Along the way, travelers are treated to a dramatic landscape of alpine plateaus, glacial lakes, rugged peaks, and forested valleys. The highway climbs to nearly 11,000 feet, offering panoramic views that change with the seasons. In early summer, snow still clings to the roadside, while wildflowers begin to bloom in the meadows below.
The crisp mountain air and wide-open vistas invite exploration and reflection. There are numerous pullouts along the highway, ideal for snapping photos or simply soaking in the views. Wildlife sightings are common, including mountain goats, marmots, moose, and the occasional bear. In the warmer months, the Beartooth Highway becomes a gateway to outdoor recreation.
Things to Do and See Along the Way
At different locations along the route, visitors can hike, fish, camp, or take a horseback ride through some of the most pristine wilderness in the lower 48. The highway eventually leads to Cooke City, Montana, and onward to Yellowstone National Park. But even a partial drive offers a taste of the grandeur and solitude of the Northern Rockies.
