Beartooth Highway
United States, north-america
109 km
3,337 m
moderate
June-September
# The Beartooth Highway: America's Most Scenic Mountain Drive
Ready for one of the most jaw-dropping road trips of your life? The Beartooth Highway (US Route 212) is a 109-kilometer stretch of pure mountain magic that connects the charming town of Red Lodge, Montana, to Cooke City, sitting right at Yellowstone's northeast doorstep.
This isn't just any mountain pass—it climbs to a lung-busting 3,337 meters at Beartooth Pass, making it one of the highest paved roads in the entire country. And it's not just us saying it's stunning; legendary road-tripper Charles Kuralt called it "the most beautiful drive in America," and honestly, it's hard to argue with him.
The scenery is absolutely unreal. As you climb nearly 1,500 meters from the valley floor, you'll wind through 20 major switchbacks and hairpin turns that make every moment feel like an adventure. The landscape transforms as you go—glacially carved valleys give way to sprawling alpine plateaus and dramatic granite peaks that'll make you forget to breathe.
Once you break above the treeline, get ready for endless vistas of alpine tundra. In summer, wildflowers paint the landscape in a thousand colors, while snowfields stubbornly cling to the highest spots deep into July. And here's the cherry on top: keep your eyes peeled for mountain goats scrambling across cliff faces, playful marmots, and if you're lucky (or cautious), glimpses of bears enjoying their natural playground.
Where is it?
Beartooth Highway is located in Montana / Wyoming, United States (north-america). Coordinates: 45.0209, -109.4325
Driving Tips
# Road Trip Tips for This Mountain Highway
The highway's really only doable from late May through mid-October, depending on what Mother Nature's doing. Even if you're visiting in summer, don't get caught off guard—snow can actually pop up any time of year at the summit, so always pack some warm layers no matter when you go.
When you're driving those switchbacks, stay alert for motorcyclists and slower vehicles. They tend to show up on these curves, so give everyone plenty of space and patience.
If you're in the area, this drive pairs really nicely with a Yellowstone trip. You can easily loop through the northeast entrance to make for a killer road trip combo.
Road Surface
Paved, steep switchbacks with guardrails
Road Details
- Country
- United States
- Continent
- north-america
- Region
- Montana / Wyoming
- Length
- 109 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,337 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Surface
- Paved, steep switchbacks with guardrails
- Best Season
- June-September
- Coordinates
- 45.0209, -109.4325
Related Roads in north-america
moderateA rugged single-lane road to Surveyors Ridge in ID
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about Surveyors Ridge! You'll find this beauty tucked away in Idaho's Shoshone County, chilling at a cool 6,187 feet. Getting there is part of the fun – it's all about Road 395A, a totally unpaved, single-lane track with just enough pullouts to keep things interesting. Think rugged! If your ride's got low clearance, maybe sit this one out. And heads up, things can get slick when it's wet. The prize at the top? A lookout tower with views that'll knock your socks off! Built way back in 1931 and revamped in '64, it gives you a killer panorama of Snow Peak and the endless mountains all around. Just a heads up, you're out there! The nearest town with actual services, St. Regis, Montana, is a good 2.5-hour drive away. Plan accordingly!
moderateWhere is Bearwallow Mountain?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip fans, listen up! I've got the lowdown on Bearwallow Mountain, a seriously epic peak in southwestern New Mexico. We're talking serious altitude here, topping out at a lung-busting elevation. What awaits you at the top? Prepare to be amazed by a vintage lookout tower, dating back to 1940. From this perch, the views are mind-blowing, stretching across the Blue, Gila, and Aldo Leopold Wildernesses, even giving you a peek into Arizona! Now, about the road. Buckle up because it's a wild one! Forest Road 146 is entirely unpaved and pretty rough in spots. You'll definitely want a high-clearance vehicle for this adventure; leave the RV and trailer at home. Trust me, turning around would be a nightmare. The road clocks in at roughly 10 miles, climbing significantly with an average gradient. Translation: you'll feel it. Some sections max out. You can usually hit this road between May and November, but winter is a no-go. Ice and snow make it impassable.
hardTake An Unforgettable Drive to Deadwood Mountain in ID
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, road trip fans, listen up! Deep in Idaho's Boise National Forest lies Deadwood Mountain, topping out at 7,565 feet. The prize? An awesome fire lookout tower built way back in 1936. Now, getting there is an adventure in itself. Forget pavement; this is Forest Road 555EC, a 2.5-mile dirt track that'll test your off-roading skills. You'll definitely want a high-clearance vehicle for this one. Expect narrow, winding paths and some seriously steep sections – we're talking gradients up to 11% in places! The road's typically open from late June to mid-October, depending on the weather, so plan accordingly. But trust me, the views from the top are totally worth the white-knuckle drive. Get ready for some stunning scenery!
hardBartlett Mountain
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! Bartlett Mountain in Colorado's Summit County is calling your name, boasting a whopping 13,175ft elevation. This isn't your Sunday drive, folks. We're talking a gnarly, rocky, and uneven gravel road that winds its way up into the Rockies. Heads up: this beast is usually snowed in from September to July. When it’s open, it's a playground for serious off-roaders. If unpaved mountain roads make you nervous, maybe skip this one. You'll definitely need a 4WD vehicle and some serious driving skills. Oh, and did I mention the steep climbs? And mud can make things extra dicey when wet. But if you're brave enough, the views are totally worth it. Fun fact: this mountain used to be a massive source of molybdenum, and the road you're on? Carved right through the old mining operation! Get ready for an epic ride.