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
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