Beartooth Highway

U.S. 212 climbs from Red Lodge in Montana in a series of switchbacks onto the Beartooth Plateau, where the road crosses open alpine tundra with lakes on both sides. It ends at the doorstep of Yellowstone, so it works as a dramatic way into the park. It suits confident drivers who want one big mountain day.

The stops

1. Start

   Red Lodge

2. Town

   Red Lodge

   Start in this old coal-mining town with cafes

3. Viewpoint

   Rock Creek Vista Point

   First big view, over the canyon of Rock Creek

4. Viewpoint

   Beartooth Pass

   Highest point at about 3,337 m (10,947 ft)

5. Camp

   Beartooth Lake

   Popular lake with a campground and fishing

6. Viewpoint

   Clay Butte Lookout

   Short side road to a view of Granite Peak country

7. Town

   Cooke City

   Mountain town just outside Yellowstone

8. Viewpoint

   Lamar Valley

   Wildlife valley inside Yellowstone, 40 minutes beyond the entrance

9. Finish

   Yellowstone Northeast Entrance

Where to stay

• Night 1

  Red Lodge

  Red Lodge KOA · Beartooth NF campgrounds near the pass

When to go

Late May to mid Oct; usually fully open from Memorial Day weekend

On the road

Snow can close the pass as early as September; check MDT and WYDOT conditions. Fuel and services are thin on the plateau.