Beartooth Highway
United States, north-america
109 km
3,337 m
moderate
June-September
The Beartooth Highway (US Route 212) is a 109-kilometer mountain road connecting Red Lodge, Montana, to Cooke City near Yellowstone National Park's northeast entrance. Climbing to 3,337 meters at Beartooth Pass, it is one of the highest paved roads in the United States. Charles Kuralt famously called it "the most beautiful drive in America."
The road ascends through a dramatic landscape of glacially carved valleys, alpine plateaus, and rugged granite peaks. Above the treeline, the scenery opens into vast alpine tundra dotted with wildflowers in summer and snowfields that persist well into July. The highway features 20 major switchbacks and numerous hairpin turns as it climbs nearly 1,500 meters from the valley floor. Wildlife sightings of mountain goats, marmots, and bears are common along the route.
Where is it?
Beartooth Highway is located in Montana / Wyoming, United States (north-america). Coordinates: 45.0209, -109.4325
Driving Tips
The highway is only open late May through mid-October, weather permitting. Snow can fall any month at the summit. Carry warm layers even in summer. Watch for motorcyclists and slow vehicles on switchbacks. Combine with a visit to Yellowstone through the northeast entrance.
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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