Travel Guide to the Beartooth Highway in Wyoming and Montana
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Completed in 1936, U.S. Highway 212 is considered one of the most scenic drives in the United States. It includes views of the Absaroka and Beartooth Mountains, and open high alpine plateaus.
We first drove the Beartooth Highway in 2000, eastbound out of Yellowstone National Park. In September 2010, after visiting Cody and Red Lodge, we made the trek up the Beartooth westbound into the northeast entrance of Yellowstone.
The road was called "the most beautiful drive in America," by the late CBS correspondent Charles Kuralt.
The Beartooth closes each winter because of heavy snow and adverse winter conditions; it usually reopens in May of each year.
Flooding in the summer of 2022 has impacted area travel. Check with local authorities about access before beginning your trip.
We found the drive to be scenic, and invigorating, but not intimidating. We look forward to our next trip on the Beartooth!
The Beartooth Scenic Highway, plowed in the spring after the heavy snowfalls through winter
Lodging Options near the Beartooth Highway
Welcome to Wyoming ![]() |
Beartooth Pass Summit, 10,947 feet![]() |
Montana's Beartooth Highway, overlooking a scenic valley
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Curving Along the BeartoothThe road features glacial lakes, forests, valleys, waterfalls and a variety of wildlife. The highway is the highest elevation highway in Wyoming and Montana, and is the highest elevation highway in the Northern Rockies. |
It traverses a series of steep zigzags and switchbacks along the Montana -Wyoming border to the 10,947 ft high Beartooth Pass. |
Rock Creek Vista Point on the Beartooth Highway, elevation 9,190 feet | |
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Beartooth Highway, overlooking distant lakes and mountains
Switchbacks on the Beartooth Highway | |
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Map of the switchbacks on the Beartooth Scenic Highway (Courtesy of Montana DOT)
Thanks for the guardrails on the Beartooth Highway!
Beartooth Highway with switchbacks below
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Leaving Montana on the Beartooth Highway
YouTube Video ... Beartooth Highway Clearing ... May 18, 2018
Interactive Map of the Beartooth Highway Area
More Information about the Beartooth Highway
Beartooth Highway Status and Opening Reports from Montana.gov