About Beartooth Highway
To experience one of the most scenic roads in the country, drive the 65-mile Beartooth Scenic Byway from Cooke City, MT (just outside Yellowstone National Park) to Red Lodge, MT. The stark, mountainous terrain is home to a fascinating high altitude ecosystem, and the scenery, along with the high altitude, could leave you breathless!
Stop and enjoy the mountainous views from any of the frequent scenic turnoffs and picnic spots. Park the RV and go for a hike, or simply admire the views from the roadside. You’ll be able to see mountain peaks, glaciers, forests, tundra, and postcard-perfect lakes allowing a unique and exciting wilderness opportunity at every turn. The Highway even passes through portions of the Custer National Forest and the Shoshone National Forest.
Even when traveling in the middle of summer the weather can be unpredictable at this elevation. You’re likely to see patches of white on the hills and mountains – yes it is snow! While the rest of the state is heating up, the cooler temperatures on the Beartooth Highway often provide a welcome relief. Be prepared for changing weather!
At the start and end of your Beartooth Highway drive, enjoy the mountain towns of Cooke City and Red Lodge. Once thriving mining towns, you can now enjoy their western charm, restaurants, history, and outdoor recreational opportunities. We can arrange a horseback ride for some western adventure with spectacular vistas of mountain ranges.
Read more in our Travel Blog: Driving the Beartooth Highway
Interesting Facts About Beartooth Highway
- The highway reaches an elevation of 10,947 ft and there is often still snow to be seen, even in the middle of the summer.
- During winter the road is completely impassable. It receives an average annual snowfall of 200 inches, with an average peak snowpack of 100 inches. The road is open from about Memorial Day Weekend to mid-October.