RoadAtlas
Beartooth Highway — United States — Scenic
North America

Beartooth Highway

United States

In short: Beartooth Highway is a 110 km scenic road trip in United States, typically driven over 2-4 hours, best in late June-September. Highlights: Red Lodge, Rock Creek Vista Point, Beartooth Pass.

Distance
110 km
Duration
2-4 hours
Best Season
late June-September
LegendaryModerateScenic

This iconic alpine drive climbs from Red Lodge, Montana to the Beartooth Plateau and down toward Cooke City, threading past hairpin switchbacks, glacial lakes, and broad tundra views. It is one of the highest paved roads in North America, with nonstop scenery and crisp mountain air.

Practical notes
The road is typically closed by snow for much of the year, so check opening dates and weather before you go. Fuel and services are limited; start with a full tank and expect strong winds, sudden storms, and rapid temperature drops at high elevation.
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Stops along the route

Red Lodge — Departure — Beartooth Highway — United States
Departure
Red Lodge
Historic mountain town and the classic launch point for the climb. Stock up on fuel, snacks, and warm layers before the ascent.
Hotels
Cooke City — Arrival — Beartooth Highway — United States
Arrival
Cooke City
Tiny gateway town near Yellowstone with a rugged frontier feel. A fitting finish after the long alpine descent.
Hotels

Things to Do

Rock Creek Vista Point — Landmark — Beartooth Highway — United States
Landmark
Rock Creek Vista Point
A sweeping overlook above the canyon with a big first reveal of the road. Great for seeing the switchbacks snake below.
Beartooth Pass — Landmark — Beartooth Highway — United States
Landmark
Beartooth Pass
The high point of the drive and one of North America's highest paved passes. Expect tundra views, thin air, and fast-changing weather.
Pilot and Index Peak Overlook — Landmark — Beartooth Highway — United States
Landmark
Pilot and Index Peak Overlook
A dramatic pullout with views toward jagged peaks and alpine basins. One of the best places to pause for photos.
Island Lake — Nature — Beartooth Highway — United States
Nature
Island Lake
A clear alpine lake surrounded by rocky ridges and open sky. Short walks here feel peaceful and wild.
Beartooth Lake Campground — Nature — Beartooth Highway — United States
Nature
Beartooth Lake Campground
A wooded lakeside stop with easy access to water and mountain scenery. Good for a picnic or a short stretch.
Drive the Beartooth Highway Scenic Byway — Scenic drive — Beartooth Highway — United States
Scenic drive
Drive the Beartooth Highway Scenic Byway
Follow the full alpine route for hairpins, lakes, and wide-open tundra. Stop often because the best views come in quick succession.
Hike the Beartooth Lake Trail — Hiking — Beartooth Highway — United States
Hiking
Hike the Beartooth Lake Trail
Stretch your legs on an easy mountain-lake walk near the highway. It is a good way to enjoy the high-country setting up close.
Photograph Rock Creek Vista Point — Viewpoint — Beartooth Highway — United States
Viewpoint
Photograph Rock Creek Vista Point
Capture one of the highway's signature overlooks and switchback views. Early or late light makes the canyon especially dramatic.
Stop at Island Lake for a lakeshore picnic — Picnic — Beartooth Highway — United States
Picnic
Stop at Island Lake for a lakeshore picnic
Relax beside a glacial lake with mountain reflections all around. It is one of the most memorable places to linger on the route.
Explore Cooke City — Town stop — Beartooth Highway — United States
Town stop
Explore Cooke City
Walk the compact historic district and enjoy the frontier feel. It is a good base for more exploring near Yellowstone.

Where to Eat

Top of the World Store — Food & Drink — Beartooth Highway — United States
Food & Drink
Top of the World Store
A classic roadside stop with snacks, drinks, and a true summit-atmosphere feel. Handy for a quick break before descending east.
Red Lodge Pizza Co. — Pizza — Beartooth Highway — United States
Pizza
Red Lodge Pizza Co.
Casual mountain-town pizza in the route's starting town. Good for a hearty meal before or after the drive.
The Pollard Hotel Dining Room — American — Beartooth Highway — United States
American
The Pollard Hotel Dining Room
Classic sit-down dining in historic Red Lodge. A solid choice for breakfast or an early dinner.
Top of the World Store — Convenience store snacks — Beartooth Highway — United States
Convenience store snacks
Top of the World Store
Quick road food and drinks right near the high country. Useful when you want to keep moving and enjoy the views.
Cooke City Store — Groceries and deli — Beartooth Highway — United States
Groceries and deli
Cooke City Store
Small-town provisions near the eastern end of the highway. Handy for sandwiches, snacks, and basic supplies.
Prospector Restaurant and Lounge — American — Beartooth Highway — United States
American
Prospector Restaurant and Lounge
Comfort food in Cooke City with a laid-back mountain-lodge feel. A popular reset after the drive.

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the Beartooth Highway drive?

The Beartooth Highway covers 110 km from start to finish.

How long does the Beartooth Highway take to drive?

Most travellers spend 2-4 hours on the Beartooth Highway, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Beartooth Highway?

The recommended season for the Beartooth Highway is late June-September.

Where does the Beartooth Highway start and end?

The Beartooth Highway runs from Red Lodge to Cooke City.

What are the main stops on the Beartooth Highway?

The Beartooth Highway passes through Red Lodge, Rock Creek Vista Point, Beartooth Pass.

Can I drive the Beartooth Highway in a regular car?

Yes — the Beartooth Highway is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

Is the Beartooth Highway safe to drive?

The road is typically closed by snow for much of the year, so check opening dates and weather before you go. Fuel and services are limited; start with a full tank and expect strong winds, sudden storms, and rapid temperature drops at high elevation.

What scenic tier is the Beartooth Highway?

The Beartooth Highway is a legendary drive — The world's most extraordinary drives — once-in-a-lifetime road trips with cinematic scenery, legendary roads, and unmatched cultural depth.