RoadAtlas
Beartooth Highway — United States — Scenic
North America

Beartooth Highway

United States

Point-to-point
Red Lodge Cooke City

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

Distance
110 km
Duration
2-4 hours (or 2 days with a Yellowstone NE entrance extension)
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 highway is normally open only from late May to mid-October and can close without notice even in summer. Check MDT and Yellowstone NPS status immediately before departure, keep a flexible lower-elevation fallback, start with a full tank and provisions, carry warm layers, watch for altitude symptoms, and use bear-safe hiking and food-storage practices.

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Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1Red Lodge to Beartooth Pass and the high plateau

Drive the Beartooth Highway Scenic Byway · Photograph Rock Creek Vista Point · Marli's at the Pollard

Day 2Beartooth Plateau to Cooke City, Montana

Stop at Island Lake for a lakeshore picnic · Hike the Beartooth Lake Trail · Beartooth Cafe

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.
Show 4 more
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 seasonal high-country roadside stop with provisions. Carry backup food and verify it is open before relying on it.
Marli’s at the Pollard — American breakfast and lunch — Beartooth Highway — United States
American breakfast and lunch
Marli’s at the Pollard
A current Red Lodge meal in the historic Pollard Hotel; verify hours before the climb.
Top of the World Store provisions — Convenience provisions — Beartooth Highway — United States
Convenience provisions
Top of the World Store provisions
A seasonal high-country snack and supply stop, not a destination restaurant; carry backup food.
Beartooth Cafe — American — Beartooth Highway — United States
American
Beartooth Cafe
A current Cooke City restaurant listed by Montana tourism; confirm seasonal hours before relying on it.

Nearby and similar drives

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 (or 2 days with a Yellowstone NE entrance extension) 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.

How difficult is the Beartooth Highway to drive?

The Beartooth Highway is rated moderate and is best handled with any vehicle.

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 highway is normally open only from late May to mid-October and can close without notice even in summer. Check MDT and Yellowstone NPS status immediately before departure, keep a flexible lower-elevation fallback, start with a full tank and provisions, carry warm layers, watch for altitude symptoms, and use bear-safe hiking and food-storage practices.

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.