Where Is the Beartooth Highway?
Located along the Montana-Wyoming border, this stretch of U.S. Highway 212 is an exciting and beautiful drive easily added to a Yellowstone National Park trip.
Southwestern side of the Beartooth Highway near the Yellowstone entrance at Silver Gate, Montana
The Beartooth Highway is an unbelievably beautiful 69-mile high mountain stretch of U.S. Highway 212 between Yellowstone National Park and Red Lodge, Montana. It has steep drop-offs and tight turns, but careful drivers will have a safe and enjoyable ride.
The road is surrounded by huge granite peaks, alpine plateaus, and glacier-carved valleys, with views that will make you want to stop every few miles (and you absolutely should).
Where Does the Beartooth Highway Start?
The Beartooth Highway runs from Yellowstone National Park’s Northeast Entrance (at Silver Gate, Montana) to Red Lodge Montana.
You can drive it east to west, starting in Red Lodge, or west to east if you’re leaving Yellowstone and heading toward Montana. Both directions deliver jaw-dropping views from roadside pull-offs.
When Is the Beartooth Highway Open?
Early visitors drive between huge walls of snow. Pahcal123, CC BY-SA 4.0 // via Wikimedia Commons
The Beartooth Highway is open seasonally, typically from late May (typically from the Friday of Memorial Day weekend) through mid-October, depending on snow conditions.
It climbs to nearly 11,000 feet, so late spring storms or early autumn snow can close the road temporarily—even in the middle of summer on blue-sky days if snow has recently fallen at higher elevations
Check with the Montana Department of Transportation or Wyoming DOT for the most current road conditions before your trip. The Beartooth Highway Facebook page also has updates.
How Long Does It Take to Drive?
Without stops or traffic, the 69-mile drive takes 2 hours, but you’ll want to stop at a few (or all) pull-offs to take in the alpine lakes, gorgeous mountains, and wildlife like mountain goats, grizzly bears, and more. And don’t forget snacks and souvenirs at Top of the World Store.
This high elevation drive is narrow, winding, and steep, with tight switchbacks and no shoulders, so it’s best to plan a little extra time for your trip. Most drivers spend 3–5 hours on the road.
Where to Begin the Beartooth Highway Drive
Most people start in Red Lodge, Montana and head southwest toward Yellowstone National Park, especially if they’re combining the highway drive into a longer road trip.
But here’s a look at both options:
Option 1: Red Lodge, MT → Yellowstone National Park
Best for:
First-time visitors
Dramatic, ascending views
Adding the drive to a Yellowstone itinerary
Pros:
The east-west drive gives you the most scenic reveal: you climb steeply out of Red Lodge on tight switchbacks and get jaw-dropping views right away at Rock Creek Vista Overlook.
You’ll end at Yellowstone’s Northeast Entrance, letting you easily transition into a national park adventure.
Morning light hits the mountains and valleys just right from this direction.
You head uphill on the sharp and narrow switchbacks, instead of having to ride your breaks from the other direction.
Option 2: Yellowstone/Silver Gate, MT → Red Lodge
Best for:
Travelers based near Yellowstone
Returning from a Yellowstone trip
Afternoon drives for better lighting in some sections
Pros:
You’ll descend into Red Lodge with long views of the Beartooth Plateau.
Some say this direction offers more sweeping panoramas because you look out over the mountains and valleys, rather than up.
Great option if you’re ending a trip in Yellowstone and want a scenic way out.
Driving tip:
You’ll descend the steepest switchbacks at the end, which can be tricky for nervous drivers or RVs.
Explore the Beartooth Highway in a Blacksford RV!
Where to Stop on the Beartooth Highway
Plan to pull into several viewpoints and maybe stop at a trailhead to stretch your legs. Below are some can’t-miss stops, in order, driving from Red Lodge to Yellowstone. It’ll probably be windy when you step out so keep your hats on tight!
Note: Some roads off the highway are rough, so if you’re RVing, it’s best to walk down the road a bit to check conditions.
Rock Creek Vista Overlook: A dramatic first stop with gorgeous views.
Beartooth Pass Summit: This 10,947 feet summit sits above the tree line has great views of glaciers, alpine lakes, and granite plateaus.
Top of the World Store: This iconic shop is a must-stop for snacks, maps, and souvenirs.
Gardner Lake Trail: One of the most accessible (and easy) alpine lake hikes off the highway.
Clay Butte Lookout: A restored fire lookout with great views and history about how these lookouts once helped spot forest fires in the area.
Crazy Creek Falls: Stretch your legs on a short hike to a lovely waterfall.
45th Parallel Sign: Halfway Between Equator and North Pole. Makes for a great photo op!
Is the Beartooth Highway Dangerous?
When driven with care and attention, the Beartooth Highway is completely safe. While small RVs and camper vans can handle the drive with a cautious driver, larger rigs (over 30 feet) are not advised due to the road’s tight switchbacks and steep grades.
Snowstorms and hail can appear out of nowhere, and winds can be intense at the summit. For those with a fear of heights, this might be a white-knuckle ride.
Why the Beartooth Highway Belongs on Your Road Trip List
The Beartooth Highway is not just a route, it’s one of the most beautiful drives in North America. You’ll be stunned by its mountain views, alpine tundra, and seriously epic photo ops. For RVers and road trippers planning a visit to Yellowstone, it makes for an incredible entry or exit route via the northeast entrance.
Just remember to pack layers, check the weather, give yourself extra time, and be ready to pull over often. This is one drive where the journey really is the destination.
Planning your Yellowstone RV trip? Don’t miss the Beartooth Highway! Rent your RV in Bozeman and get ready for a fun adventure!