Beartooth Pass carries you across the highest drivable highway in the northern Rocky Mountains, climbing to 10,947 feet through alpine tundra, snowfields, and lakes that stretch to the horizon. This 68-mile scenic corridor connecting Red Lodge, Montana, to the northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park offers one of the most spectacular high-altitude drives in North America, with switchbacks that reveal jagged peaks, sudden wildlife encounters, and weather that can shift from sunshine to snow in minutes.
This guide explains what makes the Pass worth planning around, when you can drive it, what to expect along the route, and how to prepare for conditions that demand respect and flexibility.
What Is Beartooth Pass and Why Do People Visit?
Beartooth Pass refers to both the high point along U.S. Highway 212 and the full scenic byway stretching from Red Lodge, Montana, to Cooke City, Montana, near Yellowstone’s northeast entrance. The route crosses the Beartooth Plateau, a vast expanse of alpine terrain where glaciers carved cirques, moraines, and more than 900 lakes into ancient granite, creating landscapes typically accessible only by long backcountry hikes.
When the Highway Opens and Closes
The Beartooth Highway typically opens in late May and closes with the first major snowfall, often in mid-October. Snow accumulation at high elevations frequently reaches 15 to 20 feet during winter, making the road impassable for nearly eight months each year.
Opening and closing dates shift depending on snowpack, plowing schedules, and weather conditions. Check current road status with the Montana Department of Transportation or the Shoshone National Forest before planning your trip, as closures can occur suddenly even during the official open season due to storms, ice, or avalanche danger.
The peak season runs from late June through early September, when the road is most reliably open and services along the route operate fully. July and August bring the warmest weather and the largest crowds, while late September and early October offer stunning fall colors at lower elevations but carry higher risks of early snow closures.
Driving the Full Route
The complete drive from Red Lodge to Cooke City covers approximately 68 miles and takes roughly two to three hours without stops. Most visitors spend four to six hours on the highway to allow time for pullouts, short walks, and photo stops at overlooks.
The route begins in Red Lodge at an elevation of 5,555 feet and climbs steadily through forested switchbacks before breaking into open alpine terrain. The road ascends more than 5,000 feet in elevation over the first 30 miles, crossing the summit at 10,947 feet before descending through Wyoming and back into Montana near Cooke City.
Key Stops and Overlooks
Plan to stop at these notable points along the route, each offering distinct views and short hiking opportunities:
- Rock Creek Vista Point: The first major overlook after leaving Red Lodge, providing views back toward the Absaroka Range and the valley below
- Twin Lakes: Two alpine lakes accessible by a short walk from the parking area, surrounded by wildflowers in July and early August
- Beartooth Lake: A developed campground and day-use area with fishing access and a trailhead leading to Beartooth Butte
- Top of the World Store: A seasonal general store and gas station near the summit, offering the last reliable services until Cooke City
- Gardner Lake: A less-visited pullout on the Wyoming side with striking views of the plateau and access to fishing
- Crazy Creek Overlook: Panoramic views of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness as the road descends toward Cooke City
Cell phone service is unreliable or nonexistent for most of the route. Download offline maps and carry a paper map as backup.
Weather and What to Expect
Weather at 11,000 feet changes rapidly and remains unpredictable even in midsummer. Morning temperatures in July and August can start in the 30s or 40s Fahrenheit, warming to the 60s or 70s by afternoon at the summit, though snow and freezing rain can occur in any month.
Afternoon thunderstorms develop frequently during summer months, bringing lightning, hail, and sudden visibility drops. Start your drive early in the day to reduce exposure to afternoon storms, and turn back if conditions deteriorate.
Wind speeds regularly exceed 40 miles per hour at the summit, strong enough to affect vehicle handling, particularly for high-profile vehicles, trailers, and motorcycles. Do not attempt the drive during active storms or when snow accumulation makes the road icy.
What to Bring
Prepare for winter conditions even during summer visits by packing the following:
- Warm layers including a fleece or insulated jacket
- Waterproof rain gear and wind-resistant outer layer
- Hat and gloves for summit stops
- Sunscreen and sunglasses (UV exposure increases significantly at high altitude)
- Plenty of water and snacks
- Full tank of gas before leaving Red Lodge or Cooke City
- Emergency supplies including blankets, flashlight, and first-aid kit
Altitude can cause headaches, shortness of breath, and fatigue even in healthy visitors. Move slowly during stops, stay hydrated, and avoid overexertion if you are not acclimatized to high elevations.
Hiking and Activities Along the Pass
Dozens of trailheads provide access to the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, ranging from short walks suitable for all fitness levels to challenging backcountry routes requiring navigation skills and wilderness permits. Most visitors stick to shorter trails near the road, where you can experience alpine terrain without committing to long approaches.
Short Accessible Walks
These walks require minimal time and effort while offering rewarding views of alpine landscapes:
- Clay Butte Lookout: A 2.5-mile gravel road leading to a fire lookout tower with 360-degree views; accessible by passenger car in good weather
- Island Lake Loop: A flat half-mile walk around a scenic alpine lake, suitable for families
- Beartooth Loop National Recreation Trail: A longer 10-mile loop connecting several lakes, with options to walk just the first mile or two before turning back
Even short walks at high altitude require more effort than similar distances at lower elevations. Watch for signs of altitude sickness and turn back if symptoms develop.
Fishing
Many alpine lakes along the Beartooth Highway hold populations of brook, rainbow, and cutthroat trout. A Montana or Wyoming fishing license is required depending on which side of the state line you fish, and some waters have special regulations.
Check current fishing regulations with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks or the Wyoming Game and Fish Department before casting a line, as rules regarding catch limits, bait restrictions, and season dates vary by water body.
Wildlife and Safety
The Beartooth region supports populations of black bears, grizzly bears, moose, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and marmots. Wildlife encounters occur regularly, particularly during early morning and evening hours when animals move between feeding areas.
Never approach or feed wildlife. Maintain a distance of at least 100 yards from bears and 25 yards from other large animals. Store food securely in vehicles or bear-proof containers when hiking, and make noise on trails to avoid surprise encounters.
Mountain goats are frequently visible near the summit and at overlooks. While they may appear calm, they are wild animals and can become aggressive if approached or cornered.
Where to Stay and Nearby Towns
Red Lodge, Montana, serves as the primary base for exploring Beartooth Pass from the east. The town offers a full range of lodging from budget motels to historic inns, along with restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations, and outdoor gear shops.
Cooke City, a small mountain community at the other end of the highway near Yellowstone’s northeast entrance, provides limited lodging and dining options in a rustic, old-mining-town setting. Reservations are essential during summer months, as the town has fewer than 100 permanent residents and limited visitor capacity.
Several campgrounds operate along the highway, including Beartooth Lake Campground, Island Lake Campground, and Fox Creek Campground, all managed by the Shoshone National Forest. These sites fill quickly on summer weekends and do not accept advance reservations for most sites.
Camping above treeline requires special attention to weather, as exposure to wind and lightning increases significantly. Use designated campgrounds rather than dispersed camping unless you have experience with high-altitude wilderness camping and understand Leave No Trace principles for fragile alpine environments.
Combining Beartooth Pass with Yellowstone
Many visitors drive Beartooth Pass as part of a trip to Yellowstone National Park, entering through the northeast entrance near Cooke City. This approach offers several advantages, including less crowded access compared to Yellowstone’s busier west and south entrances, and the opportunity to see the Lamar Valley, known for exceptional wildlife viewing.
Plan a full day for the drive from Red Lodge through the Pass and into Yellowstone, allowing time for stops along the scenic highway and initial exploration of the park’s northern sections. The distance from Red Lodge to Mammoth Hot Springs, a major hub inside Yellowstone, covers roughly 125 miles and takes four to five hours with moderate stops.
Keep in mind that services inside Yellowstone’s northeast corner are limited. The nearest significant visitor facilities are at Mammoth Hot Springs, approximately 50 miles from the northeast entrance.
Vehicle Considerations
The Beartooth Highway is paved and maintained to federal highway standards, suitable for passenger cars, motorcycles, and smaller RVs. However, the route includes steep grades, sharp switchbacks, narrow shoulders, and limited guardrails in some sections.
Vehicles towing trailers longer than 30 feet may find some switchbacks challenging. Large RVs and vehicles with trailers should drive cautiously and use pullouts to allow faster traffic to pass.
Brakes experience significant stress on the long descents. Downshift to use engine braking rather than riding the brake pedal, and stop at pullouts if brakes begin to smell or feel soft.
Gas stations are available only in Red Lodge and Cooke City, with a seasonal station near the Top of the World Store offering limited summer hours. Fill your tank before starting the drive, as running out of fuel at high altitude leaves few options for assistance.
What This Drive Is and Isn’t
Beartooth Pass delivers dramatic high-altitude scenery, genuine wilderness character, and a sense of remoteness rare on paved highways. The route rewards patient drivers willing to stop frequently, adapt to weather changes, and respect the environment’s unpredictability.
This is not a quick shortcut or a comfortable drive for those uncomfortable with heights, narrow roads, or rapidly changing conditions. The highway demands full attention, respect for weather, and acceptance that plans may need to change if conditions deteriorate.
Visitors expecting extensive services, guardrails on all curves, or predictable summer weather will find the Pass more demanding than anticipated. Those prepared for a true mountain experience, where nature sets the terms, consistently rank it among North America’s most memorable drives.
Practical Next Steps
Start by confirming the current road status and projected opening or closing dates with official sources, as these determine whether your planned dates will work. Book accommodations in Red Lodge or Cooke City well in advance if visiting between July and early September, when demand exceeds supply.
Build flexibility into your schedule, allowing at least one alternate day in case weather forces a delay or closure. The Pass rewards visitors who approach it with realistic expectations, proper preparation, and willingness to let conditions guide the experience.
For more guidance on scenic mountain drives and outdoor destinations, explore our articles on Going to the Sun Road and Colorado Bend State Park to help plan your next adventure.