Overview
The Beartooth Highway (US Route 212) is a 68-mile stretch of federal highway that climbs through the Beartooth Mountains, crossing between Red Lodge, Montana and Cody, Wyoming via the northeast entrance to Yellowstone National Park. Reaching elevations above 10,900 feet at Beartooth Pass, it is consistently ranked among the most scenic drives in the United States.
The route passes through portions of both the Custer Gallatin National Forest (Montana) and the Shoshone National Forest (Wyoming), crossing into Wyoming roughly in the middle section near the Top of the World plateau. Travelers experience sweeping tundra plateaus, glacial lakes, granite pinnacles, and abundant wildlife — including mountain goats, bighorn sheep, black bears, and marmots — often within the same hour.
Because the highway sits at high elevation, snow can fall in any month and the road is typically closed from mid-October through late May or early June, depending on snowpack. The Wyoming and Montana Departments of Transportation manage the road jointly; current conditions are posted on their official sites and are essential reading before you depart.
Before You Go
Road Status
The highway opens and closes based on snow clearance and safety, not a fixed calendar date. Check the Wyoming DOT (wydot.gov) and Montana DOT (mdt.mt.gov) road condition pages before any visit. Even in July, sudden afternoon snowstorms and ice are possible at the pass.
Passes and Fees
The Beartooth Highway itself is a public US highway and has no toll. However, if your drive extends to the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone National Park, a valid Yellowstone entrance pass or America the Beautiful pass is required. Verify current pass prices at nps.gov/yell.
What to Pack
- Layered clothing, including a warm jacket — temperatures at the pass can be 20–30°F colder than at either end of the road
- Rain gear; afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer
- Sun protection; UV exposure is intense at altitude
- A full tank of gas before departing Red Lodge or Cody; fuel is very limited along the route
- Water and snacks for the full drive; services are minimal
Altitude Awareness
Passing above 10,000 feet can cause symptoms of altitude sickness, particularly for visitors arriving from sea level. Headache, dizziness, and shortness of breath are possible. Rest, hydrate, and descend if symptoms worsen.
Getting There
By Air
The nearest commercial airports are Billings Logan International Airport (BIL) in Billings, Montana — approximately 60 miles north of Red Lodge — and Yellowstone Regional Airport (COD) in Cody, Wyoming. Both offer connections to major US hubs. Verify current airline service and schedules directly with carriers or the airports.
By Car
Most visitors arrive by private vehicle, which is the practical requirement for experiencing the highway. From Billings, take I-90 south to US-212 toward Red Lodge to reach the northern terminus. From Cody, take US-14/16/20 east, then US-212 north toward Cooke City to reach the southern approach through Wyoming. The full one-way drive between Red Lodge and Cooke City/Silvergate takes roughly 2–3 hours without stops, though most travelers spend considerably longer.
Organized Tours
Several outfitters based in both Cody and Red Lodge offer guided day trips along the highway. Verify availability and booking directly with local operators.
Getting Around
A personal vehicle (or rental car) is essentially required. There is no scheduled public bus or shuttle service along the Beartooth Highway. RVs and larger vehicles can navigate the road but should be aware of tight switchbacks, steep grades, and narrow pull-offs; check vehicle length advisories with the relevant DOTs before attempting.
Motorcyclists find the route exceptionally rewarding, and it is a popular destination for motorcycle touring groups. Bicyclists do ride the highway, but should be prepared for steep grades, potential traffic, sudden weather changes, and limited shelter.
Pull-outs and overlooks are frequent and well-signed. Plan to stop often — rushing the drive misses the point entirely. Cell phone coverage is extremely limited to nonexistent for much of the route; download offline maps before departing.
Where to Stay
There are no hotels or lodges on the highway itself. Most visitors base themselves at one of the gateway towns.
Red Lodge, Montana (northern end) is a well-established small town with motels, bed-and-breakfasts, and short-term rentals. It has restaurants, grocery stores, and gas stations.
Cody, Wyoming (southern approach, about 80 miles from the pass) is a larger town with a wider range of accommodation from budget motels to full-service hotels, and is home to the Buffalo Bill Center of the West museum complex.
Cooke City and Silvergate, Montana sit just inside the Yellowstone northeast entrance corridor and offer a handful of small motels and cabins — a genuine frontier feel, with very limited services. These fill fast in peak summer; book well in advance.
Camping along the route is managed by the US Forest Service. Beartooth Lake and Island Lake campgrounds are the most popular. Dispersed camping is permitted in some areas; check with Shoshone and Custer Gallatin National Forests for current rules and fire restrictions.
Things to See & Do
Scenic Driving and Photography
The drive itself is the primary attraction. Key stops include the Beartooth Pass overlook, Rock Creek Vista Point (near Red Lodge), and the Top of the World plateau in Wyoming. Golden hour light in morning and evening creates exceptional photography conditions.
Hiking
Numerous trailheads branch off the highway into the Beartooth Wilderness. Trails range from short walks to alpine lakes to multi-day backcountry routes. Rock Island Lake, Beartooth Lake, and the area around Island Lake are popular starting points. No permits are currently required for day hiking in most of these areas, but verify current regulations with the relevant national forests.
Fishing
The Beartooth Plateau contains hundreds of alpine lakes, many stocked with trout. A valid Montana or Wyoming fishing license is required depending on where you fish. Verify current regulations with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and Wyoming Game and Fish before fishing.
Wildlife Watching
Mountain goats, bighorn sheep, marmots, and ground squirrels are frequently spotted near the pass. Black bears are present throughout. Keep a safe distance from all wildlife and store food properly.
Beartooth Lake and Island Lake
Both lakes have Forest Service campgrounds and offer calm water for non-motorized paddling, shore fishing, and picnicking. Sites fill quickly in summer; check recreation.gov for reservation availability.
Food & Drink
Services along the highway itself are extremely limited. The Top of the World Store, near the Wyoming section of the pass, has historically offered basic supplies and fuel during summer months — verify it is open before counting on it, as hours and seasonal operation vary.
Red Lodge has a solid range of restaurants for a small mountain town, including options for casual dining, pizza, and sit-down meals. Cody likewise has a broad selection reflecting its status as a larger tourist hub near Yellowstone.
The practical advice: carry your own water, snacks, and a packed lunch for any full-day drive. Do not plan meals around services that may be closed or seasonal.
Practical Information
Emergency Services
Cell service is largely absent along the highway. If you experience an emergency, drive to the nearest town with service — Red Lodge, Cody, or Cooke City — or flag down a passing motorist. Carry a basic first-aid kit.
Gas
Fill your tank completely before starting the drive. Gas availability between Red Lodge and Cody is extremely limited and expensive when found. Top of the World Store fuel should not be relied upon as a sure option.
Restrooms
Portable or vault toilets are available at major pull-outs and trailheads. There are no full restroom facilities in most of the high-altitude sections.
Accessibility
The scenic views from pull-outs are accessible to most visitors who can drive the road. Trail access for visitors with mobility limitations is very restricted given the terrain; contact the relevant national forests for specific accessibility information.
Visas
Entry to the United States requires appropriate documentation. For visa requirements specific to your nationality, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official US Customs and Border Protection website (cbp.gov).
Safety
Weather is the dominant safety concern. Afternoon thunderstorms develop rapidly in summer, bringing lightning, hail, and sometimes snow even in July and August. Check forecasts before departing and be prepared to pull over or turn around if conditions deteriorate. Lightning above treeline is a serious hazard for hikers.
Drive carefully on the switchbacks — the road is well-maintained but narrow in sections, with sheer drop-offs. Give large vehicles and RVs adequate space. Speed limits are low for good reason.
Wildlife on the road is a real hazard, particularly at dawn and dusk. Drive at appropriate speeds and scan ahead continuously. Never approach or feed wildlife.
Altitude-related illness can affect anyone, including fit, healthy adults. Ascend slowly if possible, stay hydrated, and do not ignore worsening symptoms. Descend immediately if someone shows signs of severe altitude sickness.