Chief Joseph Scenic Byway delivers sweeping views before you even reach the Beartooth Highway.
If you want to see some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in the country, the Beartooth Highway belongs on your list. This 68 mile stretch of road climbs to over 10,000 feet and gives you views most people never expect to see from behind a steering wheel. This guide covers what to expect, the best time to go, and how to build it into a full day trip from Old Faithful RV Park.
What Is the Beartooth Highway?
Alpine lakes and dramatic cliffs make this one of the most photographed stretches of the drive.
The Beartooth Highway is a 68 mile section of US Highway 212 that connects Red Lodge, Montana to Cooke City, Montana. It is officially designated an All American Road, a title given to only the most outstanding scenic drives in the entire country.
The road climbs up and over Beartooth Pass, reaching an elevation of 10,947 feet at its highest point. That is nearly two miles above sea level. At that height the air feels thinner, the views stretch for miles, and snow can still be seen well into summer.
What to Expect at Beartooth Pass
The Beartooth Highway is known for its winding switchbacks and constant mountain views.
Beartooth Pass is where the road hits its highest point, and it feels like driving to the top of the world. Wide open alpine landscapes stretch out in every direction, with rocky peaks and clear blue lakes scattered below.
Do not be surprised if you spot snow drifts even in the middle of summer. Some drifts near the summit can reach 30 feet high, left over from the heavy winter snowfall at this elevation. The Top of the World Store sits near the summit and is a fun stop for gas, snacks, or a souvenir during the summer season.
Wildlife is common along the drive too. Bighorn sheep are often seen grazing right near the pass. Moose show up near Beartooth Lake, and black bears are sometimes spotted at the lower elevations. Always watch from a safe distance and use the pullouts instead of stopping in the road.
Best Time to Drive Beartooth Highway
The return loop through Lamar Valley adds some of Yellowstone’s best wildlife watching to the trip.
The best time to drive Beartooth Highway is typically mid June through mid September. This window gives you the warmest weather and the best chance of a fully open road.
The highway usually opens in late May and closes again by mid October, though both dates depend entirely on the weather. Snow can delay the opening in spring and can also force an early closure in fall, sometimes weeks earlier than expected. If you are planning a trip in the shoulder season, always check current road conditions before you go, since a mountain snowstorm can shut things down with very little notice.
Getting There from Old Faithful RV Park
A scenic overlook along the byway honors the history of the Nez Perce, who this route is named for.
Beartooth Highway from Yellowstone makes for one of the best full day adventures you can plan while staying with us. Here is how the loop works.
Start by heading to Cody, go through and head north out of Cody. Approximately 15 miles north you will catch the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway. This road alone is packed with sweeping views and switchbacks before you even reach the Beartooth intersection. Once you connect with the Beartooth Highway, you can choose to go right and continue all the way up to the summit at Beartooth Pass if you have the time, or turn around a bit earlier if you would rather save some daylight. Either way makes for a great trip.
From the summit, turn around and head back passing Chief Joseph Scenic Byway and continue on through Red Lodge, Montana, then loop back down and enter Yellowstone through the Northeast Entrance. From there the drive takes you through the Lamar Valley, up over Dunraven Pass near Mount Washburn, down through Canyon Village, across Hayden Valley, and along Fishing Bridge before heading back out the East Entrance toward Old Faithful RV Park.
This loop covers an incredible amount of ground in a single day. Mountain switchbacks, alpine scenery, and some of Yellowstone’s best wildlife watching areas all in one trip. Give yourself a full day and pack snacks, since services are limited once you leave town.
This full loop takes about 6.5 hours of drive time, not counting stops, so plan for a full day.
A Few Tips Before You Go
A drive at this elevation calls for a little extra planning. Fill up your gas tank before you leave, since services are limited along much of the route. Bring layers, since temperatures at the summit can be 20 to 30 degrees cooler than down in the valley. Watch for sudden weather changes, since storms can roll in quickly at high elevation, even in the middle of summer. Take your time on the switchbacks and use pullouts for photos instead of stopping in the travel lane.
For more help planning the rest of your route, check out our Yellowstone Itinerary Guide and Best Yellowstone Entrance guide for more on why the East Entrance works so well as your home base.
Your Home Base for the Beartooth Highway
Old Faithful RV Park sits just 32 miles from Yellowstone’s East Gate, making it an easy starting point for a big day like this one. Head out early, take in Chief Joseph Scenic Byway and the Beartooth Highway, then loop back through the park before heading home for the night.
A few more guides to help you plan:
- Day Trips from Cody Wyoming: more ideas for exploring beyond the park
- RV Park Near Yellowstone East Gate: more on our location and sites
- Best Yellowstone Entrance: why the East Gate makes a great home base
- Check current conditions at the Wyoming Department of Transportation before you head out
Frequently Asked Questions: Beartooth Highway
How long is the Beartooth Highway?
The Beartooth Highway runs 68 miles between Red Lodge, Montana and Cooke City, Montana.
What is the elevation of Beartooth Pass?
Beartooth Pass reaches 10,947 feet at its highest point, one of the highest paved roads in the northern Rockies.
When is the Beartooth Highway open?
The road typically opens in late May and closes by mid October, though both dates depend on weather and snowfall.
Can I drive the Beartooth Highway from Old Faithful RV Park in one day?
Yes. Many guests combine Chief Joseph Scenic Byway, the Beartooth Highway, and a loop back through Yellowstone’s Northeast and East Entrances for a full day adventure.
Is there gas or food along the Beartooth Highway?
Services are limited along the route. The Top of the World Store near the summit offers gas and snacks during peak season, but it is best to fill up in Cody or Red Lodge before you go.
Rest. Explore. Repeat.