Beartooth Highway (US-212)

The Beartooth Highway twists through 68 miles of high-altitude terrain between Red Lodge, Montana and the northeast entrance of Yellowstone, earning its reputation as one of America’s most spectacular mountain drives. This engineering marvel climbs from 5,200 feet to 10,947 feet at Beartooth Pass, crossing the Montana-Wyoming border through terrain that resembles the surface of another planet. The route passes dozens of alpine lakes, including Island Lake and Beartooth Lake, where snow can persist into July.

This is a moderate difficulty drive suitable for any vehicle when conditions are good, but weather changes fast above treeline. The highway typically opens Memorial Day weekend but can close without warning due to snow, even in summer. Bring layers, extra fuel, and emergency supplies — cell service is nonexistent for most of the route. The payoff is accessing some of the most pristine wilderness in the Lower 48, with world-class fishing, hiking, and camping opportunities that’ll remind you why Montana earned the nickname Big Sky Country.