BeartoothHighway.

Distance

107 km

Duration

1 day

Climb

1,950 m

Rating

4.9 / 5

987 reviews

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Curated by Rider · Updated Jun 2026

Overview

Beartooth Highway.

US-212 from Red Lodge, MT to Cooke City — climbs to 3,345 m over a high plateau of alpine lakes and Arctic tundra. Charles Kuralt called it the most beautiful drive in America. Open May to October only.

Quick facts

SurfacePaved

Distance107 km

Days1

Total climb1,950 m

Fuel stops1 along route

DifficultyChallenging

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Day-by-day

The route.

ROUTE

8 stops

Red Lodge, MTStart · Fill up here — the only other fuel is Top of the World Store 80 km away. Grab breakfast before the long climb.

Rock Creek Vista PointPhoto Spot · All 11 switchbacks leading up from Red Lodge visible at once. The definitive Beartooth photograph — pull over for a long look.

Twin LakesScenic Point · Alpine tarns at 3,100 m, often snow-bordered into July. The road is now on open Arctic tundra — wildflowers blanket the plateau in August.

Beartooth Pass SummitMountain Pass · 3,345 m — the highest point of any US Highway. Cold and windy year-round. The Wyoming–Montana state line crosses here.

Beartooth LakeScenic Point · Crystal-clear high-altitude lake with forested peaks reflecting in still water. Picnic area and a short shoreline trail.

Island LakePhoto Spot · A brilliant blue lake ringed by peaks at altitude — one of the most photogenic spots on the whole plateau.

Top of the World StoreFuel Stop · Only fuel between Red Lodge and Cooke City at 2,700 m. A rustic general store — fill up regardless.

Reviews

From riders.

987 verified rides logged on this route.

4.9/ 5

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

987 verified rides

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