United States · High alpine · Hairpins · Scenic
Beartooth Highway
US 212 · Montana and Wyoming
- Length
- 109 km68 miles
- High point
- 3,337 m10,948 ft
- Driving time
- 2–3 hours
- Season
- Late May to mid-October
- Toll
- Free
- Country
- United States
US 212 climbs out of Red Lodge, Montana, on a wall of switchbacks, crosses a high tundra plateau, tops Beartooth Pass at 10,947 ft in Wyoming, and descends to Cooke City at the north-east entrance of Yellowstone. It is 68 miles, and it is the closest thing in North America to a European alpine pass.
The drive
The Montana side is the dramatic climb: five long switchbacks up the face of Rock Creek canyon with a 4,000 ft gain. Across the top the road wanders between snowfields and small lakes with views of the Absaroka range.
On the Wyoming side, the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway (WY 296) branches off towards Cody and is a superb, fast, empty road that many drivers prefer to the Beartooth itself.
In your Lotus
The switchbacks have wide radii and good surface, which suits a mid-engined car well. As on any pass at this altitude, expect a noticeable loss of power and plan for a cold cockpit even in August. Red Lodge is the last reliable fuel before Cooke City.
Watch out for
- The road usually opens on the Friday before Memorial Day and closes by mid-October, with temporary snow closures in between.
- Frost heaves across the plateau.
- Wildlife on the road, including mountain goats and the occasional bear.
