Beartooth Highway
US 212 climbs from Red Lodge through switchbacks, glacial valleys, lakes, and alpine tundra before crossing Beartooth Pass toward Yellowstone.
Artwork inspired by Isabelle Johnson
This is a scenic road whose ecology changes by elevation. Pause only at designated turnouts to compare forest, subalpine lakes, treeline, tundra, snowfields, and the geology of the Beartooth Plateau.
The highway is seasonal, can close in any month it is nominally open, and reaches 10,947 feet at the pass in Wyoming. Check both Montana and Wyoming road reports, carry warm layers, and never stop in a travel lane for wildlife or photographs.
- Road
- US 212 All-American Road
- High point
- 10,947-foot Beartooth Pass
- Allow
- At least half a day
Quick guide
- Opening focus
- Use designated turnouts to read elevation zones.
- Comparison
- 10,947-foot Beartooth Pass ↔ Use designated turnouts to read elevation zones
Four decisions at Beartooth Highway
- Check first
- Verify opening, weather, construction, and both states’ road reports before moving into the wider story.
- Climb slowly
- Use designated turnouts to read elevation zones.
- Protect tundra
- Stay on durable surfaces at high-elevation stops.
- Drive defensively
- Expect wind, snow, wildlife, motorcycles, and sharp exposure.
Good to know
Google may label the pass as a route rather than a visitor business, and winter routing can be misleading. The road typically opens around Memorial Day but only current highway reports determine safe access.
Notice these
- US 212 All-American Road
- 10,947-foot Beartooth Pass
- Use designated turnouts to read elevation zones.