Epic views from National Scenic Byway - Beartooth Highway

View from Beartooth Highway

 

 

I love mountain air and the amazing vistas.  I enjoy looking out in all directions and seeing miles of valleys, mountains, lakes, and wilderness. Some mountain passes are breathtaking.   I take a lot of photos even though the photos never capture the awesome beauty.

On my trip to Yellowstone and again on my trip to Alaska I made plans to ride US 212 a.ka. the Beartooth Highway that connects Montana and Wyoming by way of Beartooth Pass.  The Beartooth Highway is designated an "All-American Road" which means the US Department of Transportation deems the road worthy of being a tourist destination unto itself, due to the scenic uniqueness.  Of the 150 National Scenic Byways there are only 37 roads with the distinguished All-American Road designation and this one is well deserving. 

Top of the pass in late June - no snow or ice on the roads luckily

 

The  Beartooth Highway runs 67 miles from Red Lodge, MT to Silver Gate, MT (northeast gateway to Yellowstone NP) crossing the MT/WY state line twice.  The 38 miles stretch between WY 296/ Chief Joseph Highway (another great road) and a point about 12 miles west of Red Lodge, MT is the most scenic, invigorating, and challenging portion of the road.  The road has breathtaking vistas, hairpin curves, elevation changes, sweeping curves and wildlife.

The Beartooth Highway twisting up the mountain

 

The road reaches an elevation of 10,947 ft. at Beartooth Pass.  Cliff hugging switchbacks, tight curves, steep grades, and mountain plateaus make for an amazing stretch of pavement.  The high elevation makes drastic weather changes a constant possibility so riders should be prepared.  When we rode up on July 15 the temperature dropped about 25 degrees from the Beartooth Highway/Chief Joseph Highway intersection to the pass and state line.  We had to stop and bundle up before we got too high.  Glad we did since it was cold and windy at the pass.

Heading towards the pass

 

At the pass and at the MT/WY state line we enjoyed the vast scenery.  It was amazing.  The mountain lakes were deep blue, the peaks were still snow capped, the meadows were alive and green, and the vibrant tundra stretched out around us.  Both sides of the pass are fantastic and challenging. 

 Twin Lakes 

 

 Beartooth Mountains

 

Forest and stream on west side of the pass

 

There is one store along the route known as the "Top of the World Resort."  You can get fuel, snacks, drinks, t-shirts, and souvenirs.  There is also a nice area with picnic tables to sit and enjoy the surroundings.  The staff was very friendly and informative.  We enjoyed a nice break on top of the world.  If one was so inclined the resort has lodging available.

Top of the World store - a great place stop

 

 

The road offers great views and fun curves

 

We hit the pass around noon so the chance to see much wildlife was not good.  We were too late (or too early depending on how you want to look at it).   We did see some bison not too far from the road as we were heading to Cooke City, WY.

Bison roaming near the road - watch out!

 

The Beartooth Highway is a great All-American Road and is well worth the ride.  The beauty and the fun is intense.  If you get to that area of this great country make sure to include US 212.  You will not be disappointed.

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