Beartooth Highway
United States, north-america
109 km
3,337 m
moderate
June-September
# The Beartooth Highway: America's Most Scenic Mountain Drive
Ready for one of the most jaw-dropping road trips of your life? The Beartooth Highway (US Route 212) is a 109-kilometer stretch of pure mountain magic that connects the charming town of Red Lodge, Montana, to Cooke City, sitting right at Yellowstone's northeast doorstep.
This isn't just any mountain pass—it climbs to a lung-busting 3,337 meters at Beartooth Pass, making it one of the highest paved roads in the entire country. And it's not just us saying it's stunning; legendary road-tripper Charles Kuralt called it "the most beautiful drive in America," and honestly, it's hard to argue with him.
The scenery is absolutely unreal. As you climb nearly 1,500 meters from the valley floor, you'll wind through 20 major switchbacks and hairpin turns that make every moment feel like an adventure. The landscape transforms as you go—glacially carved valleys give way to sprawling alpine plateaus and dramatic granite peaks that'll make you forget to breathe.
Once you break above the treeline, get ready for endless vistas of alpine tundra. In summer, wildflowers paint the landscape in a thousand colors, while snowfields stubbornly cling to the highest spots deep into July. And here's the cherry on top: keep your eyes peeled for mountain goats scrambling across cliff faces, playful marmots, and if you're lucky (or cautious), glimpses of bears enjoying their natural playground.
Where is it?
Beartooth Highway is located in Montana / Wyoming, United States (north-america). Coordinates: 45.0209, -109.4325
Driving Tips
# Road Trip Tips for This Mountain Highway
The highway's really only doable from late May through mid-October, depending on what Mother Nature's doing. Even if you're visiting in summer, don't get caught off guard—snow can actually pop up any time of year at the summit, so always pack some warm layers no matter when you go.
When you're driving those switchbacks, stay alert for motorcyclists and slower vehicles. They tend to show up on these curves, so give everyone plenty of space and patience.
If you're in the area, this drive pairs really nicely with a Yellowstone trip. You can easily loop through the northeast entrance to make for a killer road trip combo.
Road Surface
Paved, steep switchbacks with guardrails
Road Details
- Country
- United States
- Continent
- north-america
- Region
- Montana / Wyoming
- Length
- 109 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,337 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Surface
- Paved, steep switchbacks with guardrails
- Best Season
- June-September
- Coordinates
- 45.0209, -109.4325
Related Roads in north-america
extremeCan you drive Highway 340 Maui?
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, picture this: the Kahekili Highway, also known as Highway 340, snaking along Maui’s north shore from Kapalua to Wailuku. We're talking about 21 miles of pure, unadulterated, "hold-on-tight" driving. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. Imagine a one-lane ribbon of asphalt clinging to the coastline, squeezed between rugged rock faces and heart-stopping cliff drops. It’s a totally paved road these days, but those hairpin turns and narrow passages? They're still there to keep you on your toes, especially around Kahakuloa Village. Word to the wise: leave the oversized SUVs at home. This road is barely wide enough for two-way traffic, and reversing on a cliff edge isn't exactly ideal. And definitely skip it if it's raining – mud and rockslides are a real buzzkill. Do this drive on a sunny day because many segments don’t even have reflectors. So, why brave this wild ride? The views, my friend, the views! Slow down (seriously, 5 mph is sometimes necessary), take it all in, and you'll be rewarded with some of the most breathtaking scenery Maui has to offer. Just remember to honk your horn around those blind corners – a little heads-up can go a long way on this epic, challenging, and utterly unforgettable road trip. Oh, and it’s named after a legendary chief, Kahekili, who apparently had a thing for decorating with skulls. Sweet dreams!
moderateDriving the Wild 4x4 Road to the Lookout at Cornwall Hills in British Columbia
🇨🇦 Canada
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! Ever dreamed of conquering a seriously epic mountain road in British Columbia, Canada? Cornwall Hills is calling your name! This beast tops out at a whopping 2,037m (6,683ft), making it one of the highest drives in the country. You'll find it nestled in the Thompson–Nicola Regional District, within Cornwall Hills Provincial Park. The summit? It's legendary! Hang gliders launch themselves into the wild blue yonder, and a vintage lookout tower (built way back in the 50s!) watches over everything. Now, here's the lowdown: this isn't your Sunday drive. The road is entirely unpaved, rough as guts, and downright rocky. Seriously, a high-clearance 4x4 is a MUST. We’re talking a 21.8 km (13.54 miles) climb from the Trans-Canada Highway, gaining 1,575m in elevation – that's an average gradient of 7.22%! Perched high in the Clear Range, Cornwall Hills is usually snowed in until at least the first week of June. And even then, watch out for deep mud holes – rainy days turn this road into a slippery, slidy mess. But hey, the views? Absolutely unbeatable. Get ready for some seriously stunning scenery!
moderateMount Yeckel
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, thrill-seekers, listen up! If you're anywhere near Pitkin County, Colorado, and you've got a serious itch for a high-altitude adventure, Mount Yeckel is calling your name. We're talking a staggering 11,771 feet above sea level! The road up, known by a few names like Larkspur Mountain Road (FSR #103), Christmas Tree Road, and Lenado/Johnson Creek Road, is not for the faint of heart. Think gravel, think rocks, think seriously rugged terrain winding through the White River National Forest. Definitely 4x4 territory here, folks. And forget about it in the winter – totally impassable. If you're not comfortable with unpaved mountain roads and heights make you queasy, this one's best left to the pros. But if you're up for the challenge, the views of the Elk Range along the way are absolutely breathtaking. Trust me, the white-knuckle drive is worth it for those vistas!
moderateRoad trip guide: Conquering Moffit Pass in UT
🇺🇸 Usa
Okay, adventurers, listen up! I just discovered a hidden gem tucked away in Utah's Summit County: Moffit Pass. This isn't your average Sunday drive – we're talking a legit, high-altitude adventure at a whopping 10,314 feet! You'll find this beauty nestled within the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, but be warned: pavement? Nope! Forest Road 135 and 060 are entirely unpaved, rugged dirt tracks. Seriously, you'll need a high-clearance 4x4 to conquer this beast. The 4.2-mile journey stretches from Gold Hill Road (FR160) to Forest Road 071, just west of Whitney Reservoir. The scenery is pure magic: think sprawling mountain meadows and towering pines as far as the eye can see. Keep in mind, though, that this road is only open seasonally, usually from mid-May to mid-October. So plan your trip accordingly, and get ready for an unforgettable off-road experience!