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Embark on a breathtaking adventure along the Beartooth Highway, traversing the stunning landscapes of Beartooth Country. Discover scenic vistas, charming towns, hiking trails, and natural wonders, culminating at the majestic Yellowstone National Park.
The Beartooth Mountains, sprawling across the borders of Montana and Wyoming, are a breathtaking expanse of scenic woodlands and rugged peaks. Dominating the horizon like a staircase to the sky, this region is named after the Bear’s Tooth, a craggy granite pinnacle that lends its moniker to the area. Here, glaciers fill mountaintop nooks, waterfalls tumble from cliffs, and wildflowers dot the alpine tundra.
The journey through Beartooth Country along the Beartooth Highway (Route 212) is a mesmerizing road trip that culminates at the gates of Yellowstone National Park. This guide covers ten essential stops, each offering its own unique attractions, hiking trails, accommodations, dining options, and historical and natural highlights.
Scenic Route 78
Beginning your adventure on Scenic Route 78, you’ll immediately find yourself immersed in the picturesque landscapes that characterize Beartooth Country. This route winds through rolling hills and lush farmlands, with the dramatic Beartooth Mountains gradually rising in the distance. The drive itself is a prelude to the stunning vistas that lie ahead, offering a taste of the natural beauty that defines this region. Along the way, keep an eye out for abundant wildlife, including deer and elk grazing in the fields.
For those who enjoy hiking, the West Rosebud Trailhead is an excellent starting point. This trail leads to Mystic Lake, a serene alpine lake surrounded by jagged peaks. The hike is moderately challenging, but the views of the lake and the surrounding wilderness are well worth the effort.
As you continue along Route 78, consider stopping at the small town of Absarokee. Here, you can explore local shops and grab a bite to eat at one of the local eateries.
Red Lodge
Your next stop is Red Lodge, a charming mountain town that serves as the gateway to the Beartooth Highway. Nestled at the base of the Beartooth Mountains, Red Lodge offers a delightful blend of historic charm and modern amenities. Stroll down Broadway Avenue, the town’s main street, lined with quaint shops, art galleries, and eateries. For a taste of local history, visit the Carbon County Historical Society and Museum, where you can learn about the area’s mining and ranching heritage.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to do in Red Lodge. The Silver Run Trail System offers a network of trails suitable for hiking and mountain biking, with stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. If you’re visiting in the summer, don’t miss the opportunity to take a scenic chairlift ride at Red Lodge Mountain, offering panoramic views of the Beartooth Mountains and the Yellowstone River Valley.
When it comes to dining, Red Lodge has something for everyone. Bogart’s serves up delicious Mexican cuisine, while the Red Lodge Pizza Co. is a favorite for its wood-fired pizzas and family-friendly atmosphere. For a unique experience, visit the Pollard Hotel, an historic inn that has hosted famous guests like Buffalo Bill Cody and Calamity Jane. The hotel’s dining room offers a fine dining experience with a menu featuring locally sourced ingredients.
Red Lodge, Montana
Rock Creek Vista Point
As you leave Red Lodge and ascend the Beartooth Highway, your next stop is Rock Creek Vista Point. This overlook, situated at an elevation of 9,190 feet, offers one of the most spectacular views on the entire route. From here, you can see the winding Rock Creek far below, with the towering Beartooth Mountains serving as a dramatic backdrop. The vista point is equipped with interpretive signs that provide information about the area’s geology, flora, and fauna.
The short, paved trail to the overlook is accessible for all visitors and offers numerous photo opportunities. On a clear day, you can see for miles, taking in the vast expanse of forests, meadows, and rugged peaks. The air is crisp and cool at this altitude, making it a refreshing stop on your journey.
For those looking to stretch their legs further, the Hellroaring Plateau Trail is nearby. This moderate hike takes you through alpine meadows filled with wildflowers and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Keep an eye out for mountain goats and marmots, common residents of this high-altitude environment.
Vista Point
Twin Lakes Headwall
Continuing your journey, the next highlight is the Twin Lakes Headwall. This dramatic geological feature is a sheer cliff face that rises above the glacial Twin Lakes, creating a stunning contrast between the dark rock and the blue-green waters below. The headwall is particularly impressive in the early morning or late afternoon when the sunlight casts long shadows across the landscape.
The Twin Lakes Headwall is a popular spot for rock climbing and offers several challenging routes for experienced climbers. For those who prefer to stay on solid ground, the nearby Twin Lakes Trail provides an excellent hiking opportunity. This trail takes you around the lakes and offers breathtaking views of the headwall and the surrounding peaks. The hike is moderately difficult, with some steep sections, but the scenery is well worth the effort.
Fishing enthusiasts will find Twin Lakes to be a great spot for catching trout. The lakes are stocked regularly, and the clear, cold waters provide an ideal habitat for fish. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a novice, spending some time fishing at Twin Lakes is a peaceful and rewarding experience.
View from the Beartooth Highway in Wyoming over Twin Lakes and the mountains near Beartooth Pass.
Gardner Lake
Next, make your way to Gardner Lake, a serene alpine lake nestled in a glacial valley. The lake is accessible via a short but steep trail that starts from a pullout along the Beartooth Highway. The hike to Gardner Lake is about one mile round trip, but the elevation gain can make it feel more challenging. However, the effort is rewarded with stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
Gardner Lake is a popular spot for fishing, with rainbow and brook trout being the most common catches. The clear waters and tranquil setting make it a perfect place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the Beartooth Mountains. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a moose or a bear near the lake, as they are known to frequent the area in search of food.
Camping is permitted around Gardner Lake, making it an excellent spot for an overnight stay. The remote location provides a true backcountry experience, with opportunities for stargazing that are unparalleled due to the lack of light pollution. Be sure to bring all necessary gear and supplies, as there are no facilities available at the lake.
Gardner Lake near Beartooth Pass, Shoshone National Forest, Wyoming.
Beartooth Pass
Continuing your ascent, you’ll reach Beartooth Pass, one of the highest points on the Beartooth Highway at nearly 11,000 feet above sea level. The pass offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys, with the landscape often still covered in snow well into the summer months. This is the quintessential high point of the road trip, both literally and figuratively.
The area around Beartooth Pass is dotted with numerous alpine lakes, many of which can be reached via short hikes from the highway. The Beartooth Loop National Recreation Trail is a popular choice, offering stunning views of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness and the chance to see a variety of wildlife, including mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and marmots.
Given the high elevation, weather conditions can change rapidly, so be prepared for cool temperatures and sudden storms, even in the summer. The drive itself can be challenging due to the steep grades and switchbacks, but the incredible scenery makes it more than worth the effort.
Beartooth Highway winding through Beartooth Pass and Gardner Lake.
Beartooth Lake
As you descend from Beartooth Pass, you’ll come upon Beartooth Lake, a beautiful alpine lake surrounded by towering peaks and lush forests. The lake is a popular destination for fishing, with rainbow and cutthroat trout being the primary catches. The clear, cold waters provide an idyllic setting for a day of fishing or simply relaxing by the shore.
The Beartooth Lake Campground offers a convenient place to stay, with sites available for tents and RVs. The campground is well-maintained and provides basic amenities, including picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. From the campground, several hiking trails lead into the surrounding wilderness, offering opportunities to explore the area’s natural beauty.
One notable trail is the Beartooth High Lakes Trail, which takes hikers on a scenic journey past several alpine lakes and through pristine meadows filled with wildflowers. The trail is moderately difficult, with some steep sections, but the views are more than worth the effort.
Beartooth Lake in Wyoming.
Clay Butte Lookout
Your next stop is the Clay Butte Lookout, a historic fire lookout tower that offers some of the best views in the entire Beartooth region. The lookout is accessible via a short drive on a gravel road off the Beartooth Highway, and the panoramic views from the top are simply stunning. On a clear day, you can see for miles in every direction, with the Beartooth Mountains, the Absaroka Range, and the Yellowstone Plateau all visible from this vantage point.
The lookout itself is open to the public during the summer months, and visitors can climb to the top for a 360-degree view of the surrounding landscape. Interpretive displays inside the lookout provide information about the area’s natural history, including its geology, flora, and fauna. The lookout is also a great spot for birdwatching, with numerous species of birds of prey often seen soaring overhead.
For those interested in hiking, the Clay Butte Trail offers a short but scenic hike that starts near the lookout. The trail takes you through alpine meadows and offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. It’s a relatively easy hike, making it suitable for families and less experienced hikers.
Chief Joseph Scenic Highway
As you continue your journey, you’ll take a detour onto the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway, a beautiful and less-traveled route that offers a different perspective on the Beartooth region. This highway, named after the Nez Perce leader Chief Joseph, winds its way through the Absaroka Range and offers stunning views of the Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone River, as well as numerous opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing.
One of the highlights of the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway is the Dead Indian Pass, which offers a dramatic overlook of the Clarks Fork Canyon. The view from the pass is truly breathtaking, with the river carving its way through the rugged landscape far below. Interpretive signs at the overlook provide information about the history of the area, including the flight of the Nez Perce in 1877.
The highway also passes through the Sunlight Basin, a beautiful and remote valley that is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, and bears. The Sunlight Creek Bridge, one of the highest bridges in Wyoming, offers stunning views of the creek and the surrounding wilderness.
Chief Joseph Scenic Byway in Wyoming.
Colter Pass
Your final stop before reaching Yellowstone is Colter Pass, another high-altitude point along the Beartooth Highway. Named after John Colter, a member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition who was the first white man to explore the Yellowstone region, Colter Pass offers stunning views of the Beartooth Mountains and the surrounding wilderness.
The pass is a great spot for a picnic, with several pullouts and picnic areas offering scenic views and a peaceful setting. The area around the pass is also home to several hiking trails, including the Lake Creek Trail, which offers a scenic hike through alpine meadows and forests.
As you descend from Colter Pass, you’ll find yourself entering the northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park, the final destination on your Beartooth Country road trip. The park is home to a wealth of natural wonders, including geysers, hot springs, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife, making it the perfect end to an unforgettable journey.
Colter Pass
Conclusion
Traveling through Beartooth Country via the Beartooth Highway is a journey like no other, offering an unparalleled combination of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and historical intrigue. Each stop along the route provides its own unique attractions, from the charming mountain town of Red Lodge to the high-altitude wonderland of Beartooth Pass.
Whether you’re hiking, fishing, wildlife watching, or simply enjoying the stunning scenery, this road trip promises to be an unforgettable experience. As you reach the end of your journey at the gates of Yellowstone National Park, you’ll have a deep appreciation for the rugged beauty and rich history of Beartooth Country.
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