Road Trip Guide
Beartooth Highway: Top of the World Drive
Red Lodge, MT to Cooke City, MT
Start
Red Lodge, MT
Finish
Cooke City, MT
Distance
68 miles
Duration
4-8 hours (driving time only, not including stops)
Best Months
June - September
Budget
$$
EV Ready
4/10
Kid-Friendly
7/10
Key Waypoints
Trip Essentials for Red Lodge, MT
Gas & Juice: Critical Pit Stops
Don't get stranded. These are your essential fuel and supply points.
Red Lodge, MT (Starting Point)
Fuel & Full Supplies
This is your last reliable location for a full grocery stock and premium fuel before ascending into the high-altitude wilderness.
Top of the World Store
Emergency Fuel & Supplies
Located near the Wyoming border, this is the only source of fuel and basic provisions on the mountain pass, though prices are high and availability can be seasonal.
Cooke City, MT (Destination)
Fuel & Supplies
Essential for refueling before entering Yellowstone National Park or heading back, as services are extremely limited in the surrounding high-mountain terrain.
Insider Driving Tips
Always check road conditions before you go, especially early or late in the season. The Beartooth Highway is typically open from late May/early June to mid-October, but closures due to snow can happen anytime.
Fuel up your vehicle in Red Lodge! There are no gas stations along the highway itself, and the next reliable fuel stop is in Cooke City, which can be pricey. Don't risk running on fumes in the high country.
Dress in layers, even in summer. Temperatures can drop significantly as you gain elevation, and weather can change dramatically within minutes, bringing anything from sunshine to snow flurries.
Keep an eye out for wildlife. Mountain goats and bighorn sheep are common sightings in the higher elevations, while moose and bears might be spotted in the lower forested areas. Always maintain a safe distance.
Take your time and utilize the numerous pull-offs. This isn't a race; it's an experience. The best views are often found by stopping, getting out of your car, and taking a short walk to an overlook.
The Journey: Stop-by-Stop
Red Lodge, MT
Red Lodge Cafe & Lounge
“A local institution serving up classic American diner fare since 1937. Their breakfasts are legendary, perfect for fueling up before your high-altitude drive.”
Downtown Red Lodge Main Street
Capture the historic architecture, colorful storefronts, and the majestic Beartooth Mountains rising dramatically in the background.
Roosevelt Bridge
Just outside town, this scenic bridge offers a lovely framing of Rock Creek and the surrounding foothills as you begin your journey towards the highway.
Carbon County Historical Society & Museum
Dive deeper into the region's rich past, from its mining heritage to the stories of early pioneers and Native American tribes. It's a fantastic way to appreciate the context of the landscape you're about to explore.
Beartooth Highway
Scenic Byway
“Often called the most beautiful drive in America, this high-altitude highway offers breathtaking alpine views and access to pristine glacial lakes.”
Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary
Wildlife Sanctuary
“This sanctuary provides a forever home to non-releasable native Montana wildlife, allowing visitors to see animals like bears, wolves, and mountain lions in a natural setting.”
Carbon County Historical Society and Museum
History Museum
“The museum showcases the region's rich heritage through extensive exhibits on coal mining, rodeo legends, and local pioneer history.”
Rock Creek Vista Point
Picnic at the Vista Point
“Pack a lunch from Red Lodge and enjoy it at one of the picnic tables while soaking in the incredible, unobstructed views of the canyon and distant peaks.”
Rock Creek Canyon Overlook
Frame the dramatic U-shaped canyon, carved by ancient glaciers, with the winding highway visible in the distance below.
Wildflowers and Scenic Byway Signage
In summer, the meadows around the vista are often bursting with colorful wildflowers, providing a beautiful foreground to the rugged mountain backdrop. Capture the iconic Beartooth Highway sign here.
Hellroaring Plateau Trailhead
Just a short drive past the main vista, this trailhead offers a chance to explore a less crowded area. Even a short walk rewards you with stunning views and a sense of true wilderness immersion.
Rock Creek Vista Point
Scenic Overlook
“This stop offers breathtaking panoramic views of Hellroaring Plateau and the Rock Creek canyon from an elevation of 9,190 feet.”
Beartooth Highway
All-American Road
“Known as one of the most beautiful drives in America, this high-altitude route features dramatic switchbacks and stunning alpine tundra landscapes.”
Hellroaring Viewpoint
Scenic Overlook
“Located nearby, this spot provides a closer look at the rugged granite cliffs and glacial valleys that define the Custer Gallatin National Forest.”
Beartooth Pass Summit
Top of the World Store (seasonal)
“While not a restaurant, this small, rustic store near the summit offers snacks, drinks, and souvenirs. It's a unique spot to grab a hot coffee or a candy bar at nearly 11,000 feet.”
Summit Sign and Panoramic Views
Get a classic shot with the Beartooth Pass Summit sign, showcasing the elevation, and then turn to capture the expansive, unobstructed vistas of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
Alpine Tarns and Reflections
Look for the small, clear tarns (mountain lakes) scattered across the summit plateau. On a calm day, they offer incredible reflections of the sky and the towering Beartooth Butte.
Gardner Lake Trailhead
A short, relatively easy hike from near the summit leads to Gardner Lake, a stunning high-alpine lake. It's a fantastic way to stretch your legs and experience the tundra up close, away from the immediate crowds.
Beartooth Highway Overlook
Scenic Viewpoint
“This stop offers breathtaking panoramic views of the rugged Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness from an elevation of over 10,000 feet.”
Beartooth Basin Summer Ski Area
Recreational Area
“As one of North America's oldest alpine ski training grounds, it offers a unique opportunity to ski or snowboard well into the summer months.”
Gardner Lake Trailhead
Hiking Trail
“This high-altitude trail provides immediate access to stunning alpine tundra landscapes and crystal-clear glacial lakes.”
Island Lake and Beartooth Lake
Beartooth Lake Lodge (seasonal)
“Located near Beartooth Lake, this historic lodge offers rustic cabins and a small, seasonal restaurant or general store where you can grab a bite or a drink with a view.”
Island Lake with Beartooth Butte
Capture the iconic island in Island Lake, perfectly framed by the majestic Beartooth Butte rising dramatically behind it. Ideal for sunrise or sunset shots.
Beartooth Lake Campground Shoreline
Explore the shores of Beartooth Lake, focusing on reflections of the surrounding mountains in the calm waters, especially from the quieter areas around the campground.
Little Bear Lake Trail
A short, relatively flat trail from the Beartooth Lake area leads to Little Bear Lake, a quieter and often less crowded spot perfect for a peaceful picnic or a moment of solitude.
Beartooth Butte
Geological Landmark
“This massive sedimentary rock formation towers over the lakes, offering some of the most iconic and recognizable photography subjects in the region.”
Island Lake Recreation Area
Outdoor Recreation Site
“Located at nearly 10,000 feet, this site offers stunning alpine views and serves as a perfect base for high-altitude fishing and hiking.”
Beartooth Lake Boat Launch
Scenic Viewpoint
“This accessible area provides the best vantage point for seeing the dramatic reflection of Beartooth Butte in the crystal-clear mountain water.”
Cooke City, MT
Miners Saloon
“A classic Cooke City establishment offering hearty pub fare, local beers, and a lively atmosphere. It's the perfect spot to unwind after a day on the road.”
Historic Main Street of Cooke City
Capture the rustic charm of Cooke City's main street, with its wooden buildings, saloons, and the impressive Absaroka Mountains looming behind.
Cooke City Welcome Sign with Mountains
As you enter or exit the town, find the 'Welcome to Cooke City' sign. Frame it with the dramatic mountain backdrop, signifying the end of your Beartooth adventure.
Lulu Pass Road
For those with a high-clearance 4x4, Lulu Pass Road (turn off before Cooke City) offers a challenging but rewarding drive to an old mining ghost town and incredible backcountry views, a true off-the-beaten-path experience.
Beartooth Highway
Scenic Byway
“Often called the most beautiful drive in America, this high-altitude highway offers breathtaking alpine views and access to pristine glacial lakes.”
Lamar Valley
Wildlife Viewing Area
“Located just minutes away inside Yellowstone National Park, this valley is world-renowned for spotting grizzly bears, wolves, and massive bison herds.”
Cooke City Store
National Historic Landmark
“Established in 1886, this historic general store provides a nostalgic atmosphere and a glimpse into the town's rugged mining history.”
The Detour Index
Worth the extra mileage for these iconic side-quests.
Wild Bill Lake
A tranquil, hidden alpine lake located just a short drive off the highway near the Red Lodge entrance.
Why It's Worth It
“It offers a serene, mirror-like reflection of the rugged Absaroka-Beartooth peaks that provides a perfect, quiet contrast to the intensity of the mountain climb.”
Clay Butte Fire Lookout
An accessible, historic fire lookout tower perched on a dramatic cliffside that provides a 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding wilderness.
Why It's Worth It
“Stepping onto the catwalk of this high-altitude perch makes you feel as though you are standing on the literal roof of the world, offering the most expansive perspective of the entire range.”
Silver Gate and Soda Butte
A short venture into the tiny, rustic community of Silver Gate followed by a visit to the bubbling, mineral-rich Soda Butte formation.
Why It's Worth It
“This detour captures the rugged frontier spirit of the region and provides a rare look at the unique geothermal geology that hints at the proximity of Yellowstone National Park.”
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Frequently Asked Questions
The Beartooth Highway is generally open from the Friday before Memorial Day weekend through mid-October, weather permitting. However, snow can cause temporary closures even in summer, so always check conditions before you go.
While RVs and trailers are permitted, the highway is extremely winding with steep grades and numerous switchbacks, especially on the Montana side. Drivers of large vehicles should exercise extreme caution, be experienced with mountain driving, and allow ample time. Some prefer to unhitch trailers in Red Lodge or Cooke City and drive the highway with just the tow vehicle.