The Beartooth Highway is a 68-mile mountain road connecting Red Lodge, Montana, to Cooke City, Montana, passing through the Beartooth Mountains and Absaroka-Bearcreek Wilderness.

The road, officially Montana State Highway 212, climbs to 10,947 feet at Beartooth Pass and is known for steep grades, tight switchbacks, and views of granite peaks, alpine lakes, and tundra. The drive takes roughly two to three hours in good conditions, though many visitors stop frequently to hike, photograph, or rest. The highway is typically open from late May or early June through mid-October, depending on snow conditions — it closes entirely in winter.

This is not a casual drive. The road demands a vehicle in good mechanical condition, a driver comfortable with mountain passes, and realistic time planning. Weather can change rapidly at elevation, and services (gas, food, lodging) are sparse along the route.

Key Takeaways

  • The Beartooth Highway closes seasonally, usually from mid-October through late May, so check current conditions before planning your trip.
  • The road has steep grades and hairpin turns; a standard passenger car can make the drive, but the experience is more comfortable in a vehicle with good brakes and handling.
  • There is no gas, food, or lodging between Red Lodge and Cooke City, so fill your tank and bring supplies before you start.
  • Stopping to hike, photograph, or rest is normal and adds several hours to the trip; plan for at least four to five hours total if you want to leave the car.

When the Highway Is Open and Road Conditions

The Beartooth Highway opens in late May or early June each year, depending on how much snow fell the previous winter and how quickly it melts at high elevation. The road typically closes again in mid-October when snow returns. Exact opening and closing dates vary year to year and are not announced far in advance — the Montana Department of Transportation monitors conditions and makes the call when the road is passable.

Before you drive, check the current status on the Montana Department of Transportation website (mdt.mt.gov) or call the Beartooth Highway hotline. Road conditions can change within hours: a clear morning can become icy or foggy by afternoon. In summer, afternoon thunderstorms are common at elevation and can reduce visibility sharply.

The road is well-maintained during the open season, but it is steep and winding. Expect grades of 8 to 11 percent on some sections and hairpin turns that require slow speeds. Trailers longer than 40 feet and RVs over 35 feet are not permitted; check your vehicle's dimensions before you go.

Vehicle Requirements and What to Bring

A standard passenger car can drive the Beartooth Highway, but your brakes and cooling system will work hard on the descent. Before you leave, have your vehicle inspected: check brake fluid and pads, coolant level, tire tread and pressure, and windshield wipers. Overheated brakes and failed cooling systems are the most common mechanical problems on mountain passes.

Bring a full tank of gas — there are no gas stations between Red Lodge and Cooke City, a distance of 68 miles. Bring water, snacks, and a light jacket or sweater even in summer; temperature drops roughly 3 degrees Fahrenheit for every 1,000 feet of elevation gain, so the pass is often 20 to 30 degrees cooler than Red Lodge. A basic first-aid kit, flashlight, and jumper cables are sensible precautions on any remote mountain road.

Cell phone service is unreliable or absent for much of the drive. Do not rely on GPS or your phone for navigation; read an offline map or bring a paper map of the area.

The Drive from Red Lodge to Cooke City

Red Lodge sits at 5,555 feet elevation and is the western trailhead. The town has gas stations, restaurants, and lodging. From Red Lodge, the highway climbs steadily through forest, passing several pullouts and trailheads. The road becomes steeper and more winding as you gain elevation, with views opening up as trees thin out.

Beartooth Pass, at 10,947 feet, is the highest point. The pass itself is marked by a small parking area and a sign; many visitors stop here to stretch and take photographs. From the pass, the road descends into the Absaroka-Bearcreek Wilderness area, passing alpine lakes and tundra before dropping into Cooke City, which sits at 7,651 feet. Cooke City has a few small restaurants and lodges but is much smaller than Red Lodge.

The entire drive takes two to three hours of driving time without stops. Most visitors spend four to six hours on the road because of pullouts, short walks, and photo stops. Plan accordingly if you have a specific arrival time.

Pullouts, Hiking, and Things to Do Along the Way

The Montana Department of Transportation maintains several pullouts and scenic overlooks along the highway. Beartooth Lake and Island Lake are accessible by short walks from pullouts and are popular photo spots. Gardner Lake, near the pass, is another common stop. These walks are typically 15 to 30 minutes round-trip and do not require special equipment.

Longer hikes start from trailheads along the route. The Beartooth High Lakes Trail, Claymoore Lake Trail, and others offer backcountry access, but these require more time and preparation. Bring a map, water, and sturdy footwear. Weather at elevation changes fast, and afternoon thunderstorms can develop suddenly in summer.

Wildlife viewing is common: bighorn sheep, mountain goats, marmots, and pikas live at high elevation. Keep a safe distance from all animals and do not feed them.

Driving Safety and What to Avoid

The most common mistakes are driving too fast for conditions, not leaving enough time, and underestimating how cold it gets at elevation. Drive slowly on curves and descents — the road is designed for 25 to 35 mph on the tightest sections, and speeding is dangerous and illegal. Use lower gears on long descents to avoid overheating your brakes.

Do not drive the pass at night or in fog, rain, or snow. Visibility can drop to a few feet, and the road has no guardrails on many sections. If weather deteriorates while you are driving, pull over at a safe location and wait, or turn around if you have not yet reached the pass.

Do not assume your phone will work. Do not rely on GPS alone. Do not run your gas tank below half-full before you start. Do not bring pets that cannot handle cold and altitude. Do not stop in the middle of the road to take photographs.

Lodging and Services Near the Highway

Red Lodge, on the west end, has hotels, motels, restaurants, and shops. Cooke City, on the east end, has a few small lodges and restaurants but fewer options. Both towns have gas stations. There are no services between the two towns — no gas, food, restaurants, or lodging along the 68-mile route.

If you are driving the pass in a single day, plan to stay in Red Lodge the night before and Cooke City the night after, or vice versa. If you want to explore the area more thoroughly, Red Lodge has more lodging and dining options and is a larger town with more amenities.

Camping is available at several Forest Service campgrounds near the highway, including Beartooth Lake Campground and Island Lake Campground. These fill up quickly in summer, especially on weekends. Reservations are recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive the Beartooth Highway in a regular car?

Yes, a standard passenger car can make the drive. The road is paved and well-maintained. However, your brakes and cooling system will work hard on the steep grades, so have your vehicle inspected before you go. Avoid driving in poor weather or at night.

What is the best time of year to drive it?

July and August offer the most reliable weather and longest daylight hours. June and September are open but more prone to sudden snow or cold snaps. The road is typically closed from mid-October through late May due to snow.

How long does the drive take?

Driving time alone is two to three hours. Most visitors spend four to six hours because of pullouts, short walks, and photo stops. If you plan to hike or spend significant time at scenic areas, add several more hours.

What if I get stuck or my car breaks down?

Cell service is unreliable. If your vehicle breaks down, stay with your car and wait for another driver to pass or for a ranger patrol. Keep water, snacks, and a light jacket in your vehicle. Do not attempt to walk out — distances are long and weather can change rapidly.

Can I drive it in winter?

No. The highway closes in mid-October and does not reopen until late May or early June. Winter snow and ice make the pass impassable and extremely dangerous. Attempting to drive it in winter is illegal and life-threatening.