30 Day Roadtrip

This blog post is part of my 30-day road trip to explore the stunning scenery and breathtaking national parks across the United States. Each stop on this journey showcases the incredible diversity of our natural landscapes, from the vibrant colors of Badlands National Park to the majestic peaks of the Rockies in Grand Teton National Parks. Join me as I uncover the beauty and wonder of these amazing destinations, one adventure at a time! Click here to see other blog posts on this trip.

Driving Beartooth Highway: A Journey Through Majestic Scenery

If you're an avid road tripper or simply someone who appreciates stunning views, driving the Beartooth Highway should be on your bucket list. Winding through the rugged peaks and alpine terrain of Montana and Wyoming, this highway offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave you in awe. Known for its jaw-dropping vistas, diverse ecosystems, and a perfect mix of adventure and serenity, the Beartooth Highway is one of the most scenic drives in America.

What is Beartooth Highway?

Beartooth Highway, officially designated as U.S. Route 212, stretches 68 miles through the Beartooth Mountains and the Absaroka Range. It serves as the southern entrance to Yellowstone National Park and is open seasonally, usually from mid-June to mid-September, depending on weather conditions. The highway reaches an elevation of 10,947 feet at Beartooth Pass, the highest point on the route. As you ascend and descend through the jagged peaks, alpine lakes, and expansive valleys, you’ll quickly understand why this drive is so renowned.

Stunning Views from Every Angle

From the moment you begin your journey along Beartooth Highway, the scenery is nothing short of spectacular. Whether you’re traveling from the south (Cody, Wyoming) or the north (Red Lodge, Montana), the vistas will keep you in a state of awe as you climb higher into the mountains.

As you make your way through the highway, the views constantly evolve. You’ll pass rolling hills dotted with wildflowers, dense forests of pine and aspen, and pristine alpine lakes. The terrain shifts dramatically, with sheer rock cliffs and glacial-carved valleys offering a dramatic backdrop. One of the most iconic sights on Beartooth Highway is the "Beartooth Plateau" – a vast, sweeping landscape that feels like you're driving across the roof of the world. The feeling of being surrounded by towering mountains, wide-open spaces, and endless blue skies is both humbling and exhilarating.

Beartooth Pass: The Crown Jewel of the Drive

The crown jewel of this highway is undoubtedly Beartooth Pass, which sits at nearly 11,000 feet above sea level. As you navigate the tight curves and switchbacks, the landscape opens up to reveal expansive vistas of snow-capped peaks, jagged ridgelines, and rugged valleys. If you're traveling in the summer months, the contrast of the bright green alpine meadows with the towering white mountains is unforgettable. In the early summer, you may even encounter lingering patches of snow, while the fall months bring golden hues as aspen trees turn brilliant shades of yellow.

There are numerous pull-offs along the route where you can stop and take in the beauty. Be sure to pause at the summit of Beartooth Pass to capture photos and enjoy panoramic views that stretch for miles in every direction.

Wildlife Along the Way

The Beartooth Highway is not only a visual feast for the eyes, but it's also a haven for wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for animals that call this rugged landscape home. Bighorn sheep and mountain goats are commonly spotted on the higher elevations of the highway, grazing along rocky outcrops. Mule deer and elk often roam the valleys below, while, if you’re lucky, you may catch sight of a black bear or a wolf in the distance. Birdwatchers can also delight in spotting eagles, falcons, and other species that soar above the mountains.

Things to Do Along the Beartooth Highway

While the drive itself is the main attraction, there are several stops along the way where you can explore further:

• Beartooth Lake: Located near the summit, Beartooth Lake is a great spot to stretch your legs, take in the views, and even try some fishing.
• Rock Creek Vista: This overlook provides breathtaking views of Rock Creek and the surrounding valley, perfect for snapping a few photos.
• Wickiup and Crandall Campgrounds: These campsites offer the chance to spend the night in the wilderness, with opportunities for hiking, fishing, and stargazing.
• Hiking Trails: There are numerous hiking trails in the area, ranging from easy walks to more strenuous hikes that take you deeper into the wilderness. Popular trails include the Beartooth Plateau Trail and the Mystic Lake Trail.
• Yellowstone National Park: The Beartooth Highway is a gateway to the northern entrance of Yellowstone, so be sure to take some time to explore the park’s geothermal wonders, wildlife, and iconic landmarks like Old Faithful.

The Best Time to Drive Beartooth Highway

The Beartooth Highway is typically open from mid-June through mid-September, though the exact dates vary each year depending on snow conditions. The drive is best experienced in the summer, when the weather is more stable, and most of the highway is fully open. However, autumn brings a unique charm, with vibrant fall foliage transforming the landscape into a colorful patchwork. Be aware that conditions can change rapidly at high altitudes, and even in the summer, snowstorms and icy roads are not unheard of.

Planning Your Trip

As you plan your journey along Beartooth Highway, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Fuel up before you go: Gas stations are sparse along the highway, so make sure your vehicle is topped off before embarking on the drive. Red Lodge and Cody are the best places to fill up.
• Weather changes quickly: Beartooth Pass is notorious for its rapidly changing weather. Be prepared for cooler temperatures, even in the summer, and pack layers in case the weather turns.
• Take your time: While the highway is just 68 miles long, you'll want to allow plenty of time to stop and take in the views. This is not a drive to rush – it’s a journey to savor.

Final Thoughts

Driving the Beartooth Highway is more than just a scenic drive; it’s an unforgettable experience that connects you to nature in a way few other roads can. The high-altitude terrain, the ever-changing vistas, and the sense of solitude that comes with being surrounded by such vast wilderness make it one of the most remarkable road trips in the United States. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or simply the thrill of seeing nature at its most raw and beautiful, Beartooth Highway offers something for every traveler.

So, pack your bags, fill your tank, and hit the road. The Beartooth Highway awaits, ready to show you some of the most breathtaking landscapes America has to offer.

My Camera

I’m often asked what camera I shoot with. I’m a firm believer that any modern camera today can produce a good picture. I use a Canon R5 as my main camera. It is a mirrorless camera, and more importantly it is a great tool. I am able to get it to translate the vision that I see into a photograph. My key reasons for this camera are: 

• It is 45 mp. For some photographers, that may be too much as it produces large files. As a landscape photographer it is my sweet spot. 
• It’s a Canon. I have used a lot of Canon cameras and have always found them dependable, reliable and intuitive to use. 
• The RF lenses are truly amazing. I have always had EF-L series lenses, but the RF lenses produce stunning images. 
• The image stabilization is outstanding.
• It is not too large, and not too small and works well as a travel camera for landscape photography. 

But this isn’t a blog about cameras. If you want to know more, please contact me. 

Debbi Marquette Photography is located in Upstate New York at the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains. Debbi is an award winning and published travel, landscape and bald eagle photographer specializing in artistic, authentic, and memorable landscape and wildlife photography. She travels frequently, lives near the mountains and constantly has a camera in her hand to capture photographs so others can see the beauty of our world.

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