Beartooth Highway & Rock Creek Vista Point
Beartooth Highway
One of America's most spectacular scenic drives, climbing in switchbacks from Red Lodge. The Rock Creek Vista Point overlooks the zigzagging road and the glacier-carved valleys.
The Beartooth Highway (US 212) runs from Red Lodge over Beartooth Pass to the northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park. It is about 109 km long and opened in 1936. Its highest point is 3,337 m. It is often called one of America's most beautiful roads and is designated an All-American Road. Leaving town, the highway climbs in a series of switchbacks along the Rock Creek canyon. About 30 km in, the Rock Creek Vista Point (about 2,800 m) has a parking area, restrooms and a short paved trail. From there you look down on the road winding in tiers and on U-shaped valleys carved by glaciers. It is the classic photo spot along the route. Beyond it, the road enters high alpine tundra, with dozens of cirque lakes along the way. The one-way drive takes about 2–3 hours, not counting stops. The weather changes quickly, and in summer afternoon thunderstorms or even snow are possible, so check road conditions before setting out. There are no gas stations on the mountain, so fill up in Red Lodge.
Opening hours
Road open seasonally (roughly late May to mid-October); viewpoint open all day
Nearby sights
- Twin Lakes & Beartooth Basin
- Red Lodge Mountain
- Beartooth Lake & Beartooth Butte
- Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary
- Red Lodge Historic District
- Clay Butte Fire Lookout
- Smith Mine Historic District
- Bear Creek Saloon Pig Races