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HomeRoad TripsNorth AmericaUnited StatesNorth USAMontanaBeartooth Road Panoramic Road
Montana

Beartooth Road Panoramic Road

Red Lodge - Beartooth Pass - Cooke City - Yellowstone N.P.

Expect on your itinerary

Security Security
Landscape Landscape
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Wildlife Wildlife
Comfort Comfort
Road conditions Road conditions
Urban life Urban life
Historical sites Historical sites
Beartooth Road Panoramic Road ACTIVATE MAP Stages3 km110 h/stage0.6

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Beartooth Road Panoramic Road in Montana?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 45EUR drive & more 13EUR sleep & more 77EUR eat & more 72EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 162EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 207EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 54EUR drive & more 25EUR sleep & more 121EUR eat & more 108EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 254EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 308EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 90EUR drive & more 25EUR sleep & more 198EUR eat & more 144EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 367EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 457EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 225EUR drive & more 25EUR sleep & more 55EUR eat & more 72EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 152EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 377EUR
Car rental Book hotel Flights
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Beartooth Road Panoramic Road Itinerary

Take a journey through the stunning landscapes of the Beartooth Pass and Cooke City on the Beartooth Road Panoramic Road. This 110 km route, located in the United States, starts in the city of Red Lodge and ends in Yellowstone National Park and is best completed in 1 day. The best time of year to take this road trip is during the summer months, when you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the surrounding nature. The road is generally in good condition, though it can be narrow and curvy in some places. Be aware that seasonal road closures due to weather conditions may occur. This road trip provides an unforgettable experience and memories, and is suitable for all types of drivers. It can be managed with a high budget and is definitely worth the money.
number of days 1 number of days
route length 110 km route length
budget high budget
good for family good for
traffic direction on the right traffic direction
accident level moderate accident level

START Red Lodge

Distance 110 km Driving time 1.9 h Pace: modest 28.5 kWh Airports BIL
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Red Lodge is a small city in the Beartooth Mountains of Montana, United States. It is a perfect starting point for the road trip named "Beartooth Road Panoramic Road", as it is located at the eastern entrance of the Beartooth Highway. Red Lodge is a great place to visit year-round and offers a variety of activities and attractions. From Red Lodge, you can visit the iconic Red Lodge Mountain Ski Area, the historic Carbon County Museum and the Red Lodge Clay Center. For outdoor enthusiasts, there is the Red Lodge Recreation Area, offering hiking, biking, fishing, camping, and much more. The town is also home to several restaurants, bars, and shops. If you are traveling by air, the closest international airport is Billings Logan International Airport (BIL). Car rentals are available at this airport for those wanting to explore the area. Red Lodge is a great place to start your Beartooth Road Panoramic Road trip. Whether you are looking for outdoor activities, sightseeing, or just a relaxing getaway, you will find something to do in Red Lodge.

1 Red Lodge - Beartooth Pass

Distance 50 km Driving time 0.8 h Pace: fast 14.9 kWh View map Itinerary
scenic road !en!generator.stage-attribute.SeasonalClosure! sections of steep road stretches of winding road interesting  historic site accommodation options
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Red Lodge to Beartooth Pass! This 31-mile drive will take you less than an hour and will take you through some of the most stunning landscapes in the United States. The winding roads, steep ramps, and historical sites will keep you mesmerized throughout the journey. Along the way, you'll be able to witness the beauty of the Beartooth Mountains, the Clarks Fork Canyon, and the Red Lodge Creek. Some sections of the route may be closed seasonally, so make sure to check the road conditions before you go. During your trip, you can also explore the local attractions, such as the Red Lodge Visitor Center, the Beartooth Nature Center, and the Beartooth Pass Visitor Center. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. So, buckle up and get ready to experience the beauty of the Red Lodge and Beartooth Pass!

2 Beartooth Pass - Cooke City

Distance 53 km Driving time 1.0 h Pace: modest 13.9 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road !en!generator.stage-attribute.SeasonalClosure! sections of steep road stretches of winding road junction of road trips
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Embark on an amazing road trip journey from Beartooth Pass to Cooke City, a 33mi drive that will take you fewer than 1 hours. Enjoy the scenic road as you drive along, with some sections of the route closed seasonally, steep ramps and winding roads. As you drive, take in the stunning views and make sure to take lots of photos! Keep in mind that this is only one stage of a larger tour, and for more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the ‘Itinerary’ of this stage. Beartooth Pass is the perfect place to start your journey, with its breathtaking views of the Absaroka and Beartooth Mountains. Don’t forget to visit the Beartooth Nature Center before you leave! Cooke City is an equally stunning destination, with its picturesque mountains, rivers and lakes. Be sure to check out the historic town of Silver Gate and the nearby Yellowstone National Park. With so much to explore, you’ll never run out of things to do!

3 Cooke City - Yellowstone N.P.

Distance 7 km Driving time 0.1 h Pace: fast 2.0 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road !en!generator.stage-attribute.SeasonalClosure! stretches of winding road sections of narrow road junction of road trips
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Take a road trip from Cooke City to Yellowstone National Park and explore the stunning beauty of the Northern Rockies! You'll be driving 4 miles, and the journey should take you less than an hour. Along the way, you'll be treated to breathtaking views, winding roads, and narrow sections. Make sure to keep an eye out for any seasonal closures, too. This is one of the most scenic routes in the area, so make sure to keep your camera handy! Once you arrive at Yellowstone, take some time to explore the park and all of its wonders. From the Grand Prismatic Spring to the Old Faithful geyser, there's something for everyone. Don't forget to check out the Itinerary for this stage of your road trip for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Enjoy your adventure!

  Yellowstone N.P.

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The United States' Yellowstone National Park is the end of the beautiful and breathtaking Beartooth Road Panoramic Road. It is an unforgettable journey that you will never forget. The park is home to a large number of geothermal features, including the world's largest active geyser, Old Faithful. The park is also known for its abundant wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, bison, and elk. The park is also home to many species of birds, fish, and reptiles. There are many activities to do in the park, and visitors can explore the many trails and boardwalks that traverse the park. Hiking, camping, and fishing are just some of the activities available. The nearest international airport to Yellowstone National Park is the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN). No matter how you choose to visit, Yellowstone National Park is sure to be a memorable experience. With its breathtaking landscape and abundant wildlife, visitors will surely be in awe of the beauty of the park. Make sure to plan your trip to the park and enjoy the majestic beauty of Yellowstone.

Beartooth Road Panoramic Road at a glance

Before you set off

Embark on an unforgettable journey along the Beartooth Highway, a spectacular 68-mile (110 km) route in the United States that promises awe-inspiring views and engaging experiences. Starting from the quaint town of Red Lodge, Montana, and culminating at the northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park, this Road Trip traverses some of the most stunning wilderness areas in the country. Ideal for nature lovers and adventure seekers, the Beartooth Highway can be comfortably traveled in a single day, although you may find yourself wanting to take your time to savor every moment.

Key Destinations and Top Sights:

As you climb to the astonishing heights of Beartooth Pass, which reaches 10,947 feet (3,337 meters) above sea level, you'll be treated to panoramic views of pristine alpine landscapes. Along the way, explore the rustic allure of Cooke City, and keep your camera ready for the myriad of photo opportunities that present themselves. Notable sights include the dizzying vistas from the Rock Creek Vista Point, the serene beauty of the West Summit, and the otherworldly terrain of the Top of the World Store area. At the end of your drive, the natural splendors of Yellowstone National Park await—home to the largest concentration of geysers in the world, including the famous Old Faithful, and a sanctuary for wildlife such as bison, elk, and bears.

Best Time to Go:

The Beartooth Highway typically opens by Memorial Day weekend and remains accessible until mid-October, weather permitting. The summer months from June to September offer the most reliable Road conditions and opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. This period is ideal for those who wish to fully indulge in the Road's picturesque landscapes and the array of outdoor activities available in the surrounding national forests and wilderness areas.

Potential Risks:

Travelers should exercise caution due to the steep grades, sharp curves, and occasional lack of guardrails. Be aware of potential seasonal closures, as heavy snowfall can render the pass impassable outside of the summer and early fall months. Additionally, altitude sickness is a consideration due to the high elevations reached on this route.

Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:

Designed by Civil Engineer General H. M. Chittenden and opened in 1936, the Beartooth Highway is often referred to as `the most beautiful drive in America` for its stunning mountain scenery. It is also one of the highest elevation Roads in the Rocky Mountains, and along the way, you might encounter the rare pika or the elusive mountain goat. The Road itself is an engineering marvel, featuring switchbacks and bridges that blend harmoniously with the rugged terrain. For those looking to stretch their legs, numerous trailheads offer access to the surrounding wilderness for day hikes or backcountry adventures.

A good choice for:

The Beartooth Highway is more than just a Road; it's a passage through the heart of some of the most extraordinary landscapes in the United States. It combines the thrill of high-altitude driving with the serenity of untouched nature. Whether you're chasing the thrill of adventure, seeking a tranquil escape, or simply after a drive filled with postcard-worthy scenes, the Beartooth Highway delivers an experience that will linger in your memory long after the journey ends. Its proximity to Yellowstone only heightens its allure, making it an essential Road Trip for any traveler exploring the American West.

Facts for safer driving in Montana

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.5
max speed urban max speed urban 40 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 72 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 129 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime off
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher yes
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

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