Worth it? YES if you're basing at or passing through Cooke City for the Lamar Valley; it's one of the most scenic high-alpine drives in the country. The play: drive it as the northeast approach/exit (from Red Lodge) in summer, allow time for the switchbacks and overlooks, and check the road is open before you commit.
Who it’s NOT for: Anyone traveling outside the ~late-May-to-mid-October window — the road is closed for winter (and can close on any summer snowstorm); don't route through it off-season. Travelers who won't be in the far northeast — it's the Cooke City / Red Lodge approach, not near the geyser basins or the main loop. Nervous mountain drivers — it's a high, exposed, switchbacking pass with big drop-offs and fast-changing weather.
Skip it if: You're not in the northeast corner, or it's outside the open season — then it's simply not on your route.
Time needed: ~2.5–3+ hours one-way to drive Red Lodge↔Cooke City with stops; a scenic half-day. (research: NPS park roads / byway)
Best time: Summer (July–September) for the clearest, most reliable opening and the alpine wildflowers; snow lingers on the pass into summer. Always check the current opening before you go.
Cost: $Booking: No reservation; it's a public highway (US-212). CONFIRM it's OPEN (seasonal + snow closures) before relying on it. Verify status live.
drive it as the northeast approach/exit (from Red Lodge) in summer, allow time for the switchbacks and overlooks, and check the road is open before you commit.
Who is Beartooth Highway Scenic Drive for?
Beartooth Highway Scenic Drive is for wildlife watching couple.
Who is Beartooth Highway Scenic Drive not for?
Beartooth Highway Scenic Drive is not for Anyone traveling outside the ~late-May-to-mid-October window — the road is closed for winter (and can close on any summer snowstorm); don't route through it off-season. Travelers who won't be in the far northeast — it's the Cooke City / Red Lodge approach, not near the geyser basins or the main loop. Nervous mountain drivers — it's a high, exposed, switchbacking pass with big drop-offs and fast-changing weather.
When is the best time to visit Beartooth Highway Scenic Drive?
Summer (July–September) for the clearest, most reliable opening and the alpine wildflowers; snow lingers on the pass into summer. Always check the current opening before you go.
How expensive is Beartooth Highway Scenic Drive?
Beartooth Highway Scenic Drive is budget ($). Meravella shows prices as bands and never publishes exact figures it hasn't verified.
Basis research · last verified Sun Aug 09 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time). Prices are shown as bands; confirm live before you go. We never rank by commission.
