Trade time in the car for boots-in-the-dirt when you drive Montana’s Beartooth Highway – a road to Yellowstone that’s a worth a trip of its own.

Published August 17, 2026 01:52PM

The Montana-Wyoming border, a rugged expanse where geological time is etched into towering peaks and vast alpine meadows, is home to one of the nation’s most extraordinary scenic byways: the Beartooth Highway. This 63-mile ribbon of asphalt, officially designated an All-American Road by the U.S. Federal Department of Transportation, is far more than a mere transit route to the famed geothermal wonders of Yellowstone National Park. It is, in its own right, a profound destination, a journey that elevates the act of travel into an immersive experience of untamed natural beauty.

Stretching from the charming gateway town of Red Lodge, Montana, to Cooke City, a rustic outpost near Yellowstone’s northeastern entrance, the Beartooth Highway (US Highway 212) embarks on a dramatic ascent. It masterfully carves its way through verdant, forested river valleys, gradually climbing to the breathtaking alpine tundra that lies above an astonishing 10,000 feet. This dramatic elevation gain offers a constantly shifting panorama, transforming from dense evergreen forests to stark, windswept landscapes dotted with shimmering alpine lakes and rugged granite formations.

Having traversed this iconic route numerous times, I can attest to its power to captivate. Each drive unfolds with a unique tapestry of experiences: the exhilarating challenge of hairpin turns that demand focused attention, the irresistible allure of pull-outs offering views so spectacular they literally bring traffic to a standstill, and the occasional, awe-inspiring encounter with wildlife. On one memorable occasion, a large, unhurried black bear ambled along the roadside, a potent reminder of the wildness that defines this region. Yet, on all those previous drives, I had overlooked a crucial aspect of the Beartooth’s allure: its profound accessibility for those seeking to connect with the land on a deeper level. Unbeknownst to me, this stretch of US Highway 212 is a treasure trove of outdoor recreation opportunities, boasting 12 official trails and 18 designated campgrounds. These sites offer the rare luxury of pitching a tent with minimal neighbors, providing an unparalleled front-row seat to the celestial spectacle of a truly dark night sky, unpolluted by artificial light.

The drive from one end of the highway to the other, without significant stops, takes approximately two hours. However, this figure is merely a suggestion, an invitation to linger. By incorporating camping and hiking into the itinerary, this segment of scenic highway can easily be transformed into a week-long or even longer adventure. It’s also crucial for prospective visitors to be aware of the Beartooth Highway’s seasonal nature. Generally, the road is open from late May or early June through mid-October, with its accessibility heavily dependent on prevailing snow and weather conditions. Early season visitors may encounter lingering snowdrifts, while late autumn can bring sudden winter storms, necessitating checks of road status before embarking.

For travelers who find themselves reconsidering a trip to Yellowstone due to its often-overwhelming crowds, the Beartooth Highway presents an irresistible alternative: a chance to trade the confines of a car for the liberating embrace of boots-in-the-dirt. This guide offers a curated selection of hike-and-campground pairings, designed to cater to a diverse range of abilities, ensuring that everyone can discover their own piece of Beartooth magic.

Glacier Lake Trail: A Reward of Turquoise and Granite

The Glacier Lake Trail, a relatively short but undeniably steep 2.2-mile trek, culminates in the breathtaking sight of a turquoise alpine lake cradled by the imposing granite walls of the Beartooth Mountains. I consider this trail to be one of the most rewarding in terms of payoff-to-effort ratio along the entire drive. The ascent, comprising a series of well-placed switchbacks, gains an impressive 1,700 feet in elevation over just 1.5 miles. This challenging climb rewards hikers with a ridge overlooking the pristine lake, from which the trail then descends approximately 300 feet to its serene shore. This hike encapsulates the quintessential Beartooth experience: a harmonious blend of rugged granite landscapes, vibrant alpine wildflowers, and the shimmering allure of pristine mountain water. The proximity to campgrounds such as the Granite Pass Campground makes this an ideal day trip for those looking to immerse themselves in the high-alpine environment.

• At a glance:
  • Distance: 2.2 miles roundtrip
  • Elevation Gain: 1,700 feet
  • Difficulty: Strenuous
  • Trail Type: Out and back
  • Highlights: Alpine lake, panoramic mountain views, granite formations, wildflowers.
  • Nearby Camping: Granite Pass Campground (primitive).

Lost Lake Trail: A Serene Forested Sojourn

The moderate 5-mile Lost Lake Trail offers a more gentle immersion into the Beartooth’s natural splendor. This hike meanders through dense forest, following the tranquil course of the Lake Fork River towards the aptly named Lost Lake. This area is renowned for its frequent moose sightings, particularly during the magical hours of dawn and dusk, offering a prime opportunity for wildlife observation. Despite its relative proximity to Red Lodge, the trail provides a remarkable sense of solitude, allowing visitors to truly disconnect and commune with nature. Furthermore, the Lost Lake Trail serves as a gateway to a network of other intriguing routes, including the Hellroaring Plateau Trail and the Lower Lake Fork Trail, providing ample opportunities for extended exploration. The nearby Soda Butte Campground, though not directly adjacent, offers a convenient base for accessing this trail.

• At a glance:
  • Distance: 5 miles roundtrip
  • Elevation Gain: Approximately 500 feet
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Trail Type: Out and back
  • Highlights: Dense forest, river views, potential for moose sightings, access to other trails.
  • Nearby Camping: Soda Butte Campground (reservable).

Beartooth High Lakes Loop: An Accessible Alpine Introduction

For those seeking an introduction to alpine hiking without the intense exertion, the Beartooth High Lakes Loop presents an ideal option. This 5.8-mile loop gracefully traces the contours of Beartooth Butte, winding its way past a series of exquisite alpine lakes, including the picturesque Island Lake and the serene Night Lake, before culminating at the tranquil Becker Lake. The trail boasts a gradual elevation gain of only 505 feet, making it an accessible and enjoyable experience for hikers still developing their trail legs. For those who wish to extend their journey, an additional 1.8-mile spur leads to the enchanting Beauty Lake, offering further mileage and even more stunning vistas. This loop is an excellent choice for capturing the essence of high-altitude beauty with a manageable physical challenge. The provided link to Gaia GPS offers detailed topographic information and user-generated insights, aiding in trip planning. Campgrounds like the Beartooth Lake Campground are strategically located to facilitate access to this loop.

• At a glance:
  • Distance: 5.8 miles (loop, with option to extend)
  • Elevation Gain: 505 feet
  • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
  • Trail Type: Loop
  • Highlights: Series of alpine lakes, gentle elevation gain, expansive mountain scenery.
  • Nearby Camping: Beartooth Lake Campground (first-come, first-served).

Face-of-the-Mountain Trail: Walking Through History

The Face-of-the-Mountain Trail offers a unique opportunity to connect with the historical development of the Beartooth Highway itself. This substantial 15-mile trail traverses the eastern flank of Mount Maurice and the Line Creek Plateau, revealing the early efforts and challenges involved in constructing this iconic roadway. The initial three miles of the trail follow the original route known as the "Black and White Trail." This path was first surveyed in 1919, with the intention of creating a passable route, but was ultimately abandoned due to a lack of funding. The current Beartooth Highway was eventually completed in 1932, building upon the rudimentary groundwork laid decades earlier. By choosing to hike this trail, visitors are not merely observing the landscape; they are literally walking in the footsteps of the pioneers who first envisioned and attempted to carve a passage through this formidable terrain. This trail offers a profound historical perspective, allowing for a deeper appreciation of the engineering marvel that the Beartooth Highway represents. For those seeking a more primitive camping experience, dispersed camping opportunities may be available in designated areas along the route, requiring careful adherence to Leave No Trace principles.

• At a glance:
  • Distance: 15 miles (one-way, or out-and-back)
  • Elevation Gain: Significant, with rolling terrain
  • Difficulty: Strenuous
  • Trail Type: Out and back or point-to-point (with shuttle)
  • Highlights: Historical route, panoramic plateau views, insight into highway construction.
  • Nearby Camping: Limited, with potential for dispersed camping (check regulations).

Clay Butte Fire Lookout: Panoramic Vistas from a Historic Perch

While not a traditional hiking trail, the short 2.6-mile gravel road leading to the Clay Butte Fire Lookout is an excursion that richly rewards the effort. Most visitors opt to drive this route, but for those seeking to stretch their legs and fully absorb the surrounding grandeur, walking along the road provides a more intimate experience with the landscape. Perched at an elevation of 9,811 feet, this historic lookout offers unparalleled 360-degree views of the Beartooth and Absaroka mountain ranges. The lookout itself is a testament to a bygone era of fire detection, constructed in 1952 by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), an organization instrumental in employing young men on public works projects during the Great Depression. It remained staffed through the 1960s before the advent of satellite monitoring and aerial patrols rendered such ground-based observation posts less critical. The panoramic vistas from Clay Butte are particularly striking at sunrise and sunset, casting a warm glow over the rugged peaks and vast wilderness. The nearby Red Lodge KOA offers a comfortable and amenity-rich camping option for those exploring this section of the highway.

• At a glance:
  • Distance: 2.6 miles roundtrip (road access)
  • Elevation Gain: Gradual
  • Difficulty: Easy (walking the road)
  • Trail Type: Road access
  • Highlights: Panoramic mountain views, historic fire lookout, geological formations.
  • Nearby Camping: Red Lodge KOA (private campground).

Other Trails to Explore: A Wealth of Wilderness

The Beartooth Highway’s embrace extends far beyond these highlighted examples, offering a veritable smorgasbord of trails to fill your days with adventure. For the truly dedicated explorer, the vastness of the Beartooth Plateau beckons. The Beartooth Plateau, a sprawling high-elevation area, offers a network of interconnected trails and backcountry routes that can be tailored for multi-day backpacking expeditions. These routes often lead to remote alpine lakes, vast meadows carpeted with wildflowers in the summer months, and rugged peaks that provide challenging climbs for experienced mountaineers. The sheer scale of the plateau means that even during peak season, it’s possible to find solitude and a profound sense of wilderness. Planning for these longer excursions requires thorough preparation, including detailed map study, knowledge of backcountry navigation, and awareness of weather patterns, which can change rapidly at these altitudes. Consider carrying a satellite communication device for safety in these remote areas.

The area surrounding the Beartooth Highway is also rich in geological interest, with evidence of ancient glacial activity visible in the U-shaped valleys and carved cirques. Trails leading to areas like the Twin Lakes offer stunning examples of these glacial landforms. The vibrant alpine flora, adapted to the harsh conditions, provides a colorful spectacle, with a diverse array of wildflowers blooming throughout the summer. Birdwatchers will also find much to appreciate, with opportunities to spot various species of raptors, ptarmigan, and songbirds that inhabit the alpine and subalpine environments.

For those with a particular interest in the region’s mining history, remnants of old mining claims and prospecting operations can be found in some of the more remote canyons. While these sites are often overgrown and may require off-trail navigation to reach, they offer a glimpse into the human endeavors that shaped this rugged landscape long before the highway was established.

The Beartooth Highway is a testament to the enduring allure of the American West, a place where the grandeur of nature is not just observed but deeply experienced. Whether you choose to tackle a strenuous climb to a remote alpine lake, wander through whispering forests, or simply soak in the panoramic vistas from a historic lookout, the Beartooth offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of the wild. It is a reminder that sometimes, the most rewarding destinations are not the ones we simply drive through, but the ones we immerse ourselves in, one boot-in-the-dirt at a time.