Beartooth Highway Audio Tour

Things to do on the Tour Include:

• Welcome

  Welcome to the breathtaking Beartooth Highway. Starting at Yellowstone Trading Post, head east on Beartooth Highway to begin our scenic tour.

• Clarks Fork Picnic Area

  A picnic area with restrooms, hiking trails, and views of Clarks Fork River is ahead. Not a must-see, but a pleasant stop if we have time.

• 45th Parallel

  In a minute, there’s a pull-out with a sign marking the 45th Parallel, the halfway point between the Equator and the North Pole. Great for a quick photo.

• Clarks Fork

  The Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone River parallels the Beartooth Highway and is often confused with the Clark Fork River, which flows into the Columbia River.

• Hemingway

  Ernest Hemingway was a regular visitor to this area, writing much of “For Whom the Bell Tolls” at L-Bar-T Ranch near Cooke City.

• Crazy Creek Falls

  The parking area for Crazy Creek Falls is on our left. A quick hike offers a view of the falls, impressive in early summer.

• Cooke City Winter

  Cooke City has about 75 year-round residents. In winter, it's accessible only via Yellowstone’s north entrance or by snowmobile from the east.

• Chief Joseph Junction

  We’re approaching the junction with Chief Joseph Scenic Byway, which leads to Cody, Wyoming. We’ll continue on Beartooth Highway.

• Lake Creek Falls

  A large pull-off after the bridge offers views of Lake Creek Falls and an old bridge from the 1932 highway construction.

• Beartooth Highway

  The Beartooth Highway, open from late May to early October, was built during the Great Depression to drive tourism and save local towns.

• General Sheridan

  General Philip Sheridan and his team first ventured into the Beartooth Mountains in 1872, following a hunter’s directions.

• Pilot and Index Peak

  A viewpoint ahead offers views of Pilot Peak and Index Peak, often mistaken for the Bear’s Tooth. Worth a stop for photos.

• Clay Butte Lookout

  A turnoff leads to the Clay Butte Fire Tower, offering panoramic views. The unpaved road isn’t suitable for RVs or trailers.

• Beartooth Ravine

  Recent reconstruction efforts have improved safety for both drivers and wildlife. Be patient if there are any stops due to roadwork.

• Beartooth Lake

  Beartooth Lake, a glacier-sculpted lake, is on our left. If short on time, skip this and visit Island Lake instead. Otherwise, it’s worth a stop for fishing and views.

• Top of the World

  Stop at the Top of the World Store for cold drinks, souvenirs, and fishing supplies. Built in 1934, it offers a unique experience at 9,400 feet.

• Island Lake

  A scenic spot for hiking, fishing, and boating. The Bear Tooth High Lakes Trail offers excellent views.

• Beartooth Mountain Conservation

  The Beartooth Mountains were named in 1960. Home to Montana's highest peaks, they were protected as part of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness in 1978.

• Beartooth Mountain Geology

  The Beartooth Mountains formed 40-70 million years ago. Their granite, gneiss, and crystalline schists are among the oldest rocks on Earth.

• Glaciers

  Glaciers sculpted the Beartooth Mountains, creating peaks like Pilot Peak. Grasshopper Glacier contains millions of ancient grasshoppers.

• West Summit Overlook

  Reach the highest point of the drive at 10,947 feet. Enjoy spectacular views from the West Summit Overlook.

• Bears Tooth Approach

  View the Bear’s Tooth, the namesake rock of the Beartooth Highway. Look for a small pull-out on the left.

• Gardner Lake Pullout

  A large parking area offers a short hike to Gardner Lake. The trail provides stunning scenery with a 600-foot elevation gain.

• Beartooth Basin Ski Area

  Stop at Beartooth Basin Summer Ski Area for views of Twin Lakes. It’s the only summer-only ski area in the Rockies.

• State Line

  Cross the Montana-Wyoming border. This “orphaned highway” sees multiple jurisdictions responsible for its maintenance.

• Beartooth Tundra

  Experience the rare alpine tundra, which blooms with wildflowers in late summer. The tundra starts around 10,000 feet here.

• Hellroaring Plateau

  The Beartooth Mountains feature high alpine plateaus, like Hellroaring Plateau. It’s popular for hiking and offers rugged, scenic views.

• Rock Creek Switchbacks

  Enjoy the thrilling descent through the Rock Creek Switchbacks. The road offers stunning views and steep, winding paths into Red Lodge.

• Vista Point

  Stop at Vista Point for stunning views of Rock Creek Valley, restrooms, and informative signs. This is a must-see spot unless weather is poor.

• Black and White Trail

  Construction on the Black and White Trail started in 1919 but was abandoned. It helped unify support for the current Beartooth Highway.

• Beartooth Highway Construction

  Construction of the Beartooth Highway began in 1931, with crews working through harsh conditions. It was completed in 1936, providing breathtaking views.

• Beartooth Highway Maintenance

  Opening the highway by Memorial Day is crucial. In 2005, mudslides caused extensive damage, closing the road for the season and costing $20 million to repair.

• Rock Creek Canyon

  Follow Rock Creek for the final stretch to Red Lodge. Look for Hellroaring Road, a rugged trail for adventurous drivers.

• Hellroaring Turn

  Turn left for the Hellroaring Road and Greenough Lake Campground. The short hike to Greenough Lake offers beautiful views.

• Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem

  The Beartooth Mountains are part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, one of the last intact temperate zone ecosystems on Earth, home to diverse wildlife.

• All American Road

  The Beartooth Highway is a designated All-American Road, celebrated as one of America's most scenic drives.

• The Crow People

  The Crow People inhabited this area long before European explorers arrived. Their lands were drastically reduced after the discovery of gold.

• Red Lodge Welcome

  Explore downtown Red Lodge for a taste of history and local charm. It's a perfect stop before continuing your journey.

• Conclusion

  This brings us to the end of our tour along the Beartooth Highway. I hope you've enjoyed your scenic drive through this spectacular landscape.