Stretching from Red Lodge, Montana, the Beartooth Highway offers one of America’s most scenic drives, slicing through jagged peaks, alpine lakes, and forests fiercely alive with the pulse of unspoiled wilderness. As you twist and climb the 68 miles of the highway, the landscape unfolds relentlessly—mountains daring your gaze upward, rivers pushing forward beside the road, and skies that seem larger than anywhere else. This is not a route to rush. Instead, it demands attention, a respectful patience to take in the panoramic views that dominate every turn.

Starting in Red Lodge, a gateway town with roots in coal mining and a spirit equal parts rugged and welcoming, prepare your vehicle for high elevation climbs. The road soars up to nearly 11,000 feet, cutting through the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. Expect narrow lanes bordered by sheer cliffs and switchbacks, each bend stealing your breath with undisturbed expanses of granite peaks and turquoise-blue glacial lakes.

To fully appreciate the Beartooth Highway’s wild beauty, set aside at least four hours, with stops at key pullouts and hiking trailheads. Bring layers — temperatures can swing dramatically between sunny valleys and snowy summits, even in summer. Early mornings and late afternoons paint the scenery in golden light, ideal for photography and wildlife spotting. Mountain goats skitter across rocky ledges while coyotes occasionally call through the valley.

For those wanting to stretch legs beyond the wheel, there are practical trail opportunities nearby, ranging from casual walks at the Top of the World Store overlook to more demanding hikes such as the 3.4-mile round trip up Beartooth Lake Trail, with an elevation gain that wakes your muscles and rewards with still water mirroring sharp peaks.

Fuel up in Red Lodge before hitting the highway; services are sparse once you climb. Respect all closures—snow can linger into late June—and watch for sudden weather changes. This highway does not simply take you through wilderness. It places you in direct dialogue with it, an unfolding engagement with nature that is as humbling as it is energizing. Whether you’re after stirring vistas, a taste of Montana’s savagely beautiful backcountry, or just a memorable drive, the Beartooth Highway delivers with a steady hand and unyielding excitement.