There are so many popular (and beautiful) places to see in Montana and Wyoming, but a true explorer knows that half of the fun of any adventure is in the journey, not the destination. If you are headed to Yellowstone National Park, The Beartooth Scenic Highway is guaranteed to add something spectacular to your trip.

Kurtis Minster Photography
Beartooth Scenic Highway is a 68-mile stretch of US 212 beginning in the small town of Red Lodge, Montana that winds its way across the border into Wyoming before turning north to bring you back to Cooke City, Montana at the northeast entrance to Yellowstone National Park.
Kurtis Minster Photography
It offers absolutely stunning views as you pass over the Beartooth Plateau, which is the largest contiguous expanse of land over 10,000 ft. in elevation in the continental U.S. 
Kurtis Minster Photography
Kurtis Minster Photography
Beartooth Highway is considered one of the most beautiful roads in the country!
Kurtis Minster Photography
The highway passes by several incredible mountain lakes, including Twin Lakes.
Kurtis Minster Photography
Kurtis Minster Photography

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Kurtis Minster Photography
The road is steep and full of zig-zagging turns as it crests Beartooth Pass, but every twist and turn of this scenic highway presents a new expansive view of the incredible peaks around you.
Kurtis Minster Photography
Kurtis Minster Photography
Kurtis Minster Photography
Kurtis Minster Photography
Kurtis Minster Photography
During the drive, you will pass the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness and through both Custer National Forest and Shoshone National Forest.
Kurtis Minster Photography
Image / GoogleMaps
To get to Red Lodge and start your trek along the Beartooth Scenic Highway, head southwest from Billings on I-90 W to reach US-212W. The drive between Red Lodge and Cooke City takes a little over an hour and a half in good weather conditions, but make sure to check ahead to avoid getting stuck in a blizzard!

As it is at such a high elevation and winter storms can create dangerous conditions, this beautiful drive is only open from May through the end of October. As the summer season winds down, this is an excellent chance to pack one last adventure in before the road closes!

Check out photographer Kurtis Minster’s stunning photos of Yellowstone National Park and Montana’s colorful scenery, or head over to his website to see more of his excellent work!

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