The Highest Road In Wyoming Will Lead You On An Unforgettable Journey
Wyoming is one of the most incredible places on Earth when it comes to intriguing landscapes and breathtaking scenery. That being said, it should come as no surprise that there’s a road in Wyoming that is considered one of the most scenic drives in the United States. The remarkable Beartooth Highway is a bucket-list destination for many Wyomingites, and it will take you on an unforgettable journey.
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The 68-mile Beartooth Highway will take you from the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone National Park in Cooke City, through Northern Wyoming, and all the way to Red Lodge, Montana.
This beautiful and seasonal highway is named for the Absaroka Mountains along the way, and it's designated as a National Scenic Byways All-American Road.
The highway is understandably open only during the snow-free months. Keep an eye on the DOT website to see if it's clear when you go to travel.
The highway is a section of U.S. Route 212 that shows off a series of steep zigzags and switchbacks that snake along the Wyoming/Montana border and lead to Beartooth Pass. It's only safe to travel when there's no snow, and it typically opens from Mid-May through Mid-October. You can check the current status here.
Beartooth Pass itself rises to an elevation of 10,947 feet above the Earth!
This is the same pass that was crossed by Civil War General Phillip Sheridan and his men in 1872 who were returning from an inspection tour of Yellowstone National Park.
The road features breathtaking views of the Absaroka and Beartooth Mountains and plenty of turnouts where you can take in the scenery.
The road's hairpin curves stretch through Custer, Gallatin and Shoshone National Forests, and it runs parallel to the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness.
The Beartooths are some of the most rugged and prominent peaks in the Rockies, and they're known for being part of America's great remote wilderness areas.
This area is surrounded by 20 peaks all over 12,000 feet in elevation! These mountains are some of the most challenging to climb in the country due to the loose gravel and steep faces.
You'll find more than 950 alpine lakes in vicinity, and the views from the roadside show them off in all their sparkling glory.
Many travelers make a side trip out of fly fishing the region.
The Beartooth Scenic Highway is accessible from the south via the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway, and many people use these routes to travel from Yellowstone down into Cody.
The section of the Beartooth Highway that passes through Wyoming is around 47 miles and takes an hour to drive.
The Top Of The World Store is located along the scenic highway 6 miles from the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone National Park and it's so worth a visit!
The store was originally built on Beartooth Lake and moved to its current location in the 60s. This is a great stopping point along the way if you're looking for souvenirs or to take a break from the sometimes harrowing drive.
Have you ever driven along this highway? If so, let us know in the comments below.
While we may be biased towards the Beartooth Highway, there are dozens of scenic trips through the Cowboy State. The Snowy Range Scenic Byway and Chief Joseph Scenic Byway are some of the most popular drives you can take.
Does Wyoming have any natural wonders?
Wyoming is full of natural wonders, and you’ll see plenty of them when you explore the Northern part of the state! The Beartooth Highway connects closely to the Northeastern entrance of Yellowstone National Park, where you can find geysers, thermal features, canyons, rivers, cascades, and more.
What are the most picturesque hiking trails in Wyoming?
If you’re looking for amazing hiking spots along the Beartooth Highway, you won’t be disappointed. Take a trip down through Shoshone National Forest and find one of the hundreds of trails that are waiting for you.
I am a freelance writer who also has been a small business owner and worked in the fields of insurance, accounting, and education. I enjoy spending time with family, reading, writing, photography, music, running, sports, and of course traveling!
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