Beartooth Highway

   Our drive on the Beartooth Highway (US 212) from the northeast entrance of Yellowstone to Red Lodge, Montana was one of the most dramatic we've ever taken. There was mile after mile of driving above timberline at above 10,000 ft., topping out at nearly 11,000 ft. at Beartooth Pass. If you are ever in this part of the country, you need to do this drive.

  

It's hard to say where the Beartooth Highway officially begins so I'll start with driving through the Lamar Valley in the northeastern section of Yellowstone. It's a beautiful valley that Buffalo congregate in during the fall and winter. It is said that wolves can be seen early in the morning. Sadly we didn't get there early enough. We did see many Buffalo however.

 

 

After crossing into Montana, we came to the small tourist town of Cooke City.

 

 

We soon began climbing up into the mountains.

 

 

We made a quick side trip down to Beartooth Lake

 

 

 

For mile after mile, the scenery is breath taking.

 

 

Near the end of the highway you come to Vista Point. From here is all down hill to Red Lodge.

 

 

Downtown Red Lodge. We had lunch at a delightful Chinese Restaurant. We made our way back to the campground by driving down to Cody and then west toward Yellowstone arriving at 3 mile campground before dark. It was a tiring but wonderful day.