The Beartooth Highway Is Wyoming S Most Stunning Back Road

Sometimes, you just want to gas up the car, gather your friends, and head off to nowhere in particular. Wyoming is the perfect state for such an adventure, because you can find gorgeous scenery pretty much everywhere. If this is your idea of a great time, though, you’ve got to explore one rural road in Northern Wyoming. The highest paved road in the Rocky Mountains is the stunning Beartooth Highway, which winds through Montana and Wyoming before entering Yellowstone National Park. Highway 212 that has been designated as a National Scenic Byway All-American Road in Wyoming, and this is one drive you won’t soon forget.

Wyoming and Montana share access to the Beartooth Highway, which runs from Red Lodge, Montana and winds down into Wyoming before arriving in Yellowstone National Park.

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The high-elevation route has snow on it for much of the year, and typically only opens from late May until October, or whenever weather conditions worsen.

Flickr / Stu Rapley

Be sure you’ve got a brave driver! The highway’s twists, turns and switchbacks aren’t for the faint of heart.

Flickr / Joel

This 68 mile drive will take at least two hours to complete, but plan for extra time. You’ll want to stop to take in the incredible views!

Flickr / Mr. Hicks 46

On your journey, you’ll encounter some of the most stunning landscape in the world.

Flickr / Tom Kelly

This breathtaking, scenic drive will take you through Custer, Gallatin and Shoshone National Forests, and you’ll be close to the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness.

Flickr / Neal Wellons

You’ll also have plenty of chances to pull off for an overlook. Don’t miss the Clay Butte lookout!

Flickr / Lynette

About halfway through, you might find yourself needing to get off the road for a bit. Stop by the quirky Top of the World Store, close to Cody, to chat with fellow travelers and take in some more views.

Google Local / Tim Deegan

If you’ve never traveled this stretch of twisting, winding Wyoming back road, you’ve got to make the journey this year.

Flickr / Fred Dunn

The panoramic views, high peaks, and alpine lakes are something you’ll never, ever forget.

Flickr / Justin Kern

For the best experience, I recommend driving the entire length of the highway. However, many Wyomingites take the wildly underrated Chief Joseph Highway up to the Beartooth Highway, and that route is absolutely gorgeous as well.