Beartooth & Yellowstone
The Most Beautiful Drive in America
Beartooth & Yellowstone
The Beartooth Highway is a bucket-list drive that climbs from the ranching town of Red Lodge through dramatic switchbacks to the Beartooth Plateau. a vast, treeless expanse above 10,000 feet where snow lingers into July. The descent toward Yellowstone passes alpine lakes, waterfalls, and meadows carpeted with wildflowers.
This route pack extends the experience with the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway and a Yellowstone circuit, creating a 3-4 day adventure through some of the most dramatic landscapes in North America. From the alpine tundra of the Beartooth Plateau to the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone, every mile brings something extraordinary.
The driving is engaging and rewarding. long sweeping curves through mountain meadows, tight switchbacks on the ascent, and open highway through the Lamar Valley where bison herds cross the road at their own pace. This is big-sky country at its finest.
"The most beautiful drive in America is not a road — it is a feeling. The feeling of climbing above the world and seeing everything below arranged like a painting. — Charles Kuralt"
The Stable
Quick Facts
285 Miles, 5 Rally Points
A curated driving experience through some of the most beautiful roads in the region.
Discover the Beartooth & Yellowstone Route
This route pack includes 5 expertly curated rally points across 285 miles of stunning driving roads. Become a member to unlock the full interactive route map and detailed driving notes.
See What's Inside
Explore a sample of the Beartooth & Yellowstone route pack. The first 2 Rally Points are fully visible — become a member to unlock all 5 segments plus insider tips for every stop.
What You Get
Trip Planning Essentials
Route-specific logistics to help you plan ahead. Fuel stops, cell coverage, reservation requirements, and recommended apps for this drive.
Fuel Stops
Fuel up in Red Lodge before starting the Beartooth Highway. The next reliable gas station is in Cooke City, about 68 miles away. Inside Yellowstone, gas is available at major villages like Canyon, Old Faithful, and Grant Village, but expect higher prices.
Cell Coverage
Expect very limited to no cell service on the Beartooth Highway and for large portions of Yellowstone National Park. Download offline maps and any necessary information before you go. Service is best near major visitor centers like Old Faithful and Canyon Village.
Book Ahead
Lodging inside Yellowstone, especially the iconic Old Faithful Inn and Lake Yellowstone Hotel, must be booked a year or more in advance. Popular restaurants like the Old Faithful Inn Dining Room also require reservations well ahead of your travel dates.
Wildlife Safety
Always maintain a safe distance from wildlife. Never feed animals. Be especially cautious of bison, which can be aggressive and unpredictable. Stay in your vehicle when viewing wildlife on the roadside.
Download the NPS App
The official National Park Service app has a wealth of information about Yellowstone, including road closures, geyser eruption times, and trail conditions. Download the app and the offline content for Yellowstone before you enter the park.
Red Lodge to Beartooth Plateau
The Ascent
Begin in the charming ranching town of Red Lodge, Montana. Fuel up at a local coffee shop before tackling the legendary switchbacks. The road climbs relentlessly through pine forests before breaking above treeline onto the Beartooth Plateau at 10,947 feet. Stop at the summit overlook where the entire Absaroka Range spreads before you. Snow patches linger into summer, and the alpine wildflowers are extraordinary in July.
Depart by 8:30 AM for morning light on the cliffs.
Tight switchbacks with 15-20 mph hairpins, smooth asphalt, minimal guardrails. Elevation gain of nearly 5,000 feet over 12 miles. Light traffic on weekdays.
Beartooth Plateau to Cooke City
The Descent
The descent from the plateau toward Yellowstone is equally spectacular. The road winds past glacial lakes, cascading waterfalls, and meadows where mountain goats graze. Pull over at Beartooth Lake for photographs, then continue the winding descent into Cooke City — a tiny gateway town at Yellowstone's northeast entrance.
Arrive mid-morning to beat the afternoon crowds and enjoy the views.
Winding descent with stunning views of glacial lakes and waterfalls. Smooth pavement with some tighter curves. Watch for wildlife on the road.
Route Segment Locked
Detailed driving directions included
This segment includes curated driving notes, suggested timing, road character details, and pacing guidance for the best experience.
Route Segment Locked
Detailed driving directions included
This segment includes curated driving notes, suggested timing, road character details, and pacing guidance for the best experience.
Route Segment Locked
Detailed driving directions included
This segment includes curated driving notes, suggested timing, road character details, and pacing guidance for the best experience.
Unlock the Complete Beartooth & Yellowstone
Get the full route pack with all 5 Rally Points, detailed driving notes, plus 8 curated stops with insider tips, parking notes, and reservation guidance.
Food, Wine & Experiences
Carbon County Steakhouse
Red Lodge, MT
Local favorite serving Montana beef in a rustic setting. The perfect pre-drive dinner.
Don't Miss: The hand-cut ribeye with roasted garlic butter — locally sourced Montana beef at its finest.
Book 2-3 weeks ahead for weekend dinner.
Street parking on Broadway Ave — 2-hour limit before 5 PM.
Curated Stop
Location included in route pack
Insider tips, what to order, parking notes, and reservation guidance included in the full route pack.
Curated Stop
Location included in route pack
Insider tips, what to order, parking notes, and reservation guidance included in the full route pack.
Curated Stop
Location included in route pack
Insider tips, what to order, parking notes, and reservation guidance included in the full route pack.
Accommodation
Handpicked Stay
Location included in route pack
Parking details, insider tips, and booking recommendations included in the full route pack.
Handpicked Stay
Location included in route pack
Parking details, insider tips, and booking recommendations included in the full route pack.
Handpicked Stay
Location included in route pack
Parking details, insider tips, and booking recommendations included in the full route pack.
Unlock the full Beartooth & Yellowstone
Reviews & Ratings
3 reviews
The most dramatic road in America
Beartooth Highway is staggering. Switchbacks above the treeline with snow-capped peaks in every direction. The Stable's route connects it beautifully with Yellowstone's best features. An unforgettable three-day adventure.
Wild West driving at its best
The scale of the landscape out here is humbling. The route pack balanced the epic mountain passes with quieter valley roads and the wildlife viewing stops in Yellowstone were perfectly timed. Truly world-class.
Bucket list drive — checked
This has been on my list for years and The Stable delivered beyond expectations. The roadbook's tips on altitude, weather windows, and fuel stops were invaluable. The Beartooth switchbacks at sunrise were a life highlight.
Everything You Need
Downloadable Roadbook
Offline-ready PDF with route notes, maps, and curated stops for use without signal.
Link Hub Access
Mobile-first navigation with tap-to-drive Rally Points, designed for in-car use.
Restaurant Recommendations
Curated dining with parking notes, reservation tips, and what to order.
Hotel Suggestions
Car-forward accommodations with valet, secure parking, and character.
Winery & Experience Access
Tasting room details with appointment guidance and parking notes.
Ongoing Updates
Routes are continuously updated with new stops, seasonal tips, and community feedback.
Save 30% with annual billing
$99/year for Global access — only 100 of 100 spots left
Pre-Drive Checklist
Get your car, gear, and documents ready with a checklist tailored to this route.
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Carbon County Steakhouse: A Taste of Montana in Red Lodge
Fuel up for your Beartooth Highway adventure with a stop at Carbon County Steakhouse, a Red Lodge institution serving up the best of Montana beef in a classic, rustic setting.
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"The most beautiful drive in America is not a road — it is a feeling. The feeling of climbing above the world and seeing everything below arranged like a painting. — Charles Kuralt"
The Stable