Beartooth Highway: Breathtaking Mountain Driving Tour

Nestled high in the majestic Beartooth Mountains, the Beartooth Highway unfurls like a ribbon of adventure, beckoning travelers to embark on an unforgettable journey. Carving through a landscape of rugged peaks and serene alpine lakes, this stunning drive offers a chance to take in the raw beauty of nature. With captivating tales and hidden gems waiting to be discovered, the road ahead promises to captivate the senses and ignite the spirit of exploration. As the wheels turn and the vistas unfold, one can’t help but wonder what wonders lie in store…

Good To Know

• Traverse the iconic Beartooth Highway, offering panoramic views of jagged peaks, alpine lakes, and glacial valleys.
• Explore the Bears Tooth rock formation, a geological marvel significant to the Crow People.
• Discover the Clay Butte Lookout, a disused fire tower with sweeping vistas over the Beartooth Mountains.
• Immerse in the serene beauty of Island Lake, a prime destination for hiking, boating, and fishing.
• Access the Vista Point and West Summit Overlook, showcasing the dramatic U-shaped Rock Creek Valley.

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Tour Overview and Details

Along the winding roads of Montana, the Beartooth Highway driving tour invites adventurous travelers on an enchanting journey from Red Lodge to the northeastern entrance of Yellowstone National Park.

Priced at just $14.99 per person, this self-guided experience allows you to explore the breathtaking scenery at your own pace, with the flexibility to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Through the Action Tour Guide app, you’ll embark on an immersive audio tour, discovering iconic landmarks like the Bears Tooth View and the Clay Butte Lookout.

With offline maps and hands-free navigation, this tour offers a seamless adventure, valid for 365 days from first activation.

Tour Highlights and Stops

What captivating sights await along the winding Beartooth Highway? Gaze upon the jagged, snow-capped Bears Tooth, a dramatic rock formation etched by the Crow People.

Ascend to the Clay Butte Lookout, a disused fire tower perched atop a remote ridge, offering panoramic vistas over the rugged terrain.

Wander the shores of serene Island Lake, a popular alpine destination for hiking, boating, and fishing.

Marvel at the breathtaking Vista Point, an observation site showcasing the U-shaped Rock Creek Valley.

App Features and Benefits

With the Action Tour Guide app, travelers can seamlessly navigate the winding Beartooth Highway. Offline maps ensure adventurers stay on course, even without cellular or Wi-Fi coverage.

As the car climbs higher, the app’s location-based audio brings the landscape to life, weaving captivating stories that heighten the experience. Hands-free listening allows explorers to fully immerse themselves, gazing out at the rugged terrain as the narrator’s words paint vivid mental pictures.

Should they wish to delve deeper, additional tales are available to uncover hidden gems along the way. With all-day support, the app empowers self-guided discovery, granting freedom to savor each stunning vista at one’s own pace.

What to Bring and Important Information

To enjoy the Beartooth Highway tour to the fullest, travelers need only a few essential items. A charged smartphone, the Action Tour Guide app, and a power bank ensure access to the immersive audio experience.

Adventurers can embark on this journey with confidence, armed with the unique password received after booking. Following the audio instructions and starting from Cooke City, Montana, they’ll discover a route that unfolds at their own leisurely pace.

Whether exploring for a day or over multiple days, the flexibility of this self-guided tour allows for boundless exploration of the Beartooth’s majestic peaks, alpine lakes, and hidden vistas.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Bears Tooth View

As travelers ascend the winding Beartooth Highway, the iconic jagged rock formation known as the Bears Tooth comes into view, a testament to the raw power of nature. This majestic peak, named by the Crow People, rises dramatically against the backdrop of the Wyoming wilderness. Its sharp, angular features evoke the image of a massive tooth, a silent sentinel guarding the entrance to Yellowstone.

Elevation	Height	Prominence
11,000 ft	7,790 ft	3,940 ft

Weathered by the elements, the Bears Tooth stands as a symbol of the region’s rugged beauty, inviting visitors to pause and marvel at the grandeur of this geological wonder.

Clay Butte Lookout

Winding up a rugged 3-mile unpaved road, travelers reach the Clay Butte Lookout, a disused fire tower perched atop the mountain.

From this lofty vantage point, the panoramic vistas unfold, revealing a tapestry of craggy peaks, alpine meadows, and winding rivers.

The crisp mountain air invigorates the senses, while the sweeping views captivate the soul.

Visitors can almost feel the whispers of the wind, carrying echoes of a time when this lookout served as a vigilant sentinel, scanning the wilderness for the first signs of fire.

Now, it stands as a testament to the grandeur of the Beartooth Mountains, inviting explorers to pause, breathe deeply, and soak in the sublime beauty of this untamed landscape.

Island Lake

The serene waters of Island Lake shimmer like crystal against the backdrop of jagged peaks and verdant alpine meadows. Tucked away in a lush basin, this alpine oasis beckons travelers to bask in its natural splendor.

Hikers can explore the surrounding trails, casting lines to reel in trout from the cool, crystal-clear depths. Boaters glide across the mirror-like surface, marveling at the towering cliffs that rise dramatically above.

Whether picnicking on the shores or simply soaking in the breathtaking vistas, Island Lake offers a quintessential mountain escape. This pristine alpine gem is a must-visit highlight along the Beartooth Highway, inviting visitors to connect with the raw beauty of the wilderness.

Vista Point and West Summit Overlook

Perched atop a sweeping vista, the observation site at Vista Point commands awe-inspiring panoramas of Rock Creek Valley‘s U-shaped canyon.

Carved by ancient glaciers, the dramatic landscape unfolds before you, a tapestry of rugged peaks, alpine meadows, and winding waterways.

As you gaze upward, the towering West Summit Overlook comes into view, its summit reaching 10,947 feet – the highest point along the Beartooth Highway.

The journey to this lofty vantage is well worth the effort, rewarding adventurers with breathtaking vistas that seem to stretch on forever.

Lose yourself in the grandeur of this mountain wonderland, where every turn reveals new marvels to discover.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Those With Mobility Issues?

The self-guided tour may not be the best fit for those with mobility challenges, as it involves exploring rugged terrain and hiking up to viewpoints. However, the scenic overlooks can still be enjoyed from the comfort of one’s vehicle.

What Is the Average Duration of the Driving Tour?

The tour’s duration varies, as it’s a self-guided experience allowing explorers to set their own pace. Most visitors complete the scenic drive in 2-3 hours, savoring the breathtaking vistas and stopping to soak in the natural wonders along the way.

Are There Any Pet-Friendly Stops Along the Route?

The tour doesn’t explicitly mention any pet-friendly stops, but the wide-open spaces and natural wonders along the Beartooth Highway could make for an unforgettable alpine adventure for those willing to explore with their furry companions.

Can the Tour Be Done in the Winter Months?

The tour can be thoroughly enjoyed even in winter, when the highway’s snow-capped peaks and frozen landscapes offer a magical, otherworldly experience. Adventurous souls may relish the challenge of navigating the wintry roads and witnessing the region’s enchanting transformation.

Are There Any Electric Vehicle Charging Stations on the Route?

Unfortunately, there are no electric vehicle charging stations directly along the Beartooth Highway tour route. The rugged, remote terrain means drivers must plan ahead, bringing a charged battery or making use of limited charging options in nearby towns.

The Sum Up

The Beartooth Highway leads you on a breathtaking journey, where towering peaks and serene alpine lakes captivate the senses. Enjoy the awe-inspiring landscapes, as the winding road reveals hidden gems and panoramic vistas. Embark on this self-guided adventure, and let the mountains transport you to a realm of natural wonder and enchantment. Seize the opportunity to experience the Beartooth’s majestic splendor.

You can check if your dates are available here: