Beartooth Highway

The road was built between 1932 and 1936 as a Depression works project to link Red Lodge to Yellowstone's north-east entrance, and it climbs in a series of open switchbacks to Beartooth Pass at 3,337 metres - the highest through road in the northern Rockies. Above the treeline it crosses a high plateau of tundra, snowfields that persist through summer, and alpine lakes still partly frozen in July. It opens around Memorial Day and closes with the first serious snow in October, which gives roughly four months, and it has closed early or opened late in bad years. Mountain goats and bighorn are regularly on the verges. There are no services along the top.

What you actually see

• A pass at 3,337 metres - the highest through road in the northern Rockies.
• Tundra above the treeline - with snowfields lasting through summer.
• Alpine lakes partly frozen in July - at the top of the plateau.
• Open switchbacks - built as a 1930s relief project.

When to go

Late May to mid October, while the road is open. Half a day.

Honest expectations

The road is closed roughly eight months a year and dates vary - always check. Weather at the top changes fast and snow falls in July. There are no fuel or food services on the high section. Drop-offs are unguarded in places.

Nearby

Yellowstone's north-east entrance is past Cooke City; Red Lodge is north.