Beartooth Highway

When:2020

Who: Ellie and Covey

Wildlife: Mountain Goats, Marmots, and unidentified lake beast

Drive: 50 miles from junction to Cody, 1 hour without stops (good luck)

This Drive is a MUST do! It is absolutely incredible. No drive anywhere in the world (that I've done) compares. The drive begins after driving 3 hours from West Yellowstone, through the park, out the East Entrance, and continuing on towards Red Lodge(Where the drive ends). The beginning of the drive is at the Cody WY turn off on highway 212. You then climb up to 10,947' passing endless mountain lakes and grand views of towering mountains.

I did this drive twice in 2020. Once alone in mid July and once with Covey the end of August. I preferred the mid July landscape because the land was green from winter melt off, and there were still some patches of snow on the mountains creating a stark contrast. August was still beautiful, but the snow was melted off and the grass was mostly dead.

Because the Beartooth Highway is a drive, you can stop, hike, picnic, stay the night, camp, the possibilities are endless. The Drive can become an over night excursion, or an all day event. I have done both. In July I left early in the morning to spend all day on the Highway painting before returning home that night. With Covey in August we left around noon and drove the pass stopping a few times before staying the night in Red Lodge.

The drive is definitely doable in one day. Leaving early is a great way to see some wildlife through the park on your way to enjoy the drive. There are plenty of stops for picnicking and taking pictures. If you are doing a one day adventure I suggest turning around and returning once you begin the downward switchbacks to Red Lodge. This will shorten your drive time and also save you some gas. Once the switchbacks begin you get a nice view of the valley and you don't miss anything by not continuing.

If you are doing a multi-day trip you will have more time to stop and explore. It also breaks up the driving a little bit. Hiking in the Beartooth's is endless. Twin Lakes is a short and beautiful hike right off the road.

July 16th