Arrival airport
Airport drive
Suggested stay
Reservation demand
Vehicle notes
Class C Motorhome — Sleeps 4
From $245/day · typical rate
Drive-and-sleep motorhome with kitchen and bathroom.
Motorhome · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs
Black Friday · ends 2 Dec — Cruise America & Cruise Canada up to 35% off. Selected dates & T&Cs apply.Top tour
Most popular experience near Beartooth Highway
Know before you go
Summit Overlook Limits
Small pullouts at the Beartooth Pass summit fill quickly mid-day. Use designated areas only; stopping in the travel lane is strictly prohibited.
Tundra Dead Zones
Cell service is unavailable for most of the stretch between Red Lodge and Cooke City. Physical maps are recommended for navigating forest service access roads.
Gap Planning
There are no gas stations on the 68-mile highway section. Refill in Red Lodge or Cooke City before starting the ascent.
Annual Road Opening
The road typically opens Memorial Day weekend and closes in October. Dates are subject to snowpack levels and official DOT clearing operations.
RV Length Restrictions
While not prohibited, long vehicles may struggle with tight switchbacks near Red Lodge. Check actual vehicle length against posted advisory signs.
2RVs, campervans & cars near COD
Sleeps 2 campervans
Est. from $95/day · typical rate
Compact van-style camper that sleeps two, easier to park.
Sleeps 2 camper · Motorhome RepublicFind campervans & RVs
Flights to COD
Check on Aviasales
- ✓ Compare suppliers at COD
- ✓ Free cancellation on many rates
Standard car rentals at COD
Est. from $45/day · typical rate
Pick your dates and vehicle class.
Compare rates at COD
- ✓ Compare suppliers at COD
- ✓ Free cancellation on many rates
SUV rentals at COD
Est. from $55/day · typical rate
Pick your dates and vehicle class.
Compare rates at CODA little structure. Plenty of freedom.
3 days in Beartooth Highway
- 01
The Ascent from Red Lodge
Suggested: 8 AM from Red Lodge
Rock Creek Vista Point
Walk the paved path for a view of the switchbacks climbing the Hellroaring Plateau.
Gardner Lake Pullout
View the high alpine cirque and watch for marmots in the rocky tundra.
Allow 1.5 hours for the 68-mile drive; speed is limited by steep grades and sharp turns.
Check Montana Department of Transportation for daily opening status as snow can fall year-round.
Pick up your vehicle at COD → - 02
Top of the World Exploration
Suggested: 9 AM from Beartooth Summit
Beartooth Butte
Photograph the iconic 10,000-foot sedimentary landmark reflected in the alpine lakes.
Island Lake
Stop at this high-plateau lake for a short walk along the water’s edge at 9,500 feet.
Driving time is negligible between plateau stops, but high altitude may slow walking pace.
Lightning is a hazard on the exposed tundra during afternoon summer storms.
Tours for today's stops → - 03
Silver Gate and Cooke City
Suggested: 9 AM from Top of the World
Clay Butte Lookout
A former fire lookout providing 360-degree views of the Absaroka Range and Yellowstone's northern boundary.
Cooke City Historic District
Explore the mining history and local general stores of this remote gateway town.
Allow 1 hour for the descent into Cooke City; use low gears to manage brake heat.
Services in Cooke City are highly seasonal and may close by mid-October.
Find a place to stay →
Reservations · Low
High Alpine Seasonal Access Check
The highway itself does not require a permit, but camping in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness often requires specific backcountry protocols. Entrance into Yellowstone at the Northeast gate requires a separate National Park pass or fee.
Check official reservation infoFly in · nearest airport
CODBeartooth Highway
Yellowstone Regional Airport · 1 h 24 min drive
Find flights to COD
Plan your road trip
From Yellowstone Regional Airport
1 h 24 min
about 66 miles by car · times vary with traffic and road closures
Airport-to-destination drive; sightseeing stops are separate markers.
Stays near the end of your drive
3Where you'll want to sleep
RV parks near Beartooth Highway on RoverPass
RV Park
Best for: RV travelers
Book RV parks and campgrounds online with full hookups near the park.
Est. from $150/day · estimateSee stays
Campsites near Beartooth Highway on Campspot
Campground
Best for: Tent camping
Private campgrounds, cabins and glamping just outside the park, often with availability when park sites sell out.
Est. from $35/night · estimateSee stays
Harvest Hosts stays on the way to Beartooth Highway
Stay overnight free at wineries, farms & breweries
5,000+ unique RV stops. WildParkRoutes readers get 20% off the first year.
RV Park
Best for: RV travelers
Membership for overnight RV stays at farms, wineries and other unique spots along your route.
Est. from $150/day · estimateGet 20% off
Vrbo
Cabins & vacation rentals near Beartooth Highway
Est. from $120/night · typical rate
- Whole-home cabins and lodges
- Kitchens and room for the crew
Expedia
Hotels & lodges near Beartooth Highway
Est. from $110/night · typical rate
- Hotels in nearby gateway towns
- Inns and last-minute rooms
4The moments you came for
Viator
Tours & experiences near Beartooth Highway
Explore guided activities around Beartooth Highway. Check the meeting point, dates and availability on Viator before booking.
Open tour listings separately
Curated Trip Essentials
Five picks for Beartooth Highway
Day-walk storage
30–35L Hiking Daypack
Carry spare layers and walking supplies; check fit and use a liner for valuables.
Water on walking days
2L Hydration Pack
Carry drinking water on longer walks; refill before leaving services.
Uneven walking trails
Adjustable Trekking Pole
An optional support on uneven walks. Check trail rules, pole length and airline baggage rules.
Small-item splash protection
2L Dry Bag
For small items near water; check closure instructions. Not a flotation or safety device.
Wildlife & night viewing
Hawknite 1 4K Night Vision Binoculars
52MP photo · 1,200m range · full color at night. Check park rules before using lights at night.
$299.99 USD · store price
Shop at WILDGUARDEROptional picks, not a complete packing or safety list. Photos from the ROCKBROS and WILDGUARDER stores. Prices as of 2026-10-19 / 2026-10-20; price, stock and shipping may change.
