Day-walk storage
30–35L Hiking Daypack
Carry spare layers and walking supplies; check fit and use a liner for valuables.
Fly & Drive guide
Fly into COD, drive to Beartooth Highway
1 h 24 min drive66 milesNo entry permit
Trip snapshot
Arrival airport- COD
Airport drive- 1 h 24 min · estimate
Suggested stay- 1–2 days
Reservation demand- Lower · check current rules
Vehicle notes- High-clearance vehicles are not required for the highway, but powerful engines help with the 10,947-foot climb; check rental brakes before departure.
Your route
COD
Yellowstone Regional Airport
Beartooth Highway
About 1 h 24 min · 66 mi by car, no stops. Estimate only.
Your arrival plan
Step 1Flights to COD
Compare fares into Yellowstone Regional Airport.
Find flights
Step 2Standard car at COD
Pick up at the airport and drive straight to Beartooth Highway. Compare rental companies in one search. Est. from $45/day · typical rate.
Compare rentals
Step 2SUV at COD
Select an SUV, pickup location and dates on Airport Rentals. Est. from $55/day · typical rate.
Compare SUVs
Before you goStore extra bags
Early arrival or late flight home? Drop luggage nearby and keep the car light for the park.
Find storage
03 · First night near Beartooth Highway
Sleep close after the drive so day one starts in the park.
Before you land
Reservations
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.
Official reservation infoBest time to fly in
June – September
Your route
Day 1 · The Ascent from Red Lodge
Rock Creek Vista Point → Gardner Lake Pullout
Day 2 · Top of the World Exploration
Beartooth Butte → Island Lake
Day 3 · Silver Gate and Cooke City
Clay Butte Lookout → Cooke City Historic District
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 separatelyCurated Trip Essentials
Five picks for Beartooth Highway
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.
Quick answers
What is the closest airport to Beartooth Highway?
Yellowstone Regional Airport (COD) is the nearest commercial airport we route from.
How long is the drive from COD to Beartooth Highway?
Roughly 1 h 24 min (about 66 miles) by car, without stops. Times are estimates.
Do I need a reservation to visit Beartooth Highway?
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.
