One of the Best Scenic Drives That You Have To See in Montana

As we eagerly look ahead to the holiday weekend, many Montana residents have already started making plans to get outdoors and take advantage of all that the state has to offer.

Memorial Day Weekend is also the time when Montana's infamous Beartooth Highway opens for the season. The Beartooth Highway is one of the most scenic drives in Montana and is by far the most scenic route into Yellowstone National Park. The Beartooth Highway has often been referred to as one of the most beautiful mountain drives in America.

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The 68-mile Beartooth Highway takes you from the small charming town of Red Lodge, Montana to Cooke City, Montana. To get to the Beartooth Highway from Red Lodge, you need to take U.S. Highway 212.  The drive takes roughly three hours, but you might want to give yourself extra time to experience all of the beauty of the Absaroka-Beartooth Range.

On Friday, May 27, weather permitting, the Beartooth Highway will open for the summer season and will remain open through October 15, 2022. Weather conditions can change rapidly due to high elevations and travellers are advised to prepare for the worst. Always plan ahead and bring an extra layer or two of clothing.

Driving the Beartooth Highway has become an annual tradition for many Montanans, and is a great way to spend your holiday weekend. Snow levels vary and drifts can be as high as 26 feet at higher elevations.

Due to rapidly changing weather, conditions can be unpredictable and can cause the highway to be closed intermittently. It's a good idea to check the Montana 511 Travel Map for the latest weather conditions. To learn more about the Beartooth Highway, click here.