So, after we visited Bozeman and Three Forks, our next destination was to drive on Beartooth Byway via a trek through the northern end of Yellowstone National Park. That was the most direct route from Western Montana to the Byway.
What is Beartooth Byway? It is a section of road, US Route 212, that runs from the Wyoming State Line to Red Lodge, Montana. The drive is almost 69 miles long, climbs up to 10,947 feet above sea level and goes through the Beartooth Mountains. It was described, by a late CBS correspondent, as “the most beautiful drive in America.”
The drive will take you around many twists, turns, elevation drops and climbs. You will see many rivers and lakes along the way as well as mountain views. And, in places, you will see snow still on the hillside. We saw it twice where it was close enough to reach. And our boys had to venture to the snow patches, in the middle of July, both times.
As you drive along Beartooth Byway, you will see a sign for Clay Butte Lookout Tower. It is located in the Shoshone National Forest before you get to Beartooth Lake. The turnoff is rather unassuming. But you will see a sign that says it is a one lane road not suitable for trailers or buses. And they do mean it. It is all dirt and has no railings. If you are not a confident driver, do yourself a favor and do not attempt to drive up.
But, if you are, at least, semi-confident, the drive is worth it. You will climb to over 9,800 feet and you will be perched on a high point with very little to obstruct your view. You will be able to see Beartooth Lake from a great vantage point and it is so beautiful.
After Clay Butte Lookout Tower, you will continue to see more mountains, valleys, rivers and lakes, including Bear’s Tooth.
At some point you will come to a rest area on a curve of the road. I do not recall its name but you will notice it. There are many bathrooms here. They are of the porta potty type. But, more important, there is a walkway that leads you to a lookout point. To the right there is a valley with a river at the bottom, to the left are mountain peaks and directly in front is a slope with a road hundreds of feet below.
Now, if you have some peanuts, sunflower seeds or other snacks of the seeds or nuts persuasion, you may want to bring them with you. Why? Glad you asked. The area is teaming with chipmunks. And they will come right up to you and eat from your hand. We saw a lot of kids and adults alike feeding the little critters.
Once you leave this rest area you will begin to continuously descend on a switchback type road that will eventually land you in the town of Red Lodge. It is a town with a population of a couple thousand people and it will be the first place you can stop to refuel your car or yourself after being on the Beartooth Byway. It has all of the standard amenities that you would immediately need. And, it is a cute town to boot.
The Beartooth Byway was a wonderful drive and a great experience to see more of Mother Nature’s treasures. If you are in Northern Wyoming or Southern Montana, you should take a couple of hours and drive this stretch of road. Just remember, if you go, just make sure you go between mid-May and mid-October because, otherwise, the road may be closed due to snow. Safe Travels.
