A Traveler's Experience

Beartooth Highway (MT, WY)

Charles Kuralt had it right when he said this is one of the most spectacular drives in the country. Heading out of Red Lodge, Montana it's hard to tell what you're in for, but WOW! - what a climb up to the Beartooth Pass. This is some of the most beautiful country in the country.

Once you get up on top you're on tundra and it's like being in another world. No wonder this road is closed in the winter. Even though we were there at the end of June, there was still plenty of snow on either side of the road. We observed people still cross-country skiing that late in the summer. The Bear's Tooth was really cool too.

The road winds its way past and over glacial fed streams and begins to drop back down into the high alpine forests. This is grizzly bear and wolf country, and even though we didn't see either, there are signs reminding you to be aware and careful. All of the campgrounds have "bear boxes" for you to safely store all the stuff you brought along that bears would want to eat. These are especially useful for the folks that travel this Byway on bicycles.

The road is in pretty good shape despite the obvious yearly frost heaves - thanks to the Wyoming and Montana DOTs. This is one road I wish I was traveling on my motorcycle. The twists and turns and hairpin curves would make for a fun and challenging ride. Maybe next year.

There are plenty of cool campgrounds along the way, and Top Of The World is a good place to take a "nature" break, or restock on liquids and snacks. When you do get all the way up to Cooke City, Montana - one really cool little town in its own right - you will know you've traveled one of America's Premier Byways. Next stop: Yellowstone National Park.