Red Lodge to Lolo: Montana's Beartooth Scenic Drive

This route begins along the legendary US-212, climbing to over 10,000 feet at Beartooth Pass, the highest elevation highway in the Northern Rockies. The entire drive from Red Lodge to Lolo covers about 320 miles and takes roughly 5.5 to 6.5 hours without stops, but plan a full day to absorb the scenery.

The road was originally a Native American trail before being carved into a scenic byway in the 1930s. Every mile of US-212 and I-90 offers a glimpse into Montana's geological past, from ancient seabeds to volcanic flows.

Below is a quick snapshot of distances and key milestones for planning your journey.

The Beartooth Highway offers views of glaciated peaks, alpine lakes, and wildflower meadows. Stop at Beartooth Lake for a short hike or the Top of the World Store for souvenirs. As you descend into Cooke City, the landscape shifts to lodgepole pine forests, a gateway to Yellowstone National Park.

Between Gardiner and Bozeman, the Paradise Valley unfolds with the Yellowstone River and Absaroka Range. Local commerce includes art galleries in Livingston and farm stands selling huckleberry products. In Bozeman, Main Street has breweries and outdoor gear shops.

From Butte westward, the hills are scarred by historic copper mining, now a UNESCO Global Geopark candidate. The Berkeley Pit offers a stark view of mining's legacy. Near Lolo, the Bitterroot Valley is known for cherry orchards and wineries. At Lolo's Travelers' Rest State Park, Lewis and Clark camped in 1805.

• Butte's copper mines: how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities includes tips on interpreting industrial history.
• In Bozeman, the Museum of the Rockies has dinosaur fossils; child-friendly exhibits.

Highway US-212 from Red Lodge to Cooke City is the Beartooth Highway, a narrow, winding road with steep grades. The route then continues via US-89 to Gardiner, then I-90 west through Bozeman and Butte to Lolo. The last 30 miles to Lolo are on US-12, a scenic two-lane road through the Lolo National Forest.

Gas stations are sparse on the Beartooth Highway; fill up in Red Lodge (last gas for 68 miles). In Cooke City, there is a small station with premium prices. Along I-90, exits offer fuel every 20-30 miles. Expect premium fuel costs 10-20 cents more per gallon in remote areas.

• Beartooth Highway typically opens late May to mid-October; check road conditions at MDT 511.
• No tolls on this route.
• Cellular coverage is spotty between Red Lodge and Cooke City; download offline maps.
• Restrooms are available at pullouts and visitor centers; no services for 30 miles on Beartooth.

Beartooth Highway's switchbacks require vigilant driving; use lower gears on descents. Wildlife (deer, elk, bighorn sheep) often cross the road at dawn and dusk. Rest zones include pullouts every 5 miles on US-212; the Beartooth Visitor Center near the summit has restrooms and views.

For families, the Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary in Red Lodge or the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone (a detour via Gardiner) are top best stops Red Lodge to Lolo. Children enjoy spotting geysers along the route if entering Yellowstone.

Fatigue management: take breaks at the Silver Gate Rest Area (10 miles east of Cooke City) or Livingston's Sacajawea Park. Pet-friendly stops: Lolo Creek Campground (just east of Lolo) has dog-friendly trails. Most motels in Bozeman allow pets.

• Road conditions: Beartooth Highway may have ice in June; carry chains if traveling early season.
• Cell service: AT&T/Verizon work in towns; no service on high passes.
• Emergency: dial 911; highway patrol responds promptly on I-90.