Must Be Winter in Montana – The Beartooth is Closing

There are some pretty obvious signs that the seasons are changing across the Montana landscape.  Tree leaves turning colors and falling to yards, crisp air mornings and even maybe a touch of frost on the lawn when you first put the pets outside.

via GIPHY

Another big one that lets residents and tourists alike know that Mother Nature has decided she has had enough of the summer conditions and it's time to think winter.  One of Montana's most picturesque and traveled roadways is closing for the upcoming winter storm.  And it just might not open again until spring.

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Must Be Winter in Montana - The Beartooth is Closing

In an announcement through the Montana Department of Transportation, officials will be closing the popular Beartooth Highway on Friday October 3, 2025, until further notice.

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MDT stated that US-212 - Mile Marker 45 to 48.88 would be closed beginning at Noon on the above date.  The road will be closed at Vista Point through Wyoming; officials and maintenance crews will assess conditions the week of October 6 and determine if the road will reopen.

Alternative Roadways Available Near Red Lodge, Montana

Despite the closure, the Red Lodge Area Chamber of Commerce is still encouraging visitors to stop and enjoy the area.  City officials stated that "You will still be able to access Vista Point from Red Lodge as well as Cooke City via WY 296, Chief Joseph Scenic Byway."

Travelers across Montana, especially in higher elevations, can expect road conditions to deteriorate as the current storm builds into the weekend.  For more about current road conditions in Montana, visit the MDT website here.