Best Way to Spend a Day in Montana? Here’s The Answer

Montana is full of great attractions and interesting places to see, but if you're limited on time, there's one thing that you definitely need to check off your Montana bucket list.

If you need something to feed your sense of adventure, a beautiful scenic drive along the Beartooth Highway will do the trick.

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What is the Beartooth Highway?

The Beartooth Highway stretches between Montana and Wyoming and reaches an elevation of nearly 11,000 feet. According to the U.S. Forest Service, construction of the highway began in 1932 and was completed on June 14, 1936. Since then, the Beartooth Highway has often been referred to as one of the most beautiful mountain drives in America.

Weather permitting, the Beartooth Highway is scheduled to open on Friday, May 26th, and will remain open through October 15. Due to the high elevation, weather conditions can be unpredictable. For updates, click here.

I make a plan to drive the Beartooth Highway every year, but I'll warn you, it's a fairly long drive. From Bozeman, I drive to Gardiner, and then across the Lamar Valley to Cooke City near the beginning of the Beartooth Highway. From Cooke City, it's about 68 miles to Red Lodge. If you do the loop from Bozeman, the trip takes roughly 12 hours. Believe me, it's worth the trip.

Make sure to take a camera along with you. The panoramic views from Vista Point are breathtaking. If you only have a day or two to explore Montana, the Beartooth Highway is a must-see. You can thank us later. Safe travels!