The Beartooth Highway is one of the most scenic drives in the United States, and it is perfect for a family adventure. Winding through Montana and Wyoming, this route offers jaw-dropping mountain vistas, wildlife encounters, and alpine lakes. Our adventure travel family recently took on this legendary drive, and it was an unforgettable experience. In this post, we will share highlights of our journey, tips for traveling with kids, and why the Beartooth Highway should be on every family’s bucket list.
Starting the Adventure: Billings to Red Lodge
Our Beartooth Highway adventure began in Billings, Montana, where we packed up the car and headed toward Red Lodge. This charming town is the perfect gateway to the mountains, with its historic Western vibe and friendly small-town atmosphere. The girls, Buttercup and Spider Monkey, were immediately intrigued by the colorful storefronts and old-timey buildings lining the main street. Red Lodge has plenty of small cafés and local shops, making it an easy spot to grab breakfast and stretch before the long mountain drive ahead.
From Red Lodge, we joined Highway 212, the Beartooth Highway, and immediately felt like we were entering a different world. The route climbs over 10,000 feet, passing rugged cliffs, alpine meadows, and wide-open valleys. Even early in the morning, the crisp mountain air and winding road made every mile feel like an adventure. Driving the Beartooth Highway with kids is exciting but manageable, as there are multiple scenic pullouts to stop, stretch, and take in the views along the way.
- Family Tip: Plan for extra travel time and frequent stops. Kids can get restless on winding mountain roads, and every scenic pullout is a perfect chance to stretch legs and snap photos.
History and Highlights of the Beartooth Highway
The Beartooth Highway is not just beautiful it has a fascinating history. Completed in 1936, it took years of hand-carved construction through some of the most rugged terrain in the country. Workers battled steep cliffs, rocky slopes, and heavy snowfall to create a road that connected Red Lodge with the northeast entrance to Yellowstone National Park. Today, the highway preserves its natural beauty, allowing families to experience one of the most breathtaking drives in America.
As we climbed higher, the fog rolled in, creating a magical, mysterious atmosphere. Even with limited visibility, the Beartooth Highway never disappoints. Rock Creek Vista Point, a popular lookout in Custer National Forest, sits over 9,000 feet above sea level. On clear days, visitors can see expansive valleys and jagged peaks, but even in fog, the alpine terrain felt awe-inspiring. Our girls loved imagining what creatures might be hiding in the misty mountains, turning the fog into part of the adventure.
- Family Tip: Bring layered clothing and jackets. Weather can change quickly at high elevations, and kids may need extra warmth even on sunny days.
Wildlife Encounters on the Beartooth Highway
One of the highlights of our Beartooth Highway drive was spotting wildlife. We came across a small herd of mountain goats grazing in a high meadow. Their thick white coats stood out against the green grasses, and several playful kids tumbled across the field. Buttercup and Spider Monkey were thrilled, squealing as they watched the baby goats romp around. Seeing these animals in their natural habitat added a sense of wonder to our journey and reminded us why we love family adventure travel.
We also encountered a curious yellow-bellied marmot perched on a rock, seemingly observing us with bright, round eyes. These little interactions made the drive feel alive, and they gave the girls a hands-on lesson in the wildlife of Montana’s high country. Beartooth Highway is full of surprises like this, from mountain goats to marmots, and every stop offers the chance to connect with nature in a way kids will not forget.
- Family Tip: Keep binoculars handy for wildlife spotting and teach kids to observe quietly. Early mornings or late afternoons are best for seeing animals.
Scenic Stops and Alpine Lakes
No Beartooth Highway adventure is complete without stopping at its alpine lakes.
Island Lake
Island Lake is a serene alpine gem nestled among jagged peaks. The water glimmered under occasional breaks in the clouds, perfectly reflecting the surrounding cliffs and patches of lingering snow. Even in the mist, the lake had a magical quality, as if it had been untouched for centuries. Walking along the edge, we noticed delicate wildflowers clinging to rocky outcrops and the crisp mountain air invigorated us all. The girls enjoyed exploring small paths around the lake, imagining secret creatures living beneath the calm surface. It is an ideal spot for family photos, quiet reflection, or simply pausing to soak in the grandeur of the Beartooth Mountains.
- Family Tip: Bring a small backpack with snacks and water. Lakeside stops like Island Lake are perfect for a quick family picnic with a view.
Steve’s Lake
A short drive from Island Lake brings you to Steve’s Lake, a smaller but equally charming alpine body of water. Nestled in a quiet meadow, the lake reflects the rugged peaks above, and its calm surface makes it inviting for a rest stop. We found a flat area to sit, letting the girls dip their fingers into the icy-clear water while enjoying the soft sounds of the surrounding forest. The serenity of Steve’s Lake provided a perfect contrast to the excitement of the drive, giving our family a chance to breathe and enjoy the stillness of the mountains.
- Family Tip: Encourage kids to explore safely near the water but watch closely. Alpine lakes can have slippery edges and chilly water temperatures.
Lake Creek Falls
Not far from Steve’s Lake, we found Lake Creek Falls, where water tumbled over rocks in a lively cascade. The sound of rushing water filled the air, and the girls loved standing nearby to watch the clear mountain water rush down into the pool below. The combination of mist, moving water, and surrounding cliffs made it feel like a secret mountain hideaway. It was the perfect place to pause, snap photos, and let the girls experience the energy and beauty of the alpine wilderness up close.
- Family Tip: Wear sturdy shoes for rocky terrain and let kids splash safely near the falls. Bring a small towel for wet hands and shoes.
West Summit Overlook
The West Summit Overlook, the highest point on the highway, offers sweeping panoramas of alpine tundra and jagged peaks. Even with brisk winds and lingering fog, we could feel the vastness of the mountains around us. The Beartooth Highway’s mix of high-altitude tundra, wildflowers, and dramatic cliffs makes every viewpoint worth pausing for, especially when traveling with kids who are discovering the thrill of nature firsthand.
- Family Tip: Take breaks at overlooks for short walks. Kids will enjoy stretching while adults soak in the incredible scenery. High altitude can make breathing harder for little ones.
Visiting Cooke City, Montana
By the time we reached Cooke City, it was the perfect time for lunch. This tiny, remote town is a gateway to the Beartooth Mountains, with a few local restaurants, lodges, and rustic charm everywhere you look. Surrounded by wide-open valleys and high peaks, Cooke City feels like stepping back in time. We enjoyed a cozy meal while watching clouds drift over the mountains, feeling both relaxed and energized after our morning on the road. The town is an ideal endpoint for families traveling the Beartooth Highway before heading into Yellowstone or looping back toward Red Lodge.
- Family Tip: Check restaurant hours before visiting Cooke City. Options are limited, so having a backup snack in the car is helpful for kids.
Family Verdict
Our family adventure on the Beartooth Highway exceeded every expectation. The combination of high mountain vistas, wildlife encounters, alpine lakes, and historic charm made this drive an unforgettable experience. Traveling with kids was easy thanks to the scenic pullouts, wildlife spotting opportunities, and small-town stops along the way. Whether you are seeking breathtaking photography, outdoor adventure, or simply a family road trip with a wow factor, the Beartooth Highway is a must-visit destination. We cannot wait to return and explore even more of its rugged, magical beauty.
Make sure to check out our nearby adventures in southern Montana, Beartooth Highway, Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Hole, Craters of the Moon National Monument, and southern Idaho. Follow along on our complete Old West family road trip and our other amazing family travel adventures at www.adventureisinoursouls.com.
