D I S T I N C T LY M O N TA N A • S U M M E R 2 0 1 7
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NCHORED AT EITHER END BY THE DELIGHTFUL
MOUNTAIN TOWNS OF COOKE CITY AND RED
LODGE, THE BEARTOOTH HIGHWAY 212 IS ARGUABLY
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL DRIVE IN AMERICA, with its
jaw-dropping views of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness.
Designated as the "Beartooth All-American Road," this is a
seasonal drive, generally opening on Memorial Day weekend
and closing in mid-October (weather dependent). First opened
in June 1936, this engineering marvel of a road is flanked by
both the Custer Gallatin and Shoshone National Forests as it
weaves through Montana and Wyoming, eventually landing at
the doorstep to Yellowstone National Park.
is 68-mile drive can take your breath away, with a land-
scape that encompasses 20 mountain peaks over 12,000 feet
and a highway that peaks at 10, 947 feet — an altitude that
may challenge flatlanders. e drive can be as short as three
hours, but to hike, picnic and photograph it deserves a full day
to explore. Be sure and pack a jacket, as the weather can be
chilly even during the sunniest of days.
1. e gateway town of Red Lodge has a main street chock
full of art galleries, eateries, antique and home décor stores,
the very popular Montana Candy Emporium and Red Lodge
Ales Brewing Company, a local favorite. You'll find no short-
age of adventure options here, along with the gear and guides
to help you experience whatever is calling out to you, from
mountain biking to whitewater rafting to fishing to hiking.
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photos and text by DONNIE SEXTON
