The Beartooth All-American Highway, U.S. Route 212, has been proclaimed one of the most scenic drives in the United States. The corridor passes through three national forests, nearby 1,000 glacial lakes, through distinctive sharp-edged mountain peaks and the highway's namesake, a granite fang, the Beartooth. This rugged, high altitude byway boasts 20 peaks over 12,000 feet, a large population of mountain region wildlife and plenty of photographic opportunities.
     Charles Kuralt described the scenic highway as the most beautiful drive in America. In 1989, it achieved national attention with an official designation as a National Scenic Byway. The 64 mile route begins at Red Lodge, Montana, climbs multiple switchbacks nearing the Wyoming border at Beartooth Pass. It then leads back into Cooke City, Montana before leading to the northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park. The highway opened in 1936, still an amazing feat of engineering, and retains its top billing as a must see item during any Yellowstone visit. This chilly scenic view takes in the Beartooth Pass area and is a reminder that the alpine route remains open for only four to five months a year.