Driving the Beartooth Scenic Byway in Montana

Leaving Yellowstone's Northeast Entrance

As we began our drive from Yellowstone's Northeast Entrance, on our way to where the Beartooth Scenic Byway actually starts, we began questioning Charles Kuralt's assertion that this was the "most beautiful drive in America."  Yes, what we were seeing was beautiful, and gorgeous, but not any more beautiful than what we had witnessed inside Yellowstone.  

As we came to the Chief Joseph Highway, which would have been a shortcut to Cody WY, we questioned whether to go ahead and take the shortcut, or continue on the scenic drive.

We are so thankful we decided to continue.  As we began to climb into the Rocky Mountains, it became more and more evident that Mr Kuralt knew what he was talking about.

 As we began driving a series of switchbacks, it soon became evident that this is not a road I would want to pull our RV over, but it was an excellent highway, and we enjoyed each new vista that presented itself.

 Here we are at the Summit, 10,978 feet in elevation, we could see for miles, and miles, and felt like we were on top of the world.  We can always find someone willing to take a picture of us. . .and of course we are always willing to reciprocate.  Tourists are just the friendliest folks, and I always think that surely they will appreciate that one shot of their entire group on vacation, instead of always having the person with the camera missing from all the vacation pics.

At a rest stop near the summit, we convinced ourselves that we had gotten a shot of a baby badger. . .now it's probably really only a marmot, since they inhabit the area, but it was so different looking, that Dave even looked it up online once we got home. . .whatever it was, we thought it was adorable.

and of course, the chipmunks were everywhere.

We had a great day trip, driving the Beartooth Scenic Byway, and would recommend, that if you are anywhere near, that you should add it to your itinerary.

The rest of our pics: Beartooth Scenic Byway Photo Album

Get all of our travel updates by submitting your email address at the top of this page.  You will only receive updates from Evans Escapades, and can unsubscribe at any time.