Location: Traverses the Custer National Forest in South Central Montana and into Wyoming Length: 68.7 miles (110.6 km) Time To Allow: 3 hours Description/Highlights/Points of Interest Called the "most scenic drive in America" by the late journalist Charles Kuralt, this is one of the most spectacular alpine highways in North America. Beginning at the northeast entrance to Yellowstone National Park and ending in Red Lodge, Montana, it offers an array of scenic views, from the panoramic picture of hundreds of ponds and lakes in glacial depressions to soaring snow-capped mountains. In the winter, the majority of the byway becomes a snowmobile trail. Suggested Itinerary From Red Lodge (altitude 5,500 feet above sea level), the Beartooth Scenic Byway ascends for about 15 miles (24.1 km) along the floor of Rock Creek Canyon. The grade doesn't look very steep, but the road actually climbs at nearly 100 feet every mile. Then, it starts up the side of the canyon by a series of hair-raising switchbacks. After passing the fourth switchback, the road follows the rim of the canyon for several miles. There are breathtaking views of the canyon and the mountains on the other side. Rock Creek Canyon is one of the most perfect examples of a U-shaped glaciated valley. Imagine the valley as it appeared some 20,000 years ago, filled nearly to its rim with an immense river of ice. On passing out of the canyon, you'll find yourself in a land of gently rolling hills, at altitudes of 9,000 to 11,000 feet above sea level. This is the Beartooth Plateau, which was raised above the surrounding terrain as a single huge block. Over millions of years the plateau has risen several miles, but the overlaying rocks and soils have been eroded away, leaving mostly granite. One of the most popular views is of the twin lakes, occupying a natural bowl far above the floor of the canyon. From high points along the road are wonderful views of the high mountains towering above Rock Creek Canyon. Near the summit, in early summer, you'll drive beside snow drifts higher than your car. Inhabiting the rock piles along the road are shy picas and marmots. The best places to see the tiny picas are several hundred feet from the road, and away from crowds. Snow on the high Beartooth Plateau often stays until the end of June. In early summer it is often many feet deep along the road. Along the road, as it descnds into Cooke City, are many lakes and ponds with incredibly clear water. About ten miles (16 km) west of the highest point, the road passes Beartooth Butte and Beartooth Lake. The Butte is a curious remnant of the sedimentary rocks that originally lay atop the entire plateau. As the road descends into the valley of the Clark Fork River, it offers splendid views of Pilot and Index Peaks on the edge of Yellowstone Park.