Beartooth Highway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

Explore Montana’s Majestic Beartooth Highway for $14.99 per Group

The Beartooth Highway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour offers an engaging way to experience one of America’s most scenic mountain routes without a guided group or tour guide. Priced at $14.99 per group of up to 4 people, this tour provides 2 to 3 hours of immersive storytelling that enhances the stunning landscapes of Montana and Wyoming. The tour covers a 63-mile stretch of the highway, connecting Red Lodge, Montana, to Cooke City and Yellowstone’s Northeast entrance, with stunning mountain passes reaching nearly 11,000 feet.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is its self-guided nature combined with offline maps and easy-to-use app technology. It’s perfect for those who want the flexibility to explore at their own pace, take breaks for photos or snacks, and revisit the route over the course of 12 months with a single purchase. The price point and self-paced format make it a cost-effective alternative to guided tours, especially for small groups or families.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy scenic drives, want to learn about the landscape, and prefer a personalized experience without the constraints of scheduled tours. Keep in mind, this isn’t an entrance ticket, so checking seasonal opening hours is necessary—generally from Memorial Day to late September—to ensure the highway is open.

Key Points

• Affordable price of $14.99 per group for a 2-3 hour self-guided experience
• Accessible for up to 4 people, with downloadable audio guides that work offline
• Highlights include Top of the World vistas, Pilot and Index Peak formations, and Island Lake
• Stops at scenic points, waterfalls, mountain passes, and lookout towers
• Self-paced with easy download instructions via email and app, suitable for any schedule
• Tour is available from Memorial Day to late September, depending on weather conditions

Starting Point at Cooke City and First Scenic Views

The tour begins just outside Yellowstone Trading Post in Cooke City, Montana. This convenient starting point provides immediate access to the scenic Beartooth Highway, which is renowned for its dramatic elevation gain and breathtaking views. The initial stops include the Clarks Fork Picnic Area, offering a peaceful spot to enjoy the sound of the Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone River and a lovely picnic setting. This area sets the tone for a day filled with natural beauty and impressive landscapes.

Once underway, the route takes travelers east along the highway, revealing the midpoint marker at the 45th Parallel—a notable spot where the route crosses the line halfway between the Equator and the North Pole. This stop provides a quick but interesting geological fact that adds a layer of curiosity to the scenic drive.

The Scenic Pull-Outs and Waterfalls Along the Route

The Crazy Creek Falls stop is a highlight for its small parking area located just across from the Crazy Creek Campground. This stop is easy to miss but worth the brief detour for a glimpse of the waterfall that cascades nearby. It’s a perfect short break to appreciate the natural water features of the area.

Another standout is the Clay Butte Lookout, accessible via a three-mile unpaved road. This lookout tower offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, with the added bonus of a short drive that’s manageable for most passenger cars. The lookout is a prime spot for panoramic photos and a deeper appreciation of the rugged terrain.

The Iconic Mountain Pass and Elevation Highlights

The core of this experience is the chance to climb up the Beartooth Pass, which reaches nearly 11,000 feet. The highway itself is famous for crossing some of the wildest and most scenic landscapes in the United States, with seasonal closures from late fall to late spring due to snow and wild winds.

The Beartooth Highway is open typically from the Friday before Memorial Day through early October, but lingering snow in higher elevations can persist into mid-July, and snowstorms are possible at any time. Travelers are advised to check the seasonal opening hours before planning their trip to ensure the highway is accessible.

Stops at Beartooth Basin and Twin Lakes Views

A notable stop is the Beartooth Basin Summer Ski Area, which offers stunning views of Twin Lakes. In early summer, visitors might even see dedicated skiers dropping into the basin, a unique sight that blends winter sports with summer scenery. This stop is not included in the tour price, but it’s a valuable addition for those wanting to enjoy mountain vistas and alpine lakes.

The Beartooth Lake stop offers an opportunity to enjoy serene alpine waters and mountain scenery, providing a peaceful spot to pause and take in the grandeur of the landscape.

The Last Scenic Highlights and Red Lodge

As the route descends, the tour includes a stop at Red Lodge, a charming small town with a history rooted in coal mining, dating back to 1866. This town offers a wonderful contrast to the wilderness, with its historic buildings and mountain charm. It’s an ideal place to stretch legs, explore local shops, or grab a bite before concluding the drive.

The final stops continue to showcase scenic vistas and mountain scenery before the tour ends at a different location, ready for further exploration or return home.

Practical Details and Logistics

This self-guided audio tour is delivered through the Action Tour Guide App, which must be downloaded while in strong Wi-Fi or cellular signal. After booking, travelers receive an email and text with setup instructions and a unique password. The app’s offline maps ensure that the audio guides function smoothly even in remote mountain areas with limited signal.

The tour is designed for small groups (up to 4 people) per purchase, making it an affordable and flexible alternative to guided tours. It’s easy to start, pause, or revisit any part of the route, providing a personalized experience.

Since this isn’t an entry ticket, travelers should verify seasonal opening hours to ensure the highway is accessible during their planned visit, typically from Memorial Day to late September.

Reviews Highlight the Quality and Value

The tour has received perfect ratings of 5.0/5 based on 2 reviews, with comments emphasizing the expert storytelling and the ability to see and learn about points most drivers might miss. Reviewers appreciate the well-organized route, the engaging narration, and the value for money. The flexibility to explore at one’s own pace and revisit stops makes this experience especially appealing.

The Sum Up: A Practical and Scenic Way to Experience Beartooth Highway

The Beartooth Highway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour offers an affordable, flexible, and informative way to enjoy one of America’s most spectacular mountain routes. With engaging storytelling, easy app access, and stops at notable scenic points, it suits travelers who want to combine natural beauty with educational content.

While weather and seasonal closures are considerations, the tour’s self-guided format allows for personalized pacing and extended exploration. It’s ideal for small groups, families, or solo travelers who want a cost-effective and informative experience without the constraints of guided group tours.

This tour provides a balanced blend of scenic vistas, interesting facts, and convenience, making it a worthwhile addition to any Montana or Yellowstone adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all vehicles?
Yes, the stops, including the Clay Butte Lookout, are accessible by most passenger cars, but the road to the lookout is unpaved and has many turns, so it’s not suitable for RVs or trailers.

What is included in the tour?
The tour provides audio storytelling via the Action Tour Guide App, offline maps, and a comprehensive route covering key scenic stops and points of interest.

Can I use this tour multiple times?
Yes, you can buy the tour once for $14.99 and use it for up to one year, making it perfect for repeat visits or extended trips.

Are attraction tickets required?
No, this is not an entrance ticket. Travelers need to verify the seasonal opening hours of the highway, as the route is only open from Memorial Day to late September.

How do I start the tour?
After booking, download the Actions Tour Guide App, enter your unique password provided via email and text, and launch the tour on-site. Follow the automatic audio cues to enjoy the experience.