Scenic Beartooth Highway in Montana Will be Open Soon

The Glacier National Park roadway known as the "Going to the Sun" road gets the majority of the attention regarding when it opens for travelers.  The annual clearing of the snow from the road is an event all in itself that can often be delayed into summer depending on weather conditions.

via GIPHY

But there is another incredibly scenic and popular roadway that also requires the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) to break out the big boy toys and get busy working to clear it for the upcoming summer season.

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Scenic Beartooth Highway in Montana Will be Open Soon

This week, the clearing of snow has begun on the 68-mile trek through the Beartooth Mountains, known as one of the most beautiful drives in America.  The route, which connects Red Lodge with Cooke City in Montana, rises to impressive heights in just a few miles of travel.

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Beginning near 5,200ft in Red Lodge, the byway snakes to over double that in just 12 miles of climb, to 10,947ft at its highest point of travel.  And despite less winter in certain areas of the state, the Beartooth will still take some time to clear, but should be open for the next big weekend on the holiday calendar.

MDT Says Clearing Takes Some Time, and Mother Nature is Unpredictable

Before you start packing the rig to head out, you have some time before the roadway will be available to the public to enjoy.  MDT says that while clearing is just beginning, and certain snow levels were less than usual, the opening day is still projected for now on Memorial weekend.

The time before will be used to ensure that the Montana roadway is clear and safe for travel.  MDT says that projects over the next few weeks will include "paving, hauling rock, repairing guardrail and signs, and cleaning ditches" for public safety.

You can learn more about the Beartooth, Glacier National Park and more roadway clearings and availability here.