National Park Service Shoots for June 1st Opening Of Beartooth Highway

After a spring snowstorm dumped a ton of snow on the Montana/Wyoming Border last week, the Beartooth Highway (US-212) has remained closed.

An avalanche, causing rocks and debris to damage the road, spoiled the National Park Service‘s goal of having the scenic highway into Yellowstone National Park opened by Memorial Day weekend.

Mother Nature spoiled that goal by dumping unseasonably large amounts of frozen precipitation in that area of Yellowstone.

Now, the National Park System is crossing its fingers and hoping, weather permitting, that the highway, located east of the park’s Northeast Entrance between Red Lodge, Montana, and Cooke City, Montana, is projected to open in its entirety Saturday, June 1.

According the a media release from NPS:

• Currently, the highway is partially open for 19 miles from Red Lodge, Montana, to Vista Point.
• Crews are working hard to plow through wet, heavy snow that is approximately 6 feet deep on the highway.
• The highway was originally scheduled to open May 24 but has remained closed due to a significant storm that brought winter weather conditions, significant snowfall and hazardous driving conditions.
• Once the highway opens, temporary travel restrictions or closures can occur at any time without notice. Have flexible travel plans and watch for quickly changing weather conditions.
• Check for road status and updates on the Montana and Wyoming departments of transportation websites.