News Release

Update: Beartooth Highway (US-212) from Red Lodge to Cooke City, Montana, is now open for the season

May 21, 2026. Plowing the West Summit of Beartooth Highway

NPS / Brian Batzloff

News Release Date: May 22, 2026

Contact: Public Affairs Office, [phone]

MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, WY - The Beartooth Highway (US-212) from Red Lodge to Cooke City, Montana, is now open for the season.

Once open, temporary travel restrictions or closures can occur at any time without notice. Prepare for winter driving conditions, 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.  

 

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Date of release: May 21, 2026

Opening of Wyoming section of the Beartooth Highway (US-212) delayed due to winter storm

Tentative new opening date Saturday, May 23

MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, WY – The opening of the Wyoming section of the Beartooth Highway (US-212) from the junction of WY-296 (Chief Joseph Scenic Byway) to the Montana state line, originally scheduled for May 22, is delayed due to a winter storm. It is now scheduled to open Saturday, May 23, conditions permitting. 

Yellowstone road crews are clearing heavy drifts of snow across the road. Crews, in coordination with Montana teams, will continue to monitor weather, re-evaluate conditions on Friday, and open the road as soon as it is practical and safe for travel. 

Once open, temporary travel restrictions or closures can occur at any time without notice. Prepare for winter driving conditions, 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.  

nps.gov/yell

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