Driving through Wyoming is always an adventure. Whether you’re battling high winds, snowdrifts, or just taking in the incredible views, every time you hit the road, you could encounter something completely different. One of the Cowboy State’s most famous highways is also one of its scariest – many consider the Beartooth Highway to be the most dangerous road in Wyoming.
The Beartooth Highway is a 68-mile stretch of winding mountain road that takes travelers from the Northeast entrance of Yellowstone all the way to Red Lodge, Montana. Along the way, you’ll travel high up into the clouds.
Tripadvisor / mewles2018
This scenic and historic highway takes drivers through the Absaroka Range of the Rocky Mountains. Hairpin turns and switchbacks make up much of the journey, which can be dangerous and scary to anyone not used to mountain driving.
Flickr / Larry Barnes LB9
The Beartooth Pass Summit is the highest point along the road, at nearly 11,000 feet. This highway is also the highest road in Wyoming. Be sure you stop to take a photo at the sign!
Tripadvisor / GBMAC
You’ll be on the edge of your seat… and also the edge of the mountains. In many places, you won’t want to look down from the passenger side window!
Flickr / Jasperdo
Of course, all of this white-knuckle driving isn’t without its rewards. The views from turnouts and scenic vistas are some of the most beautiful in the state. There are dozens of bright blue alpine lakes along the way!
Tripadvisor / Adje1124
If you’re a bit of a chicken, you might want to let someone else drive. It takes nerves of steel (or a lot of experience driving in the mountains) to successfully navigate the most dangerous road in Wyoming.
Flickr / Jasperdo
Don’t worry, though, you’ll get plenty of breaks to stop and see the sights. Make sure to stop at the Top of the World Store and spend some time way up high!
Flickr / Jasperdo Be aware that the chipmunks at many of the turnouts may try to steal your snacks. Don’t feed them, no matter how cute they are.
Because of the highway’s elevation, summertime snow squalls aren’t uncommon. Be sure to check the status of the highway to see if it’s open before heading out on this hair-raising drive.
Tripadvisor / mewles2018
Flickr / Larry Barnes LB9
Tripadvisor / GBMAC
Flickr / Jasperdo
Tripadvisor / Adje1124
Be aware that the chipmunks at many of the turnouts may try to steal your snacks. Don’t feed them, no matter how cute they are.
Do you love twisting, turning byways and highways? After you’ve completed the Beartooth Highway (or perhaps before, while you’re waiting for it to open), travel The Chief Joseph Scenic Byway. Unlike the Beartooth, it’s open year-round and maintained. In storms, it may close, but it does get cleared as soon as it is safe to do so.
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Address: Beartooth Highway, Wyoming, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
most dangerous road in Wyoming January 20, 2022 Kim Magaraci What are the most dangerous places in Wyoming? Wyoming, in general, is a safe state. The crime rate is low and most of us don’t even lock our doors. However, there are hazards in Wyoming that a lot of out-of-staters may overlook. Because our state is so rural and wild, we do have to keep our wits about us when it comes to wildlife. Grizzly country in Wyoming includes the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, the Tetons, and the Wind River Range. These large predators typically leave people alone, but they do raise the risk for outdoor enthusiasts. Other outdoor hazards include avalanches in the backcountry each winter, falls, sprains, and breaks on our tricky mountain trails, and of course, wild Wyoming weather like lightning storms and blizzards. Which scenic drives in Wyoming are bucket list worthy? With so much open space, Wyoming has some of the best windshield views in the nation. Whether you’re traveling the winding Beartooth Highway or heading up the steep and twisting Chief Joseph Highway, our high mountain passes can take your breath away. For quieter and less nerve-wracking drives, the Pilot Butte Scenic Horse Loop, the Snowy Mountain Scenic Byway, and the drive through the Crazy Woman Canyon can’t be topped.
The OIYS Visitor Center
most dangerous road in Wyoming
January 20, 2022
Kim Magaraci
What are the most dangerous places in Wyoming? Wyoming, in general, is a safe state. The crime rate is low and most of us don’t even lock our doors. However, there are hazards in Wyoming that a lot of out-of-staters may overlook. Because our state is so rural and wild, we do have to keep our wits about us when it comes to wildlife. Grizzly country in Wyoming includes the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, the Tetons, and the Wind River Range. These large predators typically leave people alone, but they do raise the risk for outdoor enthusiasts. Other outdoor hazards include avalanches in the backcountry each winter, falls, sprains, and breaks on our tricky mountain trails, and of course, wild Wyoming weather like lightning storms and blizzards. Which scenic drives in Wyoming are bucket list worthy? With so much open space, Wyoming has some of the best windshield views in the nation. Whether you’re traveling the winding Beartooth Highway or heading up the steep and twisting Chief Joseph Highway, our high mountain passes can take your breath away. For quieter and less nerve-wracking drives, the Pilot Butte Scenic Horse Loop, the Snowy Mountain Scenic Byway, and the drive through the Crazy Woman Canyon can’t be topped.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Wyoming, in general, is a safe state. The crime rate is low and most of us don’t even lock our doors. However, there are hazards in Wyoming that a lot of out-of-staters may overlook. Because our state is so rural and wild, we do have to keep our wits about us when it comes to wildlife. Grizzly country in Wyoming includes the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, the Tetons, and the Wind River Range. These large predators typically leave people alone, but they do raise the risk for outdoor enthusiasts. Other outdoor hazards include avalanches in the backcountry each winter, falls, sprains, and breaks on our tricky mountain trails, and of course, wild Wyoming weather like lightning storms and blizzards.
Which scenic drives in Wyoming are bucket list worthy?
With so much open space, Wyoming has some of the best windshield views in the nation. Whether you’re traveling the winding Beartooth Highway or heading up the steep and twisting Chief Joseph Highway, our high mountain passes can take your breath away. For quieter and less nerve-wracking drives, the Pilot Butte Scenic Horse Loop, the Snowy Mountain Scenic Byway, and the drive through the Crazy Woman Canyon can’t be topped.
