This is the first time that I have driven to Yellowstone park by way of the Bear′s Tooth Highway, which is more commonly call the Beartooth Highway. Why I have waited this long to take these steps upon this path, well, there is no telling. However, one thing is for certain, in the future, this path has proven to me that it should be my first choice when entering the Yellowstone National Park.

This journey is about the road path that follows the Rock Creek for many miles up into the Beartooth Mountains, then up to and over eleven thousand feet at Beartooth pass and then next, the journey down long descent on the south side of the Beartooth Mountains and into the Yellowstone National Park.

The Yellowstone river is a majestic waterway which flows through the Caldera we know as Yellowstone park. The river then travels north from Wyoming, through a large swath of farmland, most all of which is in Montana. Then, eventually this river merges with the Missouri river and together, their conjoined waters make their way to Saint Louis, next Memphis, then New Orleans and finally out into the Gulf of Mexico.

However, before the Yellowstone even gets even close to the Missouri River, the Clark Fork of the Yellowstone River comes in from the right (south). Then, just a short distance upstream along the Clark Fork, near Rockvale, Montana, there is a somewhat small waterway called Rock Creek that adds to the combined waters of the Clark Fork and the Yellowstone River.

This Roadpath Journey begins when I leave IH 90 using the exit into Laurel, Montana and begin driving south on US 212. Thus, I begin my roadpath journey on the Beartooth Highway, first south through Montana while climbing up to and over Beartooth Pass within the Custer Galatian National Forest. Next, still on US 212, I drive down into Wyoming and westward through the Shoshone National Forest.

Then, US 212 arrives at the Clarks Fork Yellowstone River and follows this water upstream to the northwest, crossing back into Montana, travels along Soda Butte Creek through Cooke City and Silver Gate, both towns in Montana, and then, while still in Montana, enters Yellowstone National Park at the Northeast Entrance Station.

Next, US 212 together with the Beartooth Highway, crosses back into Wyoming and continues to follow Soda Butte Creek to the southwest. Upon arriving in Lamar Valley, US 212 turns due west and passes the confluence of Soda Butte Creek and Lamar River. After following Lamar River on the north side, the Beartooth highway crosses to the south side of Lamar River and continues for another five miles to where US 212 crosses the Yellowstone River and immediately after, arrives at the Yellowstone Park Grand Loop Road at Tower Junction, where there is the Tower/Roosevelt Service Station and public restrooms. This location marks the the end of the Beartooth Highway and US 212.

Westernnmost section of US 212

For me on this day, the summit was much colder than below, so I did not stay very long, just long enough to take a few photos from the top of the world.

Then, I begin the descent on the south side of the Beartooh Range.

Beyond this vast accumulation of ponds, another range of mountains stand, changing from blue to gray in color as they fade in the distance.

What is most amazing about this highway is that there is a very long stretch that is above the treeline, the longest I have seen in a long time.

If and when you travel these Steps Afield, make sure you stop to smell the wildflowers.