Pros & cons
PROS
- Quick roadside stop with a clear view of the namesake spire
- Memorable high‑alpine panorama near Beartooth Pass
CONS
- No services at the pullout
- Seasonal access only; opening and closing dates vary with snow
Overview
This is the quick roadside pullout where you can spot the sharp, pyramidal rock that gave the entire range—and highway—its name. It’s an easy, hop-out-of-the-car stop just below Beartooth Pass on US‑212 with a sign and big, windy alpine views. No frills, just the classic look at the Bear’s Tooth spire.
What You’ll See
- The Bear’s Tooth itself: a prominent rock spire set among rugged Beartooth country.
- Sweeping tundra scenery, distant peaks, and scattered alpine lakes you’ve been winding past on the climb.
Name & Backstory
The Crow name for this peak is “Na Piet Say,” meaning “bear’s tooth”—a dead‑on description of its silhouette. Early mapmakers and explorers noted a remarkable mountain called “the tooth,” and it ultimately lent its name to the Beartooth Mountains and, by extension, this highway.
Geology Snapshot
The feature is tied to Late Cretaceous igneous rock (rhyodacite). Its porphyritic texture includes feldspar crystals that weather in a way some observers have likened to a dusting of snow—part of why the spire stands out so starkly.
Wildlife & Safety
This high country holds grizzly bears, moose, and mountain goats. Goats are the most likely roadside sighting near cliffs; give all wildlife space. Open‑range cattle show up on some stretches—stay alert when pulling in and out.
Logistics & Services
There are no services at the Bear’s Tooth marker—no restroom or water. Closest reliable pit-stop is the Top of the World Store between the pass and Beartooth Lake for food and general supplies. Clark’s Fork Overlook has restrooms farther along. Expect basic, seasonal vault toilets outside of towns.
Best Time to Visit
The Beartooth Highway typically runs from late May to early October, but exact dates swing with snow. Plan this stop in daylight and expect chill and wind even in mid‑summer. For photos, mid‑day to afternoon (roughly 10 a.m.–5 p.m.) often delivers bright, clear looks at the spire. Always check highway status with Montana DOT/NPS before you go, especially at the season edges.
Where it is
45.0625, -109.5644Tips for Bear’s Tooth (Na Piet Say)
- 01There are no facilities here—plan a bathroom stop at Top of the World or Clark’s Fork Overlook.
- 02It’s windy and chilly near the pass; bring an extra layer even in summer.
- 03Use designated pullouts for photos and re‑merge carefully—traffic appears fast on the grades.
- 04If traveling near opening or closing weeks, verify road status the morning of your drive.
Amenities
Near Bear’s Tooth (Na Piet Say)
All places →All trails →
4.7 mi awayGlacier Lake TrailShort, steep climb to a jewel-toned alpine lake off Beartooth HighwayChallenging · 4.4 mi · 3 hr
4.7 mi awayBecker Lake TrailA mellow lake to lake walk with a big view payoffModerate · 8 mi · 3.5 hr
5.8 mi awayHellroaring Plateau TrailWind-scoured alpine stroll to lake overlooks if you earn the accessModerate · 5 mi · 4 hr
7.4 mi awayGreenough Lake TrailEasy creekside loop with a pretty lake and Beartooth viewsEasy · 3.5 mi · 1.3 hr
7.7 mi awayRock Creek Vista Point OverlookBig canyon views and winding switchbacks from a quick roadside stopParking · Restroom
7.8 mi awayBeartooth ButteRoadside view of fossil-rich red cliffs above Beartooth LakePullout · Parking
7.8 mi awayVista Point Observation SiteBig Rock Creek Valley views at the Beartooth switchbacksParking · Restroom
7.8 mi awayBeartooth Pass OverlookTop-of-the-world views at the highway’s 10,947‑ft high pointPullout · Parking
