Pros & cons
PROS
- Quick roadside stop with a short, easy walk to viewpoints
- Best in late spring–summer when flow is strongest
CONS
- No restrooms or services at the pullout
- Small parking area that fills on sunny weekends
Overview
Beartooth Falls is a photogenic roadside cascade along US‑212 on the Wyoming side of the Beartooth Highway. You can glimpse it from the road, but the better views come after a brief stroll to creekside viewpoints. It’s an easy add‑on during the drive between Red Lodge and the Yellowstone northeast entrance.
What You’ll See
A rocky, multi‑tier cascade dropping into a clear pool, with multiple vantage points that don’t require a long hike. It’s especially impressive during spring runoff and after rains, when the volume swells and the sound fills the canyon.
Getting There & Logistics
There’s a small, free pullout with parking right off the highway, roughly 30 miles west of Red Lodge. There are no on‑site services or toilets. For restrooms, plan a stop at Rock Creek Vista Point or near the pass; for fuel and basic snacks, Top of the World is the reliable option along this corridor.
Trail & Difficulty
Expect an easy, well‑marked walk of about 0.5 miles round trip to reach the main viewpoints. Surfaces near the water can be slick—grippy shoes help. Stay on the signed path and give wet edges a wide berth; currents are stronger than they look.
Season & Road Notes
The Beartooth Highway usually opens in mid/late May and closes by mid‑October, with fast‑changing mountain weather even in summer. Plan your visit for the open season; Beartooth Falls is typically accessible dawn to dusk when the road is open.
Best Time to Visit
Late spring through summer offers peak flow. To avoid parking headaches, target weekdays or arrive earlier in the day. Layers are smart—conditions can flip quickly at elevation.
Easy Pairings
Make this a 60–90 minute stop with photos, then continue to Rock Creek Vista for big panoramas (and restrooms), Island Lake for a lakeside break, Clay Butte Lookout for wide views, or push over the pass toward Cooke City and Yellowstone.
Where it is
44.9374, -109.6041Tips for Beartooth Falls
- 01Hit weekdays or early hours to snag a spot at the small pullout.
- 02Bring layers—mountain weather shifts fast even in midsummer.
- 03Carry water and snacks; there are no services at the falls.
- 04Need restrooms or fuel? Stop at Rock Creek Vista or Top of the World.
- 05For strongest flow, aim for late spring through early summer or after rain.
Amenities
Near Beartooth Falls
All places →All trails →
0.5 mi awayBeartooth Pass10,947-ft summit stop with huge views and a shot at goatsPullout · Parking
0.9 mi awayBeartooth Lake CampgroundLakeside first‑come campground with big views on Beartooth HighwayCampground · Restroom
0.9 mi awayBeauty Lake TrailAlpine lakes out-and-back with a waterfall and big Beartooth viewsModerate · 4.4 mi · 2.3 hr
0.9 mi awayBeartooth Lake Loop TrailAlpine lake loop with creek fords and big Beartooth views.Moderate · 7.8 mi · 3.8 hr
0.9 mi awayBeartooth Loop National Recreation TrailAlpine loop with big views, quiet lakes, and real solitude.Moderate · 9.7 mi · 4.5 hr
0.9 mi awayBeartooth LakeQuiet alpine lake with picnic spots, boat ramp, and paddlingPicnic Table · Restroom
1.2 mi awayClay Butte Fire LookoutHistoric fire lookout with giant views above the Beartooth PlateauParking · Scenic Viewpoint
1.2 mi awayClay Butte Lookout TrailWalk the gravel road to big Beartooth views from a historic lookoutModerate · 5.2 mi · 2.5 hr
