What a drive we made today over two amazing scenic byways. We began the Beartooth All-American Road at Red Lodge, Montana, and drove west to the summit at 10,936 feet. To get there, we climbed around 5000 feet from Red Lodge over countless switchbacks, stopping at pull outs along the way for amazing panoramic views. Our first stop was at Rock Creek Vista Point with views of upper Rock Creek Canyon and Hell Roaring Plateau. Twin Lakes, tundra, Pilot Peak, icy slopes, and several other lakes appeared along the way. The road crosses into Wyoming and then back into Montana at Cooke City before continuing to Yellowstone National Park.
Before reaching Cooke City, we turned off the Beartooth to drive Chief Joseph Scenic Byway, also an amazing road both for its structure and scenery. The road gets its name from Chief Joseph who led the Nez Perce Indians on this route as they fled from the U.S. Army. While not as high as the Beartooth, Chief Joseph has its share of switchbacks as it goes up and down the mountains. The road crosses Sunlight Creek on the highest bridge in Wyoming over a gorge between two mountains. The color of the rock changes unexpectedly along the route. Just as unexpectedly, a rainbow appeared as Irene was photographing the red rock – a real delight.
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