Beartooth Highway Small Group Tour with Wildlife Guide

If you’re dreaming of seeing one of America’s most stunning drives, this Beartooth Highway Small Group Tour with a wildlife guide might just be your ticket. While we haven’t personally strapped into the passenger seat, this tour promises a blend of jaw-dropping vistas, expert wildlife spotting, and the convenience of a small-group experience—an ideal option for travelers looking to explore without the hassle of self-driving or large tour groups.

What sets this tour apart are two standout features: the chance to catch wildlife in action with provided binoculars and spotting scopes, and the depth of local expertise guiding every step. These elements promise not only memorable scenic views but also authentic insights into Montana and Wyoming’s alpine ecosystems.

A potential consideration? The scheduled start at 6:30 AM means early risers will be rewarded with quieter, more serene scenes, but if you’re not a morning person, planning accordingly is wise.

This tour suits nature enthusiasts, photographers, or anyone eager to experience the rugged beauty of the Beartooth Highway and surrounding wilderness with a knowledgeable guide by their side.

Key Points

• Expert wildlife guide enhances the experience with local knowledge and spotting equipment.
• Stunning vistas at various stops, including the Beartooth Pass Summit at nearly 11,000 feet.
• Flexible pickup and drop-off options from your hotel or Airbnb provide added convenience.
• Snacks, beverages, and binoculars included, making it a comfortable, all-in-one day trip.
• Limited group size ensures personalized attention and fewer crowds.
• The tour covers both Montana and Wyoming sides, showcasing diverse landscapes.

Exploring the Scenic Route: What You’ll Experience

This five-hour tour offers a well-balanced mix of scenic vistas, wildlife sightings, and small-town charm, all guided by a local expert. Here’s how each stop adds layers to the adventure.

Starting in Red Lodge: The Historic Heartbeat

The tour kicks off in Red Lodge, a charming Montana town with a colorful history. As you drive through its red-brick streets, your guide will likely point out local wildlife such as moose and deer that frequent riparian areas nearby. While the stop is just 15 minutes, it sets a relaxed tone, offering a glimpse into mountain town life and a chance to stretch your legs before hitting the open road.

Montana Side of the Beartooth Highway: Steep Switchbacks and Marmots

Driving along the Montana stretch of the highway, you’ll experience the thrill of steep switchbacks that zigzag through alpine terrain. This part of the journey is about appreciating the engineering marvel of the highway amid untouched wilderness. Your guide will be on the lookout for marmots, those chubby, social critters that often pop up in rocky outcroppings.

Rock Creek Vista: Glacial Carvings and Serene Views

One of the tour’s highlights is the Rock Creek Vista, where a quick coffee break offers stunning views of Rock Creek Canyon. Your guide will likely describe how glaciers shaped this landscape. This stop, although brief, provides a perfect moment to breathe in the crisp mountain air and snap photos of the rugged canyon below.

Wyoming Side: Lakes, Bears, and Summer Skiing

Crossing into Wyoming, the scenery shifts to include glacial lakes and expansive meadows. Here, your guide’s wildlife spotting skills come into play, especially as they scan fields for grizzly bears and other wildlife. The Beartooth Basin Summer Ski Area is a fascinating detour—an unusual sight, as this ski area remains open during summer months, offering a glimpse of how mountain communities adapt.

Beartooth Pass Summit: Pikas, Mountain Goats, and Panoramas

At 10,947 feet, the Beartooth Pass Vista offers panoramic views that stretch for miles. You’ll spot pikas—small, furry mammals that scurry among rocks—and perhaps mountain goats clinging to the cliffs. The crisp, high-altitude air and sweeping vistas make this a photo opportunity you won’t forget.

The Top of the World Store: A High-Altitude Treasure Trove

Near Cody, Wyoming, the Top of the World Store combines souvenir shopping with breathtaking views. It’s a charming stop where you can pick up snacks or mementos and reflect on the day’s highlights amid alpine scenery.

Optional Visit to Cooke City: A Mountain Town with Charm

If timing permits, the tour includes a quick look at Cooke City, Montana, just outside Yellowstone. While brief, this quaint town offers a sense of rugged mountain life and outdoor adventure.

Return via the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway

The final leg takes you back along the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway, which traces the route of the Nez Perce Tribe. Expect stunning desert mountain views and a peaceful, contemplative end to your journey.

What’s Included and What to Consider

Value-wise, the tour costs $165 per person, which includes all transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, snacks, coffee or tea, binoculars, and a local wildlife guide. The small group limit of 14 travelers ensures plenty of personal attention and space for wildlife viewing.

The pickup service from your hotel or Airbnb adds convenience, especially if you’re staying in Red Lodge or nearby areas. The tour’s scheduled hours from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM allow you to beat the crowds and enjoy cooler morning air—though it also means an early start.

While the included admission tickets for stops such as Rock Creek Vista and Beartooth Pass are covered, it’s worth noting that meals are not included, but snacks and beverages are provided.

How the Experience Comes Alive

Travelers who have taken similar tours highlight the knowledgeable guides as a major plus, often noting how guides point out wildlife and share local lore. One reviewer mentioned, “We loved the way our guide shared insights into the landscape and wildlife, making the experience more meaningful.”

Wildlife spotting is especially enhanced by the binoculars and spotting scope, allowing you to observe animals like pikas and mountain goats up close. Though seeing large animals like grizzly bears depends on luck, the guide’s expertise maximizes your chances.

The Balance of Price and Experience

At $165, the tour offers good value considering the guided expertise, transportation, snacks, and binoculars. Guided tours tend to be pricier than self-driving, but the benefit lies in local knowledge, safety, and ease, especially on a mountain pass with potentially tricky switchbacks.

While the early start might be a challenge for some, it ensures quieter viewpoints and a more intimate experience with nature. Plus, the small group setting makes it easier to ask questions and get personalized insights.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts who appreciate expert guidance and want to avoid the hassle of self-driving. It’s also great for photographers eager to capture scenic panoramas and wildlife in their natural habitat.

If you’re a traveler seeking a convenient, well-organized day with a mix of scenic beauty and animal encounters, this tour delivers. It’s especially suitable for those who value small groups and personalized attention.

In The Sum Up

The Beartooth Highway Small Group Tour offers an opportunity to experience some of the most stunning scenery in the American Rockies, guided by knowledgeable locals who know where to find wildlife and hidden vistas. With its carefully curated stops, including the Beartooth Pass summit and Rock Creek Vista, you’re set for a day filled with awe-inspiring views and memorable encounters.

The inclusion of binoculars and snacks elevates the experience from just sightseeing to an immersive, comfortable adventure. The small-group format ensures a more personal connection with your guide and fellow travelers, making it ideal for those who prefer a more intimate experience.

While the early start could be a downside for night owls, the quiet mornings and cooler temperatures make it a worthwhile choice for most. Whether you’re an avid photographer, a wildlife lover, or simply seeking a scenic escape, this tour balances value, comfort, and adventure beautifully.

FAQ

• What is the duration of the tour?

Approximately five hours, from 6:30 AM to around 11:00 AM.

• Is pickup included?

Yes, pickup and drop-off at your hotel or Airbnb are offered for convenience.

• What’s included in the price?

The price covers transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, snacks, coffee or tea, binoculars, a spotting scope, and a wildlife guide.

• Are admission tickets included?

Yes, stops at Rock Creek Vista, Beartooth Pass Vista, and the Top of the World Store include free admission.

• Can I see wildlife during the tour?

While wildlife sightings depend on luck, the guide’s expertise and provided binoculars maximize your chances, especially for animals like marmots, pikas, and mountain goats.

• Is there any flexibility with timing?

The scheduled start is 6:30 AM, but custom timing may be available. Always confirm with the provider.

• What should I bring?

Comfortable clothing, camera, and perhaps a jacket for higher altitudes. Snacks and beverages are provided.

• Is this tour suitable for children?

The tour is generally suitable for most travelers, but check with the provider for specific age recommendations.

• What is the group size?

A maximum of 14 travelers ensures a more personalized experience.

• How do I book?

You can reserve your spot through the provided booking link or contact BEARTOOTH TOURS directly at +1 406-446-8668.

This tour is a fantastic way to experience Montana’s wild side, especially if you want expert guidance, stunning scenery, and a comfortable, small-group atmosphere. Prepare to be wowed by mountain vistas, alpine wildlife, and the rugged beauty of the Beartooth Highway.