Summer road trips don’t get much better than exploring the American West. One unforgettable option is the Beartooth Loop, a scenic circuit that begins and ends in historic Cody, Wyoming. From Cody, the drive rolls across sweeping grasslands and past Heart Mountain along Wyoming Highway 120 before linking with the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway (Wyoming Highway 296) and crossing the state’s highest bridge, Sunlight Creek Bridge.
The route offers dramatic contrasts: vast valleys open to volcanic ridgelines, and at one point the road skirts a 1,200-foot gorge carved between the Absaroka Mountains and the granite Beartooth Plateau. Wildlife sightings are common—keep an eye out for moose and other native animals—and panoramic viewpoints reveal features such as Beartooth Butte rising on the horizon. The highway climbs and winds through Beartooth Pass, a high-elevation stretch celebrated for its jagged peaks, alpine lakes, and late-season snowfields that often linger into summer.
For travelers who prefer shorter outings, Cody also serves as a convenient base for half-day drives. A pleasant route follows the shore of Buffalo Bill Reservoir and passes Cedar Mountain, offering easy pullouts and picnic spots. History enthusiasts can visit Buffalo Bill’s TE Ranch, built in 1895, to get a sense of the region’s pioneer and ranching heritage. These shorter excursions provide a relaxed alternative while still showcasing the area’s natural beauty and Western character.
The Beartooth Loop and surrounding byways combine breathtaking scenery with a variety of experiences—high alpine vistas, rugged canyons, quiet reservoirs, and historic sites—so whether you’re planning a full-day drive or a quick half-day trip from Cody, this part of Wyoming delivers classic American West scenery and plenty of photo opportunities.
