Beartooth Highway Crashes at Record High: What Riders Need to Know

The Beartooth Highway — one of America's most beautiful and dangerous motorcycle roads — has seen record crashes in 2026. Here is what makes it dangerous, what went wrong this year, and how to ride it safely.

Why the Beartooth is dangerous

The Beartooth Highway (US-212) runs 110 km (68 mi) from Red Lodge to Cooke City, Montana, crossing the Beartooth Pass at 3,377 m (10,947 ft) elevation. It is one of the highest paved roads in North America and has been called "the most beautiful drive in America" by Charles Kuralt. It is also one of the most dangerous for motorcycles.

The danger comes from a combination of factors: extreme elevation changes that bring rapid weather shifts, tight switchbacks that challenge even experienced riders, no guardrails on steep drop-offs, limited cell coverage, and a road surface that changes from dry pavement to ice within minutes. Add increasing tourist traffic, inexperienced riders on heavy baggers, and the temptation to ride fast on a road that demands the opposite, and you have a recipe for serious crashes.

What caused the 2026 crash spike

Crash data for 2026 shows a record number of motorcycle incidents on the Beartooth. Contributing factors include:

• Increased rider traffic: Social media has made the Beartooth a bucket-list destination, drawing riders of all skill levels. Many arrive on heavy touring bikes (Indian Pursuit, Harley Road Glide) that are not ideal for tight switchbacks.
• Late-season riding: Riders are extending their season later into fall, when conditions are more dangerous. Snow and ice can appear on the pass in September.
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• Inadequate preparation: Many riders underestimate the elevation and weather changes. They arrive in summer gear and encounter freezing temperatures at the summit.
• Target fixation: On tight switchbacks with cliff drop-offs, target fixation — looking at the edge instead of the exit — causes riders to run wide off the road. This is one of the most common causes of Beartooth crashes.

The most dangerous sections

The highway has several sections that demand extra caution:

• The switchbacks above Red Lodge: A series of tight hairpins climbing from the valley to the plateau. The pavement is narrow, the drop-offs are severe, and the turns are tight enough to challenge a 378 kg (833 lb) bagger.
• The "Top of the World" plateau: At 3,377 m (10,947 ft), the road opens up but the weather can change instantly. Wind, fog, and sudden snow are common even in July.
• The descent to Cooke City: The eastern side has long, sweeping curves with excellent pavement. The temptation to carry speed is strong, but the road is still narrow with limited run-off.

Weather: the hidden killer

The Beartooth Pass elevation means weather changes that would take 100 km (62 mi) of horizontal distance in the valley happen in a 10 km (6 mi) vertical climb. A rider starting in Red Lodge at 25 degrees C (77 degrees F) can encounter snow at the summit. Key weather risks:

• Rapid temperature drop: Temperature drops approximately 1 degree C (1.8 degrees F) per 100 m (328 ft) of elevation gain. From Red Lodge to the summit, expect a 15-20 degree C (27-36 degree F) temperature drop.
• Sudden snow: The pass can receive snow in any month. Even in July, brief snow squalls can coat the road. Check the forecast before riding and be prepared to turn around.
• Fog: At the summit, fog can reduce visibility to less than 15 m (50 ft). If you encounter fog, slow to a crawl and use your high beam (at low speed, high beam is OK in fog because you are going too slow for reflection to blind you).
• Wind: At 3,377 m (10,947 ft), winds can exceed 80 km/h (50 mph). On a motorcycle, crosswind at this speed can push you across the lane. Be prepared for gusts.

How to ride the Beartooth safely

• Ride your own pace: Do not try to keep up with faster riders. The Beartooth is not a race. Take switchbacks at your comfort speed.
• Look through the corner: On tight switchbacks, look at the exit, not the edge. Your bike goes where your eyes go. Target fixation is the #1 cause of Beartooth crashes.
• Use the full lane: On switchbacks, start wide, apex late, and exit wide. This gives you the maximum turning radius and reduces the sharpness of the turn.
• Carry warm gear: Even in summer, bring a warm layer. The summit can be near freezing when the valley is hot. Hypothermia impairs judgment and motor skills.
• Ride early in the day: Weather is typically most stable in the morning. By afternoon, thunderstorms and wind pick up. Start early, finish early.
• Do not ride if conditions are bad: If there is snow, ice, or heavy fog on the pass, turn around. The road will be there another day. You might not be.

What to carry

For a Beartooth ride, pack:

• Warm base layer and gloves (it can be near freezing at the summit)
• Full tank of fuel (no gas stations on the pass)
• Water and snacks (2-3 hours minimum on the road)
• First aid kit and emergency contact info
• Phone with downloaded offline maps (no cell coverage on much of the pass)
• Tire repair kit (help is hours away on remote sections)

Frequently Asked Questions

Information checked August 25, 2026. Check Montana DOT for current road conditions before riding. Weather on the pass can change rapidly — always verify conditions on the day of your ride.