Beartooth Highway Delayed By Spring Snowstorm This Weekend

Memorial Day weekend travelers will have to wait just a little bit longer to drive the scenic Beartooth Highway.

Park officials are announcing that a spring winter storm has delayed the seasonal opening of the highway's Wyoming section, from the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway junction to the Montana state line. Originally scheduled to open today, road crews are now aiming for a Saturday morning opening, conditions permitting. Yellowstone and Montana plowing crews are currently working together to clear heavy snowdrifts off the mountain pass.

🚧 Once the highway does open, drivers are urged to prepare for sudden winter driving conditions, as temporary closures can occur at any time without notice.

Dennis Bragg photo

Popular Bitterroot backroad opens

Drivers will be able to cross one of the favorite backcountry roads in Western Montana this weekend, after the Montana Department of Transportation reopened the Skalkaho Highway this morning after its winter closure.

The route leads over the Sapphire Divide, connecting the southern Bitterroot Valley with the upper reaches of Rock Creek, along for a scenic, if not narrow, drive to reach Philipsburg and the Flint Creek Valley.

While the road gets narrow toward the summit, it's easy for most passenger cars to make it as far as Skalkaho Falls, which is always at its best this time of the year with the spring runoff.

Be secure at those trailheads

Heading into the busy Memorial Day weekend, be sure to review your security when parking at trailheads.

The Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office has recently seen an uptick in thefts from vehicles at recreational areas and trailheads throughout the area.

People are being reminded not to leave valuables unattended inside their vehicle, even if they are hidden. Wallets, purses, firearms, electronics, bags, and other valuables should be kept with you whenever possible.

Lock your vehicle, stay aware of your surroundings, and report any suspicious activity to Dispatch.