If you’re eyeing a scenic drive through Montana’s rugged mountains, the Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour on Beartooth Highway offers a flexible and insightful way to experience this legendary route. Designed to work offline and based on your location, this tour promises to turn your drive into a rich storytelling adventure without the need for a guide in the passenger seat. It’s an appealing option for those who want to explore at their own pace while still getting the inside scoop on all the best spots.
We particularly like how this tour combines local stories and tips with the freedom to spend more or less time at each stop. Plus, the price point is quite reasonable, especially considering the tour is available for a one-time fee of just $16.99 per vehicle, accommodating up to 8 people. On the flip side, one thing to consider is that it requires a smartphone and a little bit of prep—download the tour beforehand and ensure your device is charged. This experience is most suited for curious travelers who love scenic drives, enjoy discovering hidden gems, and prefer customizing their journey without feeling tied to a fixed schedule.
If this sounds like your kind of adventure, you’ll likely find the tour offers a good mix of stunning scenery, educational stories, and practical tips — all wrapped into a flexible format. Whether you’re planning a full-day exploration or just a quick scenic jaunt, this could add a lot of value to your Beartooth Highway trip.
Key Points
- Flexible, self-paced exploration that works offline, so no worries about cell service.
- Affordable price for up to 8 travelers, offering great value for a personalized tour.
- Rich storytelling and local insights that go beyond standard scenic drives.
- Stops at key highlights like Bears Tooth, Island Lake, Clay Butte Lookout, and Beartooth Pass.
- Customizable itineraries allowing you to choose half, full, or multi-day routes.
- Easy to use app that downloads in advance, with automatic play based on your GPS.
What to Expect from the Tour
The Beartooth Highway itself is a must-see, renowned for its breathtaking mountain vistas and dramatic switchbacks. This tour enhances the experience by providing audio commentary that triggers automatically as you drive, making it feel like having a local guide riding shotgun. It’s a straightforward setup but requires some prep beforehand—download the tour in the GuideAlong app over WiFi or cellular network, so you can enjoy it offline during your drive.
Appreciate having local insight? Here are other guided experiences in Montana we've examined
How It Works
Once you start the tour, the app’s stories, tips, and directions will play based on your location. This means you can start and stop anywhere along the route, and the narrative will pick up where you left off. It’s perfect for travelers who want flexibility or are unsure about sticking to a fixed schedule.
The Stops & Highlights
Stop 1: Beartooth Highway
The tour begins here, with commentary guiding you through the route’s main attractions. You’re free to create your own itinerary or follow suggested routes for half, full, or multi-day adventures. The beauty of this setup is that you control your pace, spending more time at the spots that catch your interest.
Stop 2: Bears Tooth
No surprise this jagged, tooth-like rock formation gives the highway its name. Sitting at 11,915 feet, it offers impressive views and is accessible from the West Summit Overlook. The story behind the name comes from the Crow People, which adds a touch of local culture. Since there’s no prominent sign, the tour’s guidance is especially helpful here—”we’ll be sure to let you know the best place to see the Bears Tooth.”
Stop 3: Clay Butte Fire Lookout Tower
This stop involves a short drive on a well-maintained, unpaved road. The lookout itself is no longer active, but the panoramic views from the site are outstanding. There is a volunteer-operated visitor center in summer, and the drive to the lookout adds a bit of adventure. Expect about 30 minutes here, with free admission.
Stop 4: Island Lake
This alpine lake is a highlight with its near-perfect setting for activities like hiking, fishing, and boating. The Beartooth High Lakes Trail along the western shore is a favorite, offering pristine views and accessible hiking options. The lake has rental gear available at the Top of the World Resort, making it a great spot to relax or set out on a short adventure. Allocate around 30 minutes for this stop.
Stop 5: Rock Creek Vista
A quick but worthwhile stop, this overlook provides sweeping views of Rock Creek Valley, carved by ice into a distinct U-shape canyon. A short trail leads to a platform for perfect photo opportunities, making it a quick but memorable stop—about 30 minutes should suffice.
Stop 6: Beartooth Pass
The highest point on the route, sitting at 10,947 feet, offers awe-inspiring panoramic views. A small unpaved road takes you a bit higher for the best possible vista. Be prepared for changeable weather—wind, cold, or warmth—and pack accordingly. Most visitors spend about 30 minutes here.
The Experience
The tour is designed to be both informative and flexible. With stories and tips playing automatically, you won’t miss out on key details while still enjoying the scenery at your own pace. The reviews echo this sentiment—travellers find the stories engaging and the value excellent for the price. One reviewer said, “This trip was fun, informative and worth the money,” highlighting how accessible the experience is.
The Practicalities
For a reasonable $16.99, this tour covers up to 8 people in one vehicle, making it a cost-effective way to enhance your drive without hiring a guide. It’s especially convenient since no entrance fees or park passes are included, but those are separate costs if applicable. You will need to download the tour in advance, and the app works offline, so a fully charged device and a charger are good ideas.
The experience is available year-round, with flexible timing. Since the tour has no expiry date, you can plan your trip around your schedule—perfect if your plans change or if you want to split it across multiple days.
How This Tour Adds Value
What makes this tour stand out is the way it balances independent exploration with the benefit of expert storytelling. The provided stories, tips, and directions give you a richer understanding of the landscape and its history, making each stop more meaningful. The ability to customize your route and the flexibility to skip or linger at spots is a huge plus, especially for seasoned travelers who dislike rigid schedules.
Another aspect worth noting, based on reviews, is the knowledgeable narration that helps spot less obvious landmarks. Since there’s no sign for Bears Tooth, the guidance here is especially valuable—”the tour will let you know the best place to see the Bear’s Tooth.”
Who Should Consider This Tour?
If you’re comfortable with using your smartphone and want a cost-effective, flexible way to explore the Beartooth Highway, this tour could be perfect. It’s ideal for travelers who love scenic drives, enjoy learning about local stories, and want the freedom to explore at their own pace. It might also appeal to those who don’t want to be tied to a group or a fixed schedule, making it ideal for independent explorers or small groups.
However, if you prefer guided tours with professional guides or need a more structured itinerary, this might not be the best fit. Also, since it relies on your device, ensure your phone is compatible and fully charged before setting out.
The Sum Up
This self-guided audio tour offers more than just directions; it transforms a scenic drive into a storytelling journey. The combination of stunning views, insightful stories, and the flexibility to explore at your leisure makes it a compelling choice for anyone heading through the Beartooth Highway. It’s particularly suited for those who like to carve their own path, enjoy learning from local lore, and want a budget-friendly experience that doesn’t skimp on quality.
If you’re the type of traveler who appreciates a personal touch but doesn’t want the constraints of a guided tour, this could be your perfect companion. It’s a smart way to turn a drive into an adventure packed with knowledge and breathtaking sights.
Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour on Beartooth Highway
“This trip was fun, informative and worth the money. I would have missed important landmarks without it.”
FAQs
Is this tour suitable for offline use?
Yes, once downloaded in the GuideAlong app, the tour works offline, so you can enjoy it without cell service.
How many people can join in one purchase?
One purchase covers up to 8 people in the same vehicle, making it a good value for small groups or families.
Can I start the tour anywhere along the route?
Absolutely. Since commentary plays automatically based on your GPS location, you can start and stop at any point along the highway.
How long does the tour typically last?
The suggested duration ranges from 8 to 12 hours, but you can customize it based on your interests and pace.
What stops are included in the tour?
Highlights include Bears Tooth, Clay Butte Fire Lookout, Island Lake, Rock Creek Vista, and Beartooth Pass, among others.
Is there an age limit or family-friendliness consideration?
The tour is mainly about scenic exploration; it’s suitable for most travelers comfortable with road trips. Not specifically targeted at children but equally accessible.
What equipment do I need?
A smartphone with sufficient battery life, a charger, and the GuideAlong app downloaded beforehand.
Are there any additional costs?
Yes, park entrance fees or national park passes aren’t included, so plan for those if applicable.
What if I need support during my trip?
GuideAlong offers toll-free phone support, chat, and email assistance should you run into issues.
Overall, if the idea of a flexible, story-rich drive appeals to you and you’re ready to make the most of Montana’s dramatic scenery, this Beartooth Highway tour is worth considering. It’s a practical, engaging way to enhance your experience without the fuss of guided groups or rigid schedules.