That's a judgment call - and I would just suggest you head toward Red Lodge and make sure you get to the highest part of the drive - and also see some of the beautiful lakes - and then if you feel you have to turn around before you get over to Red Lodge - just do so.

Here is a good webpage to give you a general idea. http://www.beartoothhighway.com/roadMaps/index.html#Wayfinding

There is a point where you start descending and getting out of scenery. It might be around #1 on the map Tomsd posted. I think that would be a good turnaround point or you could stop somewhere around #2 on the map. You certainly don't need to go all the way to Red Lodge.

Where is Mineral Hot Springs. Are you talking about the hot springs at Thermopolis?

Sorry, Connie, that should be Mammoth Hot Springs near the north entrance.

Thanks for the web page, Tom.

Are you going back to Mammoth or on to somewhere else? It looks like you will go around 80-90 miles one way. It's about 50 miles to Cooke City and then you will need to go at least at least another 30 miles or so.

A good place to hike is at Island Lake campground. We camped there and took a trail that starts at the lake and follows a chain of lakes north. You should see a pretty good waterfall but they've had less snowfall this year so who knows.

We're staying at Mammoth 2 nights, Signal Mt 4 nights and then Old Faithful Lodge 5 nights before heading back to Salt Lake for flight. First 2 nights will be somewhere west of parks, most likely Idaho Falls. Don't want to get too crazy with long distance travel, but we missed the Beartooth on our first trip to the parks. Now we're bringing 6 other friends with us.

With 5 nights at Old Faithful you are going to have plenty of time to see the park. Taking a day to do the Beartooth won't hurt you any. You are staying far longer than most people do in the area. Good for you!