Beartooth Highway: Things to Do, Map, Photos & Travel Tips Join the community!Love the outdoors? Silver Gate Many portions of the highway were originally paths used by the Shoshone and Crow for thousands of years. Hiking trails take you around the towns perimeter and further afield into Custer Gallatin National Forest. Theres a wide variety of lodgings available in the region ranging from bare-bones campgrounds all the way to multi-room mountain villas. So do it before you start the highway and every chance you get. If youre looking for a rustic mountain lodge experience, the Alpine Lodge has several unpretentious, comfortable rooms. The Chief Joseph Highway is plowed, meaning Cooke City is reachable if you fly into Cody, Wyoming. When is the best time to drive Beartooth Highway? Cooke City Though its less than two miles long, the trail sits between 7,500 and 10,000 feet, which can challenge even experienced hikers. The Yellowstone Forever store in Gardiner sells binoculars and spotting scopes for better wildlife viewing and has an interactive map showing recent sightings. Overall, the Alpine Lakes are a must-see destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of the Beartooth Mountains. Here youll exit through the parks northeast station and pass through the communities of Silvergate and Cooke City, Montana, where gas and other services are available. Spacious room with comfortable beds. Though its colloquially called Beartooth Highway its official name is the Beartooth National Scenic Byway. If you have any questions about Beartooth Highway, or if you would like to share your experience, let us know in the comment section below. The Beartooth Mountains have to be one of my most favorite places in the world! Its also home to the Red Lodge Mountain Ski Area, arguably Montanas favorite ski resort thats been open since 1939, though its only open when Beartooth Highway is closed. A fire station that sits within the Shoshone National Forest and Absaroka Mountains, you can climb the tower for a spectacular vista and, if youre lucky, chat with a ranger who is in residence. There are plenty of things to see and do along the Beartooth Highway. Campsites: 18 Construction began in 1931 and over the course of five years, work crews built the switchbacks for which it would become famous. Facilities: Boat ramp, picnic tables, toilets, potable water Mountain goats, lions, moose, bears, and wolves are among the wildlife you will encounter on your journey. Will Beck Swing by Scoops for some delicious local ice cream (Moose Tracks is a must try flavor) or stop in Sylvan Peak to load up outdoor gear. The tower is open to the public and offers a unique opportunity to see the landscape from a different perspective. They have a variety of menu items including burgers, sandwiches, and salads, but folks always return for their famous lumberjack-style breakfasts like the fried trout or their extra-fluffy pancakes made from Hannahs original depression-era secret recipe. Welcome to Montana Sign As you leave the town behind you will start to get your first glimpses of the Beartooth mountain and the drive ahead. No reservations, first come, first serve only. They also have a small menu of expertly crafted classic American bar food. The highway is closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall and dangerous driving conditions, and driving it is extremely weather dependent. Moose on the Loose Mountain Villa Red Lodge Area $$$$ It starts in Red Lodge, Montana and ends at the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone. Thankfully there are places to stay while en route, especially if you like to camp. Electric sites are available for compatible RVs. The Log Cabin Cafe Take your time the views are amazing. FAQs About Beartooth Highway Many folks travel the Beartooth Highway after exiting Yellowstone National Park through the Northeast Entrance. The feature that lent its name to the eponymous pass and highway, the Bears Tooth translated from the CrowNa Piet Say is a pyramidal spire in the Beartooth Mountains. Opening for business in mid-to-late May, those craving an extended season can squeeze in a few more runs, even in the heart of summer. It passes through theGallatin, Shoshone, and Custer National Forests. Take your time and drive slow and take it all in. The building began as a saloon and general store in 1917, closed for several years in 1967, then was finally reopened in 2007 by Matt and Jody Hines. Cooke City is also a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with a variety of recreational activities available including hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and skiing. It takes about two hours to complete the entire drive, but most tourists make at least a couple of stops along the way. Fill up the Gas Tank The same way there are few places to stop to eat and drink, there are just a few to fill up with gas. After pass the Beartooth Plateau, Beartooth Lake is a captivating gem that offers a serene escape for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty. Pack a lunch; grab a camera; and enjoy a driving experience like no other! There are several stops along Beartooth Lake to stop and take it in. If youre planning on visiting the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone National Park, there are several lodges, cabins, and campgrounds available within the park. Electric sites are available for compatible RVs. This depends on how many stops you make and of course the weather but the average is 2 hours one way. Keep in mind the Beartooth Highway is normally closed from sometime in the end of September to Memorial Day weekend. The title comes from a Crow Indian word Na Piet Say, which means the bears tooth referring to a sharp rock formation that sticks up out of the plateau toward the roads summit. At this point, you are 38 miles from Red Lodge and 25 miles from Cooke City. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Along the way, it passes through some of the most stunning scenery in the region, including alpine meadows and alpine tundra, crystal clear lakes, forested, valleys, and rugged peaks. Over the past thirty years, Ive hiked the trails just off the highway, spotted animals high upon the hillside, and slept at various campgrounds. Just beyond this sign, the road begins its thrilling climb up into the mountains. Hard copies of the map are available at the parks North Entrance station and the Gardiner Visitor Information Center. Originally built in 1942 to manage forest fires in the Abaroska Wilderness, the lookout tower is now a volunteer-run visitor center where you can find information about the region as well as the history of fire management. Be sure to pick up a few olden days postcards. The Beartooth Highway is part of the larger National Scenic Byway System. From here, you can ascend to the summit of Beartooth Butte, another of the areas more unique landforms, in a few hours. Meandering down the pass, the next body of water is Island Lake. Make sure to include a stop at Lake Creek Falls on your itinerary when traveling along the Beartooth Highway. Always check the road conditions before your trip just in case of road closures caused by snow, heavy rain, mudslides, or construction. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. The Beartooth Highway is a pretty remote highway through the wilderness. Bears Tooth Made from unstable rock, you cant hike to the top of either; but one can, if feeling adventurous and in possession of great orienteering skills, climb to the saddle (youll need 2 cars, as it is not a loop, and at least 12 hours). Curious onlookers lined the road as the animals sheepishly entered the highway, guided by ranchers and steered by sheepdogs. , Recommended hiking boots: Salomon Quest 4 Gore-tex , Recommended jacket: The North Face Antora Jacket , Recommended hiking poles: Black Diamond Trail Cork Trekking Poles , Recommended day pack: Osprey Daylite Pack , Hike like a pro: Get an AllTrails Pro membership! Alpine Motel of Cooke City Cooke City $$ This scenic drive packs a lot into its 68.7 miles through the Beartooth Pass. The Beartooth Highway, nicknamed the "Highway to the Sky" and named an All-American Highway, is a segment of U.S. Route 212 that connects Yellowstone National Park to Red Lodge, Montana. Dead Texas cows: Cattle corpses found with tongues, body parts gone Open to hard-sided camping only, like trailers and RVs. The Beartooth Highway is part of the larger National Scenic Byway System. The Top of the World Store is known for its stunning views of the mountains and valleys, and its a great place to stop and take a break from the road. To get here, it is a 3-mile drive up a gravel road. The road passes through the widespread Tower-Roosevelt and Lamar Valley regions of Yellowstone before travelling into thick, old-growth forests and ancient volcanic mountains that define the northeast corner of the park. Youll also find plenty to explore at the here, as the area is known for its interesting rock formations and fossil deposits. Built in 1936, Beartooth Highway is a 68-mile length of U.S. Route 212 near Yellowstone National Park. This is a great place to stop if you need food, gas, souvenirs, or lodging. To check current road conditions click here. Make sure to include a visit to this overlook on your journey along the Beartooth Highway. This viewpoint is located near the top of the switchbacks. Suitable for both tents and RVs, this is a well-appointed campground that takes reservations up to six months in advance. Please take extra care when traveling along Beartooth Highway, and be sure to follow all published road signs as well as the direction of the National Parks Service. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. At the end of the three-mile-long forest road 142, youll find one of the Civilian Conservation Corps decommissioned lookout towers. The Beartooth Mountains are located in south central Montana and northwest Wyoming, U.S. and are part of the 944,000 acres (382,000 ha) Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, within Custer, Gallatin and Shoshone National Forests.The Beartooths are the location of Granite Peak, which at 12,807 feet (3,904 m) is the highest point in the state of Montana.The mountains are just northeast of Yellowstone . Join my free Facebook community where we chat and share information about national parks, hiking, outdoor activities, and more! The project was greenlit and finally surveyed in 1927, though construction didnt begin until 1931. There are several base areas suited to skiers of all levels, so beginners up to expert skiers should feel plenty challenged. The Na Piet Say Rock is a historic landmark located along the Beartooth Highway in Montana. If youre beginning in Red Lodge and traveling to Yellowstone, you can simply follow the guide in reverse. Is it safe to drive Beartooth Highway? Few services are available once you exit Cooke City so pack plenty of food, water, and other provisions. Bannock Trailhead Beartooth Highway closed on October 7, during the first snowfall of the season. From here, the next facilities are at Tower and Mammoth, inside the park. A classic American roadhouse with a fine-dining twist, the Carbon County Steakhouse is renowned for its attention to detail and exceptional menu. Red Lodge Ales If you have timeyou could take a stroll through Cooke Citys historic district, or hit up one of the many local trailheads to embark on an epic hike. If youre in the market for quirky shirts or funny souvenirs, like elk poop candy, head to Moosley Tees. Later on, in the summer you will enjoy yellow aspen trees that pair nicely with the dark hues of the mountains in the backdrop. With its headwaters just outside of Cooke City, Montana, the upper section of this tributary is a fishermans dream. Its located on the Beartooth Highway. Suitable for tents and RVs up to 40 ft. Beartooth Highway was built to connect Cooke City with Red Lodge to aid in mining operations, though it is now used primarily by tourists traveling either to or from Yellowstone National Park. There is a sign along the Beartooth Highway midway along the high plateau that indicates which state you are actually in. Various accommodations dot the town, with motels, hotels and guest ranches offering a plethora of options. For a breathtaking tour along the top of the world drive the Beartooth Highway east of Yellowstone National Park. Perched at a precarious elevation of 9,190 ft, Rock Creek Vista is a favorite place to take photos among tourists. A six-bedroom, three-bath cabin, the Moose on the Loose Mountain Villa is a beautifully designed and furnished home with all the amenities of home. This is also where I was able to watch the clouds roll in over the lake and where it started snowing on my drive! Nestled against the Beartooths, Montana's highest mountain peaks, Red Lodge is a place of extraordinary beauty and, wherever you turn, real smiles, genuine warmth and a welcoming, Western-style hospitality. Theres also a gazebo with a fishing pond and the nearby Blackfoot River that attract many anglers. Beginners should be wary of the altitude and be sure to take plenty of water along with them. We drove about 70 miles to get out of the park onto the Beartooth Highway and then, at least, another 70 miles to Red Lodge, Montana. Originally built in 1942 to manage forest fires in the Abaroska Wilderness, the lookout tower is now a volunteer-run visitor center where you can find information about the region as well as the history of fire management. At its summit, the road reaches 10,947 feet, making it the highest US road when it was first opened, on June 14th, 1936. You just have to get a bit creative/be flexible. Island Lake Campground Dont miss our article Best Things to Do in Glacier National Park for more great things to do in the park. Note: The highway may only be open from May- October but that doesnt mean the towns are inaccessible in winter. To learn more about how to Leave No Trace and respect these spots, I encourage you to visit nativegov.org. Past here, lodgings are limited to campgrounds and the occasional cabin until you reach the Red Lodge area. The area has particularly good trails, particularly theBeartooth Lakes Loop, which travels past a few smaller Alpine Lakes as well. Season: Early June to Early September It is 68 miles long. Know that, while you might be tempted to follow the ridge, going down into the valley and back up proves much faster. View All Posts Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. The Beartooth Highway: Driving to the Sky on the Orphaned Road Rock Creek Vista From Red Lodge, you can take the Beartooth Highway along the Beartooth Corridor all the way to the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone National Park. Suitable for tents and RVs up to 20 ft. Rock Creek Vista is a popular scenic overlook located along the Beartooth Highway in Montana. It is 25 miles from Cooke City and 38 miles from Red Lodge. Beartooth Cafe Since then, the Beartooth Highway has often been referred to as one of the most beautiful mountain drives in America. Originally built in 1932, the Elk Horn Lodge has seen many renovations, and offers many amenities such as an indoor pool, spa, fitness center, and game room. You just have to snowmobile there. This gives you time for stops at scenic overlooks along the drive. Fees: $20/night Theres a nearby store to pick up food and supplies. The Beartooth Highway is a breathtaking scenic drive that winds through the mountains of Montana and Wyoming. Email Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "ad745959d4cfc18c5b1397faea80cd04" );document.getElementById("a590a7590e").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The Alpine Motel of Cooke City Montana, located at the entrance to Yellowstone National Park, is a family-owned motel. Additionally, on your drive up toward the pass summit, you might catch sight of the Bears Tooth, the rock formation for which the range is named. Busses of Yellowstone Preservation Trust Sign up to receive email updates each time I add an experience to the site! While the Beartooth Highway is generally safe for most motorists, you should be prepared for inclement weather even in the summer. Read more about this in our, is an epic 68-mile byway that stretches through southwest Montana and heads right into, With only a short hike from the highway, you will come across the roaring. Hotels When is the Beartooth Highway open? I have visited here back in 2019. Highlights of Beartooth Highway in Stunning Photos Crews removing snow ahead of Beartooth Highway reopening Its highest point, at an elevation of 10,947 feet, is Beartooth Pass. A classic American roadhouse with a fine-dining twist, the Carbon County Steakhouse is renowned for its attention to detail and exceptional menu. From this pullout, you have another nice view of Clarks Fork River Valley. Youre in and out in a few minutes but it undoubtedly adds to the mountain town experience. Put simply, yes, there have been a number of Beartooth highway deaths. There are several trailheads nearby includingMount Maurice Trail,Corral Creek Trail, andBear Track Trail. Explore the Clarks Fork Picnic area 4 miles east of Cooke City for a short, accessible, interpretive walk or for the start of a longer hiking expedition. This allowed me to drive the famous Lamar Valley of Yellowstone and see some amazing animals. You will cross the 45th parallel, which is the halfway point between the North Pole and the equator. Along the way, youll find a number of interesting landmarks and points of interest, including the Chief Joseph Scenic Overlook, which offers breathtaking views of the nearby mountain range. Typically, opens right around Memorial Day. All nine trails, accessible from two high speed lifts, are quite steep, designed for well-practiced skiers but offer spectacular views and snow that hasnt seen traffic all winter.