Few services are available once you exit Cooke City so pack plenty of food, water, and other provisions. Over the past thirty years, Ive hiked the trails just off the highway, spotted animals high upon the hillside, and slept at various campgrounds. This 12 mile hike is rated as strenuous and takes a full day. It takes about two hours to complete the entire drive, but most tourists make at least a couple of stops along the way.
Located at the northern end of the highway, Yellowstone is the worlds first national park and is home to a wide range of geological and natural wonders. Once you enter the park, y. Only a mile from Yellowstone, this modest sundry and gift shop is known for its ice cream and its incredibly hospitable owners, Cheryl and Jill. Some sites require hard-sided camping equipment. BOOK YOUR RENTAL CAR FOR THE BEARTOOTH HIGHWAY HERE. Theres a nearby store to pick up food and supplies. Beartooth Highway Tours This road is maintained by the National Park Service. Join my free Facebook community where we chat and share information about national parks, hiking, outdoor activities, and more! There are several trailheads nearby includingMount Maurice Trail,Corral Creek Trail, andBear Track Trail. With only a short hike from the highway, you will come across the roaring Crazy Creek Cascade.
Dead Texas cows: Cattle corpses found with tongues, body parts gone Fees: $18/night Having expanded in the 60s to include a motel, visitors also have the option of spending the night. As a popular summer route into Yellowstone, open from Memorial Columbus Day, many know of its existence and eagerly plan a trip to cross it. It was proposed to congress in the early 1920s; the project was expected to cost over five million dollars and take over ten years to build. The highest point along Highway 212 with an elevation of 10,947 ft., Beartooth Pass has been used long before there was a paved road demarking it as it was used by Native Americans for centuries and later by fur trading settlers.
The Beartooth Highway Is One Of The Best Road Trips In America You never know. Can't wait to connect with you! will get you an up-front and personal look at the Clarks Fork River Valley. Mountain goats, lions, moose, bears, and wolves are among the wildlife you will encounter on your journey. Snowstorms can occur as late as July near Beartooth Pass, so be sure to bring gear for yourself and your vehicle just in case you get caught in unexpected weather. No reservations, first come, first serve only. - Picnicking offers a relaxing way to take in views and to fuel the body for the remainder of your adventure. Stop by the Beartooth Scenic Byway Welcome Sign, Conclusion: driving the Beartooth Highway, BOOK YOUR RENTAL CAR FOR THE BEARTOOTH HIGHWAY HERE, 34 of the Absolute Best Hikes in Yellowstone National Park, The Ultimate Guide to Shoshone National Park, The Ultimate Guide to the Bridger-Teton National Forest, 20 of the Absolute Best Montana Hiking Trails, Highline Trail: Logan Pass to the Loop in Glacier National Park (2023), The Best Time to Visit Glacier National Park (2023), The Ultimate Guide to Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park. Cooke City Montana Museum My name is Alex and Im here to help you have the outdoors adventure of a lifetime! Season: Early June to Early September The project was greenlit and finally surveyed in 1927, though construction didnt begin until 1931. I drove the Beartooth Highwayfrom Yellowstone National Park into Billings Montana. With its headwaters just outside of Cooke City, Montana, the upper section of this tributary is a fishermans dream. Hike like a pro: Get an AllTrails Pro membership! Its picturesque setting and beautiful waters make it a popular destination for visitors. Yellowstone National Park opened for partial access last weekend . Thankfully there are places to stay while en route, especially if you like to camp. Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone National Park, Cooke City/Colter Pass/Silver Gate Chamber of Commerce site, US Forest Service Beartooth Ranger Station. For information on individual campgrounds and what they offer and require visit here. Facilities: Fire rings, picnic tables, toilets, potable water, firewood for purchase This is also one of the few places to take a bathroom break but bring hand sanitizer the bathroom' is no more than a wood room with a hole in the ground and no sinks. This high-elevation lake is extremely scenic and easily reached by car, so dont be surprised if you find several other people enjoying the recreation area, trails, and campground when you arrive. Is it safe to drive Beartooth Highway? The Beartooth Highway is a breathtaking scenic drive that winds through the mountains of Montana and Wyoming. The Beartooth Highway is typically open from late May to mid October, depending on the weather. Campsites: 16 Let me know in the comments! 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. Its located on the Beartooth Highway. Stepping out of the car and taking in the view of the infamous Bear's Tooth and seeing the numerous lakes that dot the landscape really paint the possibility of what the fishing can behold on the highway and beyond. Equipment rentals, like fishing gear and canoes, are also available if you wish to spend the day exploring one of the many nearby lakes. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. Bison, elk, pronghorn, and moose are often visible with the naked eye from the roadway. It offers breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys, making it a must-see destination for anyone driving the Beartooth Highway. Lower Lady of the Lake Trailhead Clarks Fork Overlook, located along the Beartooth Highway in Montana, offers breathtaking views of Clarks Fork and the surrounding mountains and valleys. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Earth Trekkers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. There are a few interpretive displays here that explain some of the history and geology of the area. Dont miss our article Best Things to Do in Glacier National Park for more great things to do in the park. The highest elevation is 10,947 ft (3,337 m) above sea level, and the highway is 68. They source their beef from Gallaghers Natural Beef & Produce, a local, family-owned business that specializes in humanely raised grass-fed beef. Lonesome Mountain, starting from Beartooth Lake Campground, takes around eight.
Beartooth Highway Yellowstone Park Highway to the Sky - Red Lodge At 7,600 feet, Cooke City lies 4 miles east of Yellowstone National Park. The view from Pilot and Index Peaks Overlook (aka Yellowstone Overlook). There are many places along with this point where you can stop and take in views of the road. This 68-mile, scenic section of U.S. Route 212 zigzags along the Montana-Wyoming border connecting the parks northeast entrance community of Cooke City, Montana, to Red Lodge, Montana, in a series of steep and thrilling switchbacks. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. It is typically closed from early October through Memorial Day, due to heavy snowfall. Hard copies of the map are available at the parks North Entrance station and the Gardiner Visitor Information Center. You can supplement your cooler with snacks and beverages from the Gardiner Market. Bring Hand Sanitizer All the bathrooms I found along the highway were no more than a little room with a hole in the ground and no sinks. . Managing several sites in the region, you can find information about the Abaroska Wilderness and Beartooth Highway at the Beartooth Ranger Station. It is a narrow, winding road edged with steep cliffs that stretches for 68 miles between Red Lodge and Yellowstone National Park. But if youre up for a thrilling drive and some breathtaking views, the Beartooth Highway is a must-see destination. When you leave Yellowstone you first enter Silver Gate and shortly after that is Cooke City. Beartooth Lake is absolutely worth making the stop. It took us just under 3 hours and we stopped frequently for photos. Suitable for both tents and RVs, this is a well-appointed campground that takes reservations up to six months in advance. It's really a wonderful scenic drive that is well worth the extra time to take. But when mining operations began to dominate the nearby counties is when local entrepreneurs began to realize how lucrative a paved road across the Beartooth Range could be to transport mining supplies and ore. For more information visit the Custer Gallatin National Forest website. Facilities: Vault toilets Beartooth Basin is one of North Americas oldest alpine ski training areas. Campsites: 6 Need gas, a snack or a place to stretch your legs? The highway's summit is over 10,000 feet elevation. The Beartooth Highway is one of the most scenic drives in the United States. The Pollard Hotel Red Lodge $$$ Ive learned first hand that the Beartooth Pass is far more than just a means to reach one of the countrys most famous national parks. In the winter, Cooke City transforms into a winter wonderland, with cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling available. It starts in Red Lodge, Montana and ends at Yellowstone National Park. The highway is known for its winding, narrow roads and steep grades, so its definitely not for the faint of heart. A 420 foot long bridge is being erected over Beartooth Ravine. The building began as a saloon and general store in 1917, closed for several years in 1967, then was finally reopened in 2007 by Matt and Jody Hines. If you have timeyou could take a stroll through Cooke Citys historic district, or hit up one of the many local trailheads to embark on an epic hike. Know that, while you might be tempted to follow the ridge, going down into the valley and back up proves much faster. Two Bears Inn Bed & Breakfast Red Lodge Area $$$ If youre planning on visiting the Beartooth Highway, Beartooth Basin is a must-see destination! It is also called Beartooth National Scenic Byway, Beartooth All-American Road, Highway 212, and the Red Lodge-Cooke City Highway. Recommended hiking poles: Black Diamond Trail Cork Trekking Poles Hellroaring Plateau is the mountain range on the opposite side of Rock Creek Canyon. This vast wilderness of nearly a million acres includes the majestic Absaroka and Beartooth mountains. At the far side of Cooke City look for stunning arrays of wildflowers and ambling black bears as you begin your ascent on the well-marked Beartooth Highway. The highest elevation is 10,947 ft (3,337 m) above sea level, and the highway is 68. Rock Creek Vista is a popular scenic overlook located along the Beartooth Highway in Montana. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. Note: The highway may only be open from May- October but that doesnt mean the towns are inaccessible in winter. Signs along the drive tell the tale of the flight of Chief Josephs band of Nez Perce. Its highway designation is US 212 and it is a designated All-American Road. From this overlook, you also look out over Clarks Fork River Valley and the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness Area.
Planning a Beartooth Highway road trip Rattin Campground Named an All-American Road by the National Scenic Byways, The Beartooth Pass takes visitors through some of the most remote environment in the country. Website A list of campgrounds can be found here, along with approximate distances from both Cooke City and Red Lodge. Love the outdoors? How long does it take to drive the Beartooth Highway? Heres a quick glance at some of the things you wont want to miss just off of Beartooth Highway. Make sure to include a stop at Lake Creek Falls on your itinerary when traveling along the Beartooth Highway. Later on, in the summer you will enjoy yellow aspen trees that pair nicely with the dark hues of the mountains in the backdrop. There is a short paved trail to an overlook where you have an awesome view of Rock Creek Canyon and Hellroaring Plateau. Beartooth Hideaway Red Lodge $$ Electric sites are available for compatible RVs. You can hike the Beartooth Loop National Recreation Trail at this point. 36. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Moose on the Loose Mountain Villa Red Lodge Area $$$$ It's a great route to take on your Montana road trip! How to Add Beartooth Highway onto Your Visit to Yellowstone. Check below for a few choice activities in Silver Gate (and Cooke City following,) but you can also peruse the Cooke City/Colter Pass/Silver Gate Chamber of Commerce sitefor even more information about local tourist attractions and events happening in the area. Take advantage of it!! Built on Beartooth Lake in 1934, it has since moved to sit right along the Beartooth Highway and serves as the only store along the pass. Suitable for tents and RVs up to 40 ft. Beartooth Highway has been called the most beautiful drive in America by On the Road correspondent Charles Kuralt. The mountains got their name from a rugged peak found within the range that resembles a bear's tooth, and they border both the fossil-rich Bighorn Basin and the Absaroka Range. It starts in Red Lodge, Montana and ends at the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone. This is a beautiful part of the drive. This guide contains affiliate links to trusted partners. Construction began in 1931 and over the course of five years, work crews built the switchbacks for which it would become famous. Though Cooke City is a small town with a population of only around 250, its considerably larger than the tiny community of Silver Gate and has a considerable amount of infrastructure for visitors. If this is part of a bigger road trip through the USA, visit our United States Travel Guide for more inspiration and travel planning tips. Founded by John and Karen Potter in 1988, Yellowstone Touring Company specializes in providing tours of the Yellowstone National Park and Beartooth Highway. The area is also home to a number of charming cabins and campgrounds, making it a great place to stay overnight. The Yellowstone Preservation Trust Montana is a statewide nonprofit organization that preserves and restores the natural beauty of Montana. Sign up to receive email updates each time I add an experience to the site! Typically, opens right around Memorial Day. Campsites: 33 This post may contain affiliate or referral links. When the government subsequently designated Yellowstone as a National Park in 1872, the amount of people only increased, as tourists arrived in hopes of exploring its geothermal landscape. Incredible Scenic Beartooth Highway - Long Version - between Montana and Wyoming "The most beautiful road in America" was coined by the late Charles Kuralt t. Leave your car in park as you head out on the many trails that take you further into the Beartooth-Absaroka wilderness. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Has anyone died on Beartooth Pass? They do this by purchasing land and easements, restoring habitats, and engaging in advocacy for public lands. Opening and closing dates can vary from year to year, so be sure to check road conditions with the National Parks Service in advance of your trip. 7 Miles (110.6 km) long. Suitable for tents and RVs up to 20 ft. VISIT THE US NATIONAL PARKS: Looking for your next big adventure? 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. These paths became popular with settlers, fur trappers, and loggers in particular. This forest covers nearly 2.5 million acres in northern Wyoming. They also provide a visitors guide that includes a map of the town, information on lodging, dining, and shopping options, as well as scenic drives in the area. Pullouts along the way allow visitors a chance to exit their cars and safely take photographs of the mountain scenery. There is a short road to Beartooth Pass Overlook where you can take in the view. 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. Pikas do neither. It is one of the most scenic drives in the USA. Yellowstone National Park is a must-see destination for anyone driving through the Beartooth Pass. Related:Ultimate Guide to Little Bighorn Battlefield. From deer to wolves and bears to moose, youre likely to find tracks or scat at the very least. Theres also a snowmobile road that begins here and connects to 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 Beartooth Scenic Byway Welcome Sign is a popular landmark located at the southern end when you drive Beartooth Highway in Red Lodge, Montana. Fees: $17/night We also have guides to the top sights in Yellowstone, such as Old Faithful, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, how to visit Grand Prismatic Spring, and a Guide to the Geyser Basins. It is a narrow, winding road edged with steep cliffs that stretches for 68 miles between Red Lodge and Yellowstone National Park. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. The Beartooth Highway starts in Red Lodge Montana and ends at the Northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park. Clay Butte Fire Lookout Tower Rock Creek Vista Beartooth Pass, the highest motor crossing in Wyoming, reaches an elevation of 10,947 feet. The park is known for its geysers, including the iconic Old Faithful Geyser, as well as its stunning landscapes, including mountains, forests, and rivers. Shops and restaurants of all kinds line the towns vibrant Main Street. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. super and great highway reacted out to share with here, Copyright 2023 Our Roaming Hearts | Bamboo on Trellis Framework by Mediavine. Unlike the Going-to-the-Sun Road, you do not need a reservation or a ticket to drive on Beartooth Highway. Take your time and drive slow and take it all in. With so much to see and do, Yellowstone is the perfect place to continue your journey after driving the Beartooth Highway. The Top of the World Store offers a variety of souvenirs, snacks, and beverages, making it a convenient place to stock up on supplies for your journey. Leave a Comment Cancel replyCommentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "ad745959d4cfc18c5b1397faea80cd04" );document.getElementById("a590a7590e").setAttribute( "id", "comment" );Name