Part classic Montana tavern, part package store, part cafe, Miners Saloon is a historic landmark in Cooke City, Montana. The Beartooth Highway straddles the border between Montana and Wyoming, where some of the road is in Montana, and some of it is in Wyoming. Suitable for both tents and RVs, this is a well-appointed campground that takes reservations up to six months in advance. If youre interested in history, the Clay Butte Fire Lookout Tower is also a good place to learn about the regions past, as it was built in the 1930s as a fire lookout tower. The 45th Parallel Crossing on the Beartooth Highway is a popular landmark located at the midpoint of the highway. This viewpoint is located near the top of the switchbacks. If youre looking for a rustic mountain lodge experience, the Alpine Lodge has several unpretentious, comfortable rooms. There are several trailheads nearby includingMount Maurice Trail,Corral Creek Trail, andBear Track Trail. The other route to the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone National Park is the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway. If youre also visiting Yellowstone National Park, youll need to purchase a Parks Pass. Spacious room with comfortable beds. Its also the highest elevation highway in both states. The 45th Parallel is a line of latitude that runs halfway between the North Pole and the equator, and its marked by a sign on the highway. With so much to see and do, Yellowstone is the perfect place to continue your journey after driving the Beartooth Highway. Beartooth Lake Campground Where can I stay near the Beartooth Highway? While the Beartooth Highway is generally safe for most motorists, you should be prepared for inclement weather even in the summer. There are a few interpretive displays here that explain some of the history and geology of the area. And for oddball animal entertainment, don't miss . Opening and closing dates vary from year to year. BOOK YOUR RENTAL CAR FOR THE BEARTOOTH HIGHWAY HERE. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Rattin Campground Wilderness, mountain landscapes, and heavily-forested areas await you on this scenic road trip. In the winter, Cooke City transforms into a winter wonderland, with cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling available. If youre planning on visiting the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone National Park, there are several lodges, cabins, and campgrounds available within the park. Yellowstone National Park opened for partial access last weekend . Colloquially, it is known as one of the most scenic driving routes in the world. 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. Overnight Accommodation Along The Beartooth Highway The route peaks at the Beartooth Passat nearly 11,000 feet and offers a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains before beginning its sharp descent. This charming town sits at the base of the Beartooth Mountains. Miners Saloon The Pilot and Index Peaks Overlook along the Beartooth Highway in Montana offers breathtaking views of Pilot and Index Peaks, as well as the surrounding mountains and valleys. Whether youre interested in the best hikes in Yellowstone National Park, or history, or just want to take in the breathtaking scenery, Yellowstone has something for everyone. 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. We drove past the bridge in October 2021 and it was nowhere near being completed. Red Lodge is a small but bustling town at the other end of Beartooth Highway. Its located on the Beartooth Highway. Facilities: Fire rings, picnic tables, toilets, potable water, garbage pick-up During the winter months, the pass is closed due to heavy snowfall and dangerous driving conditions. From here youll be able to see the Beartooth Plateau and Yellowstone National Park, and you may even spot an elk, deer, moose, and if youre very lucky, a bear. The Alpine Motel of Cooke City Montana, located at the entrance to Yellowstone National Park, is a family-owned motel. Theres no place better for skiing enthusiasts than Beartooth Basin, sitting just below the summit of Beartooth Pass. In order to take full advantage of the Beartooth Highway, consider spending a night at one or more of the thirteen campgrounds that sit between Red Lodge and Cooke City. If youre interested in geology, youll also find plenty to explore at Rock Creek Vista, as the area is known for its interesting rock formations and fossil deposits. Beartooth Highway Elevations. Rock Creek Vista is a great place to stop and take a break from the road, and its also a popular spot for picnicking and taking photos. The area has particularly good trails, particularly theBeartooth Lakes Loop, which travels past a few smaller Alpine Lakes as well. About halfway between Red Lodge and Cooke City youll find The Top of the World, sitting at 9,400 ft above sea level. About The Author A license is needed and regulations vary depending on the stretch of the river you fish. It is a thrilling drive from start to finish. The road is very wide with guardrails, so it is safe and easy to drive, just keep your eyes on the road. Beartooth Highway is a section of US Route 212 that connects Red Lodge, Montana with Cooke City-Silver Gate, Montana. Though its less than two miles long, the trail sits between 7,500 and 10,000 feet, which can challenge even experienced hikers. Breathtaking Red Fox Moment on the Beartooth Plateau Near - YouTube The Top of the World Store, situated at 9,400 feet above sea level approximately 25 miles east of Cooke City, offers snacks and beverages and souvenirs (they ship!) The Beartooth Highway is unquestionably one of the most scenic drives on earth. In 2003, they added additional accommodations for visitors to stay at before or after their tour with them. With a general store, rustic cabins, and equipment rentals, the Top of the World Resort makes for a unique stop near Beartooth Pass. Always check the road conditions before your trip just in case of road closures caused by snow, heavy rain, mudslides, or construction. Various lakes, such as Beauty and Becker, are perfect picnic destinations, reachable on relatively flat ground. But, with so many activities, such beautiful campgrounds, and vast landscape, fully enjoying all the pass has to offer definitely requires spending a night or two. Red Lodge Montana Gateway to Yellowstone National Park via the Scenic This small, pyramidal rock is what gives the Beartooth Mountains its name. There are many places along with this point where you can stop and take in views of the road. Fees: $20/night Fox Creek Campground 2,500 sheep crossing an Idaho highway draw a crowd of onlookers - NPR At the end of the three-mile-long forest road 142, youll find one of the Civilian Conservation Corps decommissioned lookout towers. Stop the Car Trading Post The inn was built in 1909 by two brothers who were both bear hunters so itwas originally called the Bear Hunters Inn. On the outskirts of Silver Gate is the trailhead to the Bannock Ski Trail, a two-mile cross-country ski trail that follows a retired mining path from Silver Gate to just inside Yellowstone. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Take your time the views are amazing. The Northeast Entrance Road will take you east to the community of Cooke City, Montana, and connect you to the Beartooth Highway at the opposite side of town. July 25, 2014. The highway was built between 1932 and 1936 and named after the Beartooth Range, which it traverses. This is the perfect place to stock up on supplies, enjoy a meal, or stay overnight before you continue along the Beartooth Highway. Past here, lodgings are limited to campgrounds and the occasional cabin until you reach the Red Lodge area. Open to hard-sided camping only, like trailers and RVs. The byway is named after Chief Joseph, a Nez Perce leader who fought to preserve his tribes land in the late 1800s. This is the perfect place to stock up on supplies, enjoy a meal, or stay overnight before you continue along the Beartooth Highway. Over the course of several miles, Beartooth Highway steeply ascends up into the mountains. Incredible Scenic Beartooth Highway - Long Version - between Montana and Wyoming "The most beautiful road in America" was coined by the late Charles Kuralt t. Before doing this drive, get updates on the National Park Service website and the Montana.gov website. Cooke City Fees: $10/night Wilderness, mountain landscapes, and heavily-forested areas await you on this scenic road trip. Just make sure your dates of travel are from June through early October, when this road is typically open. Along Beartooth Highway, you will travel through several national forests, view the tallest peaks in Montana, see numerous alpine lakes, and have the option to add on short hikes to viewpoints and waterfalls. The highest elevation is 10,947 ft (3,337 m) above sea level, and the highway is 68. Bring Water and Snacks There are so many long stretches of no exits and no places to stop for something to eat or drink. Driving the Beartooth Highway Part of route 212 in Montana and Wyoming, the Beartooth Highway runs between Red Lodge and the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone National Park. Na Piet Say means bears tooth by the Crow Indians. How Long Does It Take to Drive Beartooth Highway? The highway starts in the town of Red Lodge, which is located about an hours drive from Billings in Southwest Montana and one of the best things to do in Billings, Montana. It takes about two hours to complete the entire drive, but most tourists make at least a couple of stops along the way. This campground is particularly popular with anglers. YELLOWSTONE & GRAND TETON: Learn how to plan the perfect trip to Yellowstone and Grand Teton in our Yellowstone & Grand Teton Travel Planner. After eating breakfast at one of the towns many restaurants and coffee shops pick up a grab and go lunch from the Yellowstone Grill or Gardiner Subway where you can call the night before and place an order. Various accommodations dot the town, with motels, hotels and guest ranches offering a plethora of options. To return to Yellowstone, you can retrace the route along Beartooth Highway, and then drive through Lamar Valley in the afternoon, a great time to be here. is a great destination for that. Another short series of switchbacks takes you up to Beartooth Pass. The tower is open to the public and offers a unique opportunity to see the landscape from a different perspective. 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. Clarks Fork Overlook, located along the Beartooth Highway in Montana, offers breathtaking views of Clarks Fork and the surrounding mountains and valleys. Pikas do neither. And what an awesome way to enter Yellowstone National Park. Its known for its stunning alpine meadows and crystal-clear lakes, making it a great place for hiking, picnicking, and fishing. A picturesque site right on Island Lake for tents and RVs up to 32 ft. Non-motorized craft can be used on the lake, with access at an onsite boat ramp. Beartooth Highway is a section of US Route 212 that connects Red Lodge, Montana with Cooke City-Silver Gate, Montana. Bison, elk, pronghorn, and moose are often visible with the naked eye from the roadway. A short series of switchbacks brings you to a plateau that is filled with alpine lakes. Theres a lot of information here, particularly if youre planning your first trip to Beartooth Highway. The area is also home to a number of charming cabins and campgrounds, making it a great place to stay overnight. Season: Early July to Mid-September Bears, wolves, and other predators are often visible from a distance. It is 68 miles long. Its always a good idea to book your accommodations in advance, especially during the peak tourist season. This guide covers road trip routes, essential information about how and where to rent a car, where to stay, and more. Here youll find plenty of snacks and souvenirs, and maybe even a few tips on the best places to see in the area. The atmosphere would be so healthy there. This is also where you can purchase any recreational licenses or permits you may need for your trip. 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. From this trail, you get to see incredible alpine vistas, forests, and meadows. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The Beartooth Mountain that the highway got its name from it 10,947 feet high. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". 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. On the outskirts of Silver Gate is the trailhead to the Bannock Ski Trail, a two-mile cross-country ski trail that follows a retired mining path from Silver Gate to just inside Yellowstone. Suitable for both tents and RVs, this is a well-appointed campground that takes reservations up to six months in advance. Your Ultimate Guide to the Beartooth Highway - AMcSTravel Open to hard-sided camping only, like trailers and RVs. 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. There are also many local shops and trading posts to take in and a visitor center. Mountain goats, lions, moose, bears, and wolves are among the wildlife you will encounter on your journey. Heres a brief overview of some of the major stops along the way to Red Lodge. To learn more about how to Leave No Trace and respect these spots, I encourage you to visit nativegov.org. The Beartooth Mountains also form part of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, and the landscape in and around them features some huge peaks amidst high and vast plateaus. 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. Other Attractions along the Beartooth Highway The season usually begins around the time the highway opens in May and goes as long as the snow lasts, sometimes into July. 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. Cooke City is a historic mountain town located at the northern end of the Beartooth Highway. The park is known for its geysers, including the iconic Old Faithful Geyser, as well as its stunning landscapes, including mountains, forests, and rivers. The Beartooth Highway is a pretty remote highway through the wilderness. Once youve acquired said documentation, head out of Cooke City, away from Yellowstone, and keep your eyes open for any pull out along the river. Beartooth Highway is only open from late March until early October, and additional intermittent closures can occur throughout the year. Julie Last updated: January 22, 2023 United States 5 Comments. Related:Visiting Pompeys Pillar National Monument Billings Montana. Beartooth Highway is the most beautiful drive of America 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 Clarks Fork Picnic Area offers opportunities for other outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. You could stay in Red Lodge, Montana or you could stay at the Western end of the highway in Cooke City, Montana which is near the Northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park. If you are wanting to stay in hotels, then you have a few options to consider. Other animals commonly seen are mule deer, white-tail deer, marmots, elk, and pine squirrels. One late spring day, we traveled from West Yellowstone, Montanta, across Yellowstone National Park to the northeast entrance and the Beartooth Scenic Highway. Don't be afraid to pull over and let cars go by you so you can go at a slower pace. Perched at a precarious elevation of 9,190 ft, Rock Creek Vista is a favorite place to take photos among tourists. Two Bears Inn Bed & Breakfast Red Lodge Area $$$ Which spot do you plan on stopping to see some incredible views of Yellowstone? Stop by the Beartooth Scenic Byway Welcome Sign, Conclusion: driving the Beartooth Highway, BOOK YOUR RENTAL CAR FOR THE BEARTOOTH HIGHWAY HERE, 34 of the Absolute Best Hikes in Yellowstone National Park, The Ultimate Guide to Shoshone National Park, The Ultimate Guide to the Bridger-Teton National Forest, 20 of the Absolute Best Montana Hiking Trails, Highline Trail: Logan Pass to the Loop in Glacier National Park (2023), The Best Time to Visit Glacier National Park (2023), The Ultimate Guide to Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park. If you have timeyou could take a stroll through Cooke Citys historic district, or hit up one of the many local trailheads to embark on an epic hike. Thanks a lot for sharing. The Last Resort Lodge is a historic motel originally built in the 1950s. They have an on-site restaurant and bar with live entertainment, as well as a heated outdoor pool and hot tub. Harrowing photos show tormented animals trapped in bombed - The Sun Check below for a few choice activities in Silver Gate (and Cooke City following,) but you can also peruse the Cooke City/Colter Pass/Silver Gate Chamber of Commerce sitefor even more information about local tourist attractions and events happening in the area. Visitors can rest at this scenic overlook while enjoying the natural beauty of the region. The Beartooth Highway is a breathtaking scenic drive that winds through the mountains of Montana and Wyoming. & informative great blog by the way and thanks for sharing this amazing! Every room has a mountain view, it has a large living area with a wood-burning stove, and the open kitchen has stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. The Pollard Hotel Red Lodge $$$ BEST OPTION FOR ADVENTURERS: ALPINE MOTEL OF COOKE CITY For this post, I started my drive in Yellowstone so if you starting in Red Lodge read from the bottom up! This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Well now Im really excited to get out there! It's a great route to take on your Montana road trip! I drove the Beartooth Highwayfrom Yellowstone National Park into Billings Montana. 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. The Last Resort Lodge is a historic motel originally built in the 1950s. The viewpoint owes its name to the nearby Rock Creek stream. Season: Early May to Late September Many of the destinations I write about are the homes or sacred areas of Indigenous Peoples of North America. The end of Beartooth Highway at Cooke City is at an elevation of about 7,600 feet. If you spend more than $5 you get a ticket to its museum, which consists of numerous taxidermied animals posed in their natural habitat. If you do Beartooth Highway Chief Joseph Scenic Byway Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway east entrance of Yellowstone, this will take one full day. There is a short road to Beartooth Pass Overlook where you can take in the view. Campsites: 16 This campground is particularly popular with anglers. Depending on the rest of your plans, you will want to allow somewhere between a half and a whole day to go from Cooke City to Red Lodge or vice versa. Some of the most beautiful mountains can be found in the Beartooth-Absaroka Range, just outside of Yellowstone. Yellowstone Overlook It's also the highest elevation highway in both states. I, myself, have crossed this pass more than sixty times, en route to a ranch that sits just before Cooke City, Montana. 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. If youre visiting during mid-July, keep your eyes out for alpine flowers and other wildflowers in the prairies. Hellroaring Plateau is the mountain range on the opposite side of Rock Creek Canyon. Be sure to bring plenty of bug spray as mosquitos are present during much of the summer. 216 Park Street | PO Box 81 | Gardiner, MT 59030 | 406.848.7971 | [emailprotected], How to Plan the Ultimate Yellowstone Family Vacation, Yellowstone Flood Disaster Relief and Recovery, Basking in the Beartooths on the Beartooth Scenic Highway, Signup for our Quarterly Travel Newsletter. At this point, you are at 9,190 feet and already 21 miles from Red Lodge. Parkside Campground Shops and restaurants of all kinds line the towns vibrant Main Street. Note: The recent floods not only damaged the infrastructure in Red Lodge but it has also created road closures in and around Yellowstone National Park. Theres a nearby store to pick up food and supplies. The Beartooth Highway is typically open from late May to mid October, depending on the weather. will get you an up-front and personal look at the Clarks Fork River Valley. Other recommended restaurants are Carbon County Steakhouse, Piccola Cucina at Ox Pasture (Italian), Mas Taco, and Red Lodge Pizza Company. If you would like, you can also continue up for a Glacier National Park itinerary and a longer scenic drive, as well. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". FAQs About Beartooth Highway Many portions of the highway were originally paths used by the Shoshone and Crow for thousands of years. Heres what you need to know about traveling through the Beartooth Pass in Montana. It is typically closed from early October through Memorial Day, due to heavy snowfall. The Log Cabin Cafe "A straight, clean cut, with apparent precision, had been made to . Over 300 Dogs Found Dead in Ukrainian Animal Shelter, 150 - Briefly ranging from postcards to ballcaps to coffee mugs. Though its colloquially called Beartooth Highway its official name is the Beartooth National Scenic Byway. Facilities: Boat ramp, picnic tables, toilets, potable water In addition, if you live near a zoo and find that the conditions for the animals are intolerable, please write to zoo officials requesting better treatment of the animals or their relocation to appropriate sanctuaries. Silver Gate Lodging Silver Gate $$ Though it was no small feat to build it is regularly called a marvel of engineering it miraculously took only half of the time and original budget that its construction was planned to consume. Gardner Lake Beartooth Highway passes through theGallatin, Shoshone, and. Silver Gate A local favorite, the Two Bears Inn Bed & Breakfast has great views, comfortable rooms, and classic Montana fare available at their restaurant. In 2003, they added additional accommodations for visitors to stay at before or after their tour with them. Beartooth Highway is a dramatic, beautiful entrance into Yellowstone National Park. The route was originally used to transport supplies to various mining camps and military posts in the region, though today its a popular destination for travelers who want to take in the natural beauty of Montana. Beartooth Highway is a 68-mile road that runs along the border of Montana and Wyoming, connecting the towns of Red Lodge and Cooke City. But we had no choice, since we had a big driving day ahead of us (we drove through Yellowstone and out to Cody, Wyoming). At this intersection, you can turn left to take Chief Joseph Scenic Byway. Crazy Creek Falls There are several trailheads nearby includingLake Fork Trail,Parkside Trail, andHellroaring Plateau Trail. The scenic drive along the highway takes about two to three hours to complete, but with all the stunning scenery along the way, youll probably want to take your time and stop at the various overlooks and pull-offs to take in the views. for more inspiration and travel planning tips. From Red Lodge, you can take the Beartooth Highway along the Beartooth Corridor all the way to the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone National Park. Though motorized boats are allowed on the lake, it is far more popular with canoers and kayakers. It starts in Red Lodge, Montana and ends at the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone. Beartooth Pass The Beartooth Highway is part of the larger National Scenic Byway System. When you leave Yellowstone you first enter Silver Gate and shortly after that is Cooke City. Close Encounters: Beartooth Highway Mountain Goats - YouTube The Beartooth Highway is one of the most beautiful places in North America and also a great place to spot wildlife. Need gas, a snack or a place to stretch your legs? Equipment rentals, like fishing gear and canoes, are also available if you wish to spend the day exploring one of the many nearby lakes. There are also access sites for trout fishing on either side of the picnic area. Traffic delays are common here and can last up to 30 minutes. The 69-mile highway winds and climbs to more than 10,000 feet above sea level to reach Beartooth Pass.The road passes through alpine forest and arctic tundra, is full of sheer drop-offs, and delivers . The Yellowstone Preservation Trust Montana is a statewide nonprofit organization that preserves and restores the natural beauty of Montana. To get to the Beartooth Highway, youll need to head to Montana in the United States. There are several trailheads nearby includingLake Fork Trail,Parkside Trail, andHellroaring Plateau Trail. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. There are also several campgrounds located in the surrounding area, including the Beartooth Basin Summer Ski Area and the Rock Creek Lodge & Cabins. This scenic drive leads to Cody, Wyoming. Flowing alongside the Highway 212 for multiple miles, the river and its abundance of trout are easily accessible to those looking for a day of fishing. 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. Fees: $20/night The town is located just an hours drive from Billings, Montana, making it an easy day trip or weekend getaway destination. Look for high-elevation animals like marmots and pika when you picnic, but for the safety and health of the animals never feed them. Dont expect anything gourmet from the towns restaurants but the Miners Saloon makes excellent pizza and, doubling as a casino, you can gamble while you eat. Facilities: Fire rings, picnic tables, toilets, potable water, firewood for purchase Just beyond this entrance lies Lamar Valley, one of the best places in the park for wildlife viewing. It's an alpine lake backed up to some of the smaller mountains before you start to make the steep climbs. But if you plan to do the short hikes and detours listed below, this drive can take a half of a day or longer. In fact, it stretches between the northeast corner of Yellowstone, near Cooke City, up to Red Lodge, Montana. It has been a popular tourist destination since it opened in 1932, but despite its popularity, the Beartooth Highway has steep grades, hairpin turns, and narrow lanes. You can click the check marks to hide or show layers. Fees: $10/night 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. Recently, local officials have proposed shipping 70 of the animals to zoos and sanctuaries in Mexico and India, though experts are sceptical that the plan will succeed. Typically, opens right around Memorial Day.