Colter Campground Heres a brief overview of some of the major stops along the way to Red Lodge. The pass is only open seasonally, typically from late May to late October, depending on the weather. Its a perfect choice if youd like to treat yourself to a romantic, luxurious stay. Heres what you need to know about traveling through the Beartooth Pass in Montana. Will is a true digital nomad, taking his work on the road at every opportunity. Related:Top 10 Places to Eat Restaurant Guide Billings MT. Reservations Season: Late May to Mid-September Its open year-round and offers free Wi-Fi, free continental breakfast, and a heated, outdoor pool. Fees: $15/night It is sometimes called the Red Lodge-Cooke City Highway because of the two cities it connects.
Dubbed "the most beautiful roadway in America" by On the Road correspondent Charles Kuralt, the Beartooth Highway climbs to an astounding 10,947 feet above sea level. Its right at the intersection of Highway 212 and Highway 287, which makes it a perfect stop for tourists driving along Beartooth Highway. Red Lodge Ales Youll find parking and restrooms at the trailhead. It's an alpine lake backed up to some of the smaller mountains before you start to make the steep climbs. Along main street sit shops like the Yellowstone Trading Post, selling intricate jewelry and kitschy souvenirs, from onesie pajamas to animal hats. Visiting Pompeys Pillar National Monument Billings Montana, 14 Amazing Free Things to do in Billings MT, Top 10 Places to Eat Restaurant Guide Billings MT, Ultimate Guide to Little Bighorn Battlefield, Top 10 Things to See at Big Horn County Museum Hardin Montana. It was heavy snow that a few times I had to pull off to the side of the road for safety until I could see better. You can turn around at this point, or go all the way to Red Lodge, stopping in town for lunch. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Recommended hiking poles: Black Diamond Trail Cork Trekking Poles Red Lodge is a great place to start your journey. The Chief Joseph Highway is plowed, meaning Cooke City is reachable if you fly into Cody, Wyoming. The tower is open to the public and offers a unique opportunity to see the landscape from a different perspective. Beartooth Basin is one of North Americas oldest alpine ski training areas. This scenic drive packs a lot into its 68.7 miles through the Beartooth Pass. Electric sites are available for compatible RVs. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Related:14 Amazing Free Things to do in Billings MT. Where can I stay near the Beartooth Highway? It is 25 miles from Cooke City and 38 miles from Red Lodge. 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. Be sure to bring plenty of bug spray as mosquitos are present during much of the summer. There are a few interpretive displays here that explain some of the history and geology of the area. This scenic drive leads to Cody, Wyoming. Perched at a precarious elevation of 9,190 ft, Rock Creek Vista is a favorite place to take photos among tourists. Originally constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), it is situated in the Clarks Fork Valley and has been designated as a historic site by the National Park Service. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". This is the perfect place to stock up on supplies, enjoy a meal, or stay overnight before you continue along the Beartooth Highway. They traveled up the road a little ways, the fluffy white herd . A classic American roadhouse with a fine-dining twist, the Carbon County Steakhouse is renowned for its attention to detail and exceptional menu. In 2003, they added additional accommodations for visitors to stay at before or after their tour with them. Kyiv City State Administration. In 2003, they added additional accommodations for visitors to stay at before or after their tour with them. If youre beginning in Red Lodge and traveling to Yellowstone, you can simply follow the guide in reverse. The byway is named after Chief Joseph, a Nez Perce leader who fought to preserve his tribes land in the late 1800s. Just beyond this entrance lies Lamar Valley, one of the best places in the park for wildlife viewing. As you cross the border back into Montana, youll see a small turn-off and a decorative Welcome to Montana sign. Past here, lodgings are limited to campgrounds and the occasional cabin until you reach the Red Lodge area. Did we get lucky or what?! 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. Now if you are coming from Yellowstone heading towards Red Lodge then this will also mark your descent down the mountains. Custer National Forrest has 10 different sections around Montana and covers over 1.1 million acres. In the winter, Beartooth Basin transforms into a winter wonderland, with cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling available. Some pullouts offer views of waterfalls tumbling down steep ravines; some are trailheads for hikes of varying lengths (remember to carry bear spray while hiking); and somelike the Clay Butte Fire Lookout Toweroffer interpretive displays for visitors wishing to learn more about the area. Technically driving the Beartooth Highway takes only 2 hours, door to door. 36. Be sure to pick up a few olden days postcards. Theres a small parking lot from which a two-mile-long out-and-back trail leads to one of the Shoshone Valleys most beloved waterfalls. Managing several sites in the region, you can find information about the Abaroska Wilderness and Beartooth Highway at the Beartooth Ranger Station. From Cody, it takes an hour to drive to the east entrance but it is another beautiful drive (this is called the Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway). 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. The Last Resort Lodge is a historic motel originally built in the 1950s. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Beginners should be wary of the altitude and be sure to take plenty of water along with them. Really loved the place. There are several base areas suited to skiers of all levels, so beginners up to expert skiers should feel plenty challenged. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. 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. Keep in mind that even during the open season, the weather on the Beartooth Highway can be unpredictable and its important to be prepared for any conditions, including strong winds and severe thunderstorms. It traces a series of steep zigzags and switchbacks, along the Montana-Wyoming border (45th parallel) to the 10,947-foot-high (3,337 m) Beartooth Pass in Wyoming. It's also one of the most dangerous routes. Top 39 FREE Things to do in Atlanta Georgia. If you are wanting to stay in hotels, then you have a few options to consider. Another short series of switchbacks takes you up to Beartooth Pass. You can supplement your cooler with snacks and beverages from the Gardiner Market. 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. And even if you dont have plans to enter or exit Yellowstone from the northeast entrance, adding this experience to your Yellowstone to-do list is well worth it, especially for those who like scenic drives over high mountain passes. Construction began in 1931 and over the course of five years, work crews built the switchbacks for which it would become famous. 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. A local favorite, the Two Bears Inn Bed & Breakfast has great views, comfortable rooms, and classic Montana fare available at their restaurant. If youre looking for a rustic mountain lodge experience, the Alpine Lodge has several unpretentious, comfortable rooms. Clarks Fork Picnic Area There are many places along with this point where you can stop and take in views of the road.
You can click the check marks to hide or show layers. The Pollard Hotel is a historic hotel in Red Lodge, Montana. 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. Yellowstone National Park opened for partial access last weekend . The Beartooth Highway is typically open from late May to mid October, depending on the weather. There are so many unnamed stops along the Beartooth Highway that have amazing views and are worth the stop. Bison, elk, pronghorn, and moose are often visible with the naked eye from the roadway. - Camping at one of the many developed campsites along the Beartooth Highway offers an opportunity to spend the night outside and feel the intimacy of sleeping out in nature. 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. They stay under the insulating snow in deep rocky burrows and are very. 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. There is a short paved trail to an overlook where you have an awesome view of Rock Creek Canyon and Hellroaring Plateau. Check out these articles: Alex on the Map offers outdoor, hiking, and national park tips and info in order to make getting outside accessible. Typically, opens right around Memorial Day. Season: Early May to Late September It starts in Red Lodge, Montana and ends at Yellowstone National Park. Woman-owned and operated since founder Hannah Oie built this modest cabin from local, hand-hewn logs, The Log Cabin Cafe is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day from May until October. These are a number of places to stop while visiting along the. But if you plan to do the short hikes and detours listed below, this drive can take a half of a day or longer. Campsites: 33 Bannock Trailhead Keep in mind the Beartooth Highway is normally closed from sometime in the end of September to Memorial Day weekend. 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. Its a large boulder with a plaque commemorating the Crow Indian warrior Na Piet Say, who fought against the Lakota Sioux in the late 1800s. Meandering down the pass, the next body of water is Island Lake. Many folks travel the Beartooth Highway after exiting Yellowstone National Park through the Northeast Entrance. The Clarks Fork Picnic Area offers opportunities for other outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. Join the community!Love the outdoors? Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Cooke City is also a great place to book excursions. is a great destination for that. As you travel through Yellowstone on your way to the Beartooth Highway youll pass through some of the most wildlife-rich habitat in the United States. Cooke City Montana Museum I recommend booking a rental car from Billings for this trip! Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone National Park, Cooke City/Colter Pass/Silver Gate Chamber of Commerce site, US Forest Service Beartooth Ranger Station. An independent brewery, taproom, and package store, Red Lodge Ales creates many different styles of award-winning beer. This is also where you can purchase any recreational licenses or permits you may need for your trip. I was sad I couldn't get a clear view of Beartooth mountain until later on in my drive but if you are lucky this is where you will get an up-close shot of the mountain that the highway takes its name from. Which spot do you plan on stopping to see some incredible views of Yellowstone? 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. The General Store, on the National Register of Historic Places, opened in 1886 and has maintained much of its old charm. Reservations 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. Take advantage of it!! A mild hike with minimal gains in elevation, the Lady of the Lake Trail is just over nine miles long and offers views of both Upper and Lower Lakes. Can't wait to connect with you! Best Way to Spend One Day in Yellowstone. As you leave the town behind you will start to get your first glimpses of the Beartooth mountain and the drive ahead. Red Lodge Before doing this drive, get updates on the National Park Service website and the Montana.gov website. To learn more about how to Leave No Trace and respect these spots, I encourage you to visit nativegov.org. There are several types of passes available, and you can either get one at the Northeast Gate or in advance from the. 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!) Season: Late June to Labor Day Julie Last updated: January 22, 2023 United States 5 Comments. About The Author
Bears, wolves, and other predators are often visible from a distance. HAs you head down the switchbacks you get to see Beartooth Moutain from the base and it's a sight to see. Fees: $17/night It offers breathtaking views of Gardner Lake and the mountains, making it a must-see destination for anyone driving the Beartooth Highway. 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 . Beartooth Pass, the highest motor crossing in Wyoming, reaches an elevation of 10,947 feet. Suitable for tents and RVs up to 20 ft. Campsites: 18 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. Such a beautiful place. Beartooth Lake is absolutely worth making the stop. For information on individual campgrounds and what they offer and require visit here. He loves nothing more than hitting the road in his self-build campervan and visiting off-the-beaten-path places, away from popular tourist destinations. 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. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Posted by amcstravel | Jul 19, 2019 | Destinations, Tips | 3 |. Alpine Lodge Red Lodge Area $$ Planning on driving the Beartooth Highway in Montana and Wyoming? Two Bears Inn Bed & Breakfast Red Lodge Area $$$ 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. In addition to its geological attractions, Yellowstone is also home to a wide range of wildlife, including bison, elk, bears, and wolves. post. 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. Visitors can rest at this scenic overlook while enjoying the natural beauty of the region. Cooke City is a historic mountain town located at the northern end of the Beartooth Highway. 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. Are there any fees to visit Beartooth Highway? Chief Joseph Scenic Byway The highway's summit is over 10,000 feet elevation. Instead of using your own car to complete the drive yourself, you can hire an experienced guide to show you the best that Beartooth Highway has to offer. These cookies do not store any personal information. This vast wilderness of nearly a million acres includes the majestic Absaroka and Beartooth mountains. Once you enter the park, y. No reservations, first come, first serve only. To check the status of Beartooth Highway, visit the Montana.gov website. The sign marks the start of the 68-mile stretch of road that winds through the mountains of Montana and Wyoming. Colloquially, it is known as one of the most scenic driving routes in the world. Wilderness, mountain landscapes, and heavily-forested areas await you on this scenic road trip. Pack a lunch; grab a camera; and enjoy a driving experience like no other! If you will only have one day in Yellowstone, dont miss our guide for the Best Way to Spend One Day in Yellowstone. In Red Lodge, Montana, the town at the southern end of the highway, there are a number of hotels, bed and breakfast inns, and vacation rentals available. Founded by John and Karen Potter in 1988, Yellowstone Touring Company specializes in providing tours of the Yellowstone National Park and Beartooth Highway. Covering 68 miles from Red Lodge, Montana to the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone National Park, it brings visitors into and through absolutely untouched wilderness. The lodge offers a variety of accommodations including cabins, campsites, and RV sites, with linens and showers available. Though its colloquially called Beartooth Highway its official name is the Beartooth National Scenic Byway. It is an easy access to Yellowstone National Park at its northeast entrance. Chosen by the U.S. Forest service for designation as a National Scenic Byways All-American Road, the Beartooth Highway climbs up and out of deep forest to the top of the Beartooth Mountains above treeline. If youre also visiting Yellowstone National Park, youll need to purchase a Parks Pass. This list of things to do on Beartooth Highway starts in Red Lodge and ends at Yellowstone National Park, since that is the direction that we did this drive. Recommended day pack: Osprey Daylite Pack 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 highway was built between 1932 and 1936 and named after the Beartooth Range, which it traverses. What to Wear if you Visit Beartooth Highway The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Many portions of the highway were originally paths used by the Shoshone and Crow for thousands of years. It starts in Red Lodge, Montana and ends at the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone. Shops and restaurants of all kinds line the towns vibrant Main Street. Since then, the Beartooth Highway has often been referred to as one of the most beautiful mountain drives in America. If you click the icons on the map, you can get more information about each point of interest. This road is maintained by the National Park Service. Best Guide to Beartooth Highway and Beartooth Pass [2023] - America's most scenic drive Explore the scenic 63 mile Beartooth Highway - the 10,947 ft Beartooth Pass, views of the Beartooth Plateau, high mountain lakes, hiking, camping Skip to the content Search MontanaHikes.com Hiking, Camping and Exploring Montana Menu Menu Search Search for: If youre beginning in Red Lodge and traveling to Yellowstone, you can simply follow the guide in reverse. 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. Its known for its historic main street, which is lined with charming shops, restaurants, and galleries. Nonetheless, its completion in 1936 was heralded as a massive achievement for the state of Montana and was eventually added to the National Registry of Historic Places in 2014. The Beartooth Highway is a 68-mile-long stretch of road. Gardner Lake Pullout is a popular scenic overlook located along the Beartooth Highway in Montana. 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. Being from Nebraska, the Beartooth highway is well out of our way to or from Yellowstone. It is a narrow, winding road edged with steep cliffs that stretches for 68 miles between Red Lodge and Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone Overlook Lake Creek Falls, located along the Beartooth Highway in Montana, is a stunning waterfall that should not be missed. improving motorist safety and their driving experience, while increasing options and safety for animals in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. If youre visiting during mid-July, keep your eyes out for alpine flowers and other wildflowers in the prairies. Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park. lovely indoor swimming pool- A recent guestGuest Reviews
Later on, in the summer you will enjoy yellow aspen trees that pair nicely with the dark hues of the mountains in the backdrop. Overall, the Alpine Lakes are a must-see destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of the Beartooth Mountains. Fees: $10/night Beartooth Highway has been called the most beautiful drive in America by On the Road correspondent Charles Kuralt. From there, just follow the signs to Red Lodge and youll be on your way to experiencing arguably the most beautiful drive in the country. A view of the Beartooth Highway switchbacks. Few services are available once you exit Cooke City so pack plenty of food, water, and other provisions. There are also several campgrounds located in the surrounding area, including the Beartooth Basin Summer Ski Area and the Rock Creek Lodge & Cabins. 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. From here, you can ascend to the summit of Beartooth Butte, another of the areas more unique landforms, in a few hours. Various accommodations dot the town, with motels, hotels and guest ranches offering a plethora of options. Signs along the drive tell the tale of the flight of Chief Josephs band of Nez Perce. With so much to see and do, Yellowstone is the perfect place to continue your journey after driving the Beartooth Highway. Remember to use pullouts when viewing wildlife and to maintain a safe distance to protect yourself and the animals. Required fields are marked *. 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. 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. This is also where you can purchase any recreational licenses or permits you may need for your trip. The inn was built in 1909 by two brothers who were both bear hunters so itwas originally called the Bear Hunters Inn.. Covering 68 miles from Red Lodge, Montana to the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone National Park, it brings visitors into and through absolutely untouched wilderness. Beartooth Highway is only open from late March until early October, and additional intermittent closures can occur throughout the year. Hike like a pro: Get an AllTrails Pro membership! In May, and sometimes as late as June (if snowfall has been especially heavy), the road is finally plowed. Different campsites offer different services. Theyre black and white, often depicting comical encounters between humans and nature. Will Beck
), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. 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. Red Lodge is a small but bustling town at the other end of Beartooth Highway. BEST OPTION FOR ADVENTURERS: ALPINE MOTEL OF COOKE CITY Is it safe to drive Beartooth Highway? 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. Part classic Montana tavern, part package store, part cafe, Miners Saloon is a historic landmark in Cooke City, Montana. The accommodation includes cabins, a bunkhouse, and RV sites for those looking for an overnight stay near the park entrance. 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. Other Attractions along the Beartooth Highway 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. Beartooth Basin is a popular destination located along the Beartooth Highway in Montana. You can also call the Red Lodge Area Chamber of Commerce at 406-446-1718 for current conditions. The Yellowstone Forever store in Gardiner sells binoculars and spotting scopes for better wildlife viewing and has an interactive map showing recent sightings. The highest elevation is 10,947 ft (3,337 m) above sea level, and the highway is 68. They do this by purchasing land and easements, restoring habitats, and engaging in advocacy for public lands. 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. Beartooth Highway is only open from late March until early October, and additional intermittent closures can occur throughout the year. Its located on the Beartooth Highway. It's also the highest elevation highway in both states. They also have a small menu of expertly crafted classic American bar food. Just beyond this sign, the road begins its thrilling climb up into the mountains. JOIN HERE! At the end of the three-mile-long forest road 142, youll find one of the Civilian Conservation Corps decommissioned lookout towers.
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