Traffic delays are common here and can last up to 30 minutes. To get to the Beartooth Highway, youll need to head to Montana in the United States. Campsites: 28 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. It is truly one of the best places to spend time outdoors and worth exploring. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 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. Island Lake Campground 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 . VISIT THE US NATIONAL PARKS: Looking for your next big adventure? Everything you need to know about the Beartooth Highway. The Clarks Fork Picnic Area offers opportunities for other outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. 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. So let's take a look at a drive along the Beartooth highway starting at the Yellowstone National Park North East Entrance. Heres a brief rundown of the major points and things to note before your visit. Campgrounds, cabins, and hotels can fill up quickly during the season, so be sure to book your accommodations well in advance and have a backup plan. Because a railway proved unrealistic, it wasnt until the rise of the automobile in the late 1920s that the communities finally saw a potential and began lobbying for the creation of a road system. & informative great blog by the way and thanks for sharing this amazing! Make sure to include a visit to this overlook on your journey along the Beartooth Highway. Time it Right When I drove through the first weekend in September I was hit with snow at the top part of the mountains. It's also the highest elevation highway in both states. Northwest Wyomings Beartooth Lake is one of the most popular attractions along Highway 212. Theres also an on-site restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and a shuttle service to nearby attractions like Yellowstone National Park or Cody Country Cowboy Museum. There are also restrooms here. Theres a wide variety of lodgings available in the region ranging from bare-bones campgrounds all the way to multi-room mountain villas. Be sure to take the necessary precautions with your food to avoid any nighttime visitors. Theres a wide variety of lodgings available in the region ranging from bare-bones campgrounds all the way to multi-room mountain villas. They also offer full-service dining options with breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks available daily at their restaurant or on their porch overlooking the wilderness. super and great highway reacted out to share with here, Copyright 2023 Our Roaming Hearts | Bamboo on Trellis Framework by Mediavine. What to Wear if you Visit Beartooth Highway Its open year-round and offers free Wi-Fi, free continental breakfast, and a heated, outdoor pool. Planning a Road Trip on the Beartooth Highway - Peanuts or Pretzels The 45th Parallel Crossing on the Beartooth Highway is a popular landmark located at the midpoint of the highway. Lake Creek Campground Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Theres a turn-off with a small parking lot and rest area if you care to take in the view. From deer to wolves and bears to moose, youre likely to find tracks or scat at the very least. 7 Miles (110.6 km) long. Though motorized boats are allowed on the lake, it is far more popular with canoers and kayakers. Note: This post contains affiliate links. Driving south from Red Lodge, MT, the highway enters the Custer Gallatin National forest and climbs the switchbacks to the Montana/Wyoming state line. Here at this rest area, you will find jaw-dropping views of. 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). 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. Busses of Yellowstone Preservation Trust Suitable for both tents and RVs, this is a well-appointed campground that takes reservations up to six months in advance. Suitable for tents and RVs up to 40 ft. They source their beef from Gallaghers Natural Beef & Produce, a local, family-owned business that specializes in humanely raised grass-fed beef. At 10,947, this is the highest point along Beartooth Highway. Silver Gate It is 68 miles long. These cookies do not store any personal information. But if you plan to do the short hikes and detours listed below, this drive can take a half of a day or longer. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". The name was taken from a former hunting lodge once used by James J. Hill and other railroad executives during their visits to the area. 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. Various accommodations dot the town, with motels, hotels and guest ranches offering a plethora of options. This campground is particularly popular with anglers. With a general store, rustic cabins, and equipment rentals, the Top of the World Resort makes for a unique stop near Beartooth Pass. There are several trailheads nearby includingMount Maurice Trail,Corral Creek Trail, andBear Track Trail. Curious onlookers lined the road as the animals sheepishly entered the highway, guided by ranchers and steered by sheepdogs. You have some nice photos. There are plenty of things to see and do along the Beartooth Highway. Sites range in size up to 32 ft long to accommodate RVs, tent campers are also welcome. Put simply, yes, there have been a number of Beartooth highway deaths. Though the highway is closed during the winter, there have been some fatal car crashes in its nearly 100-year history. The Beartooth Highway is part of the larger National Scenic Byway System. These are a number of places to stop while visiting along the Beartooth Highway. Campgrounds, cabins, and hotels can fill up quickly during the season, so be sure to book your accommodations well in advance and have a backup plan. 2,500 sheep crossing an Idaho highway draw a crowd of onlookers - NPR Its highest point, at an elevation of 10,947 feet, is Beartooth Pass. Colter Campground The Beartooth Basin Ski Area is Montanas only ski park thats not open in the winter. BEST OF YELLOWSTONE: For a list of the top experiences in Yellowstone, dont miss our article Best Things to Do in Yellowstone. Incredible Scenic Beartooth Highway - Long Version - between Montana and Wyoming "The most beautiful road in America" was coined by the late Charles Kuralt t. Beartooth Highway is a dramatic, beautiful entrance into Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone & Grand Teton Travel Planner. They also have a small menu of expertly crafted classic American bar food. Its a great place to stop and take a break from the road, and its also a popular spot for taking photos and enjoying the views. The higher you go, the better the views. No reservations, first come, first serve only. 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. You'll need a rental car for this trip Wilderness, mountain landscapes, and heavily-forested areas await you on this scenic road trip. Founded by John and Karen Potter in 1988, Yellowstone Touring Company specializes in providing tours of the Yellowstone National Park and Beartooth Highway. 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. Beartooth Highway - Enjoy Your Parks 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. Rock Creek Vista The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Calls for action on Colombia's hippo scourge after animal dies in road Theres a lot to do along Beartooth Highway, and many folks decide to stay the night either at one of the ends or somewhere along the way. There are also access sites for trout fishing on either side of the picnic area. 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: 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. 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 Chief Joseph Scenic Byway is a popular side trip for visitors driving the Beartooth Highway. In 2003, they added additional accommodations for visitors to stay at before or after their tour with them. Facilities: Fire grates, picnic tables, garbage pick-up, potable water, toilets Youll find parking and restrooms at the trailhead. Beautiful highway! 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. Driving The Beartooth Highway - Discovering Montana Dead Texas cows: Cattle corpses found with tongues, body parts gone You have plenty to choose from, depending on how far you want to drive each day and the type of activity in which you want to engage. You can also learn more about the national parks (and get the full list) in our Guide to the US National Parks. We drove Beartooth Highway on October 5, 2021. Regardless, the Beartooth Highway is prime grizzly country so you need to be Bear Aware. This is also where you can purchase any recreational licenses or permits you may need for your trip. Julie Last updated: January 22, 2023 United States 5 Comments. Leave a Comment Cancel replyCommentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "ad745959d4cfc18c5b1397faea80cd04" );document.getElementById("a590a7590e").setAttribute( "id", "comment" );Name A short series of switchbacks brings you to a plateau that is filled with alpine lakes. Email The Alpine Lakes are nestled in the mountains and surrounded by alpine meadows, making them a great place to take in the breathtaking scenery of the region. Facilities: Fire rings, picnic tables, toilets, potable water, firewood for purchase The other route to the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone National Park is the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway. Here in. 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. Reaching an elevation of 10,947 feet above sea level at its highest point, Beartooth Highway winds and wends its way through twenty peaks that . Managing several sites in the region, you can find information about the Abaroska Wilderness and Beartooth Highway at the Beartooth Ranger Station. Best Way to Spend One Day in Yellowstone. Some of the most beautiful mountains can be found in the Beartooth-Absaroka Range, just outside of Yellowstone. YELLOWSTONE & GRAND TETON: Learn how to plan the perfect trip to Yellowstone and Grand Teton in our Yellowstone & Grand Teton Travel Planner. After filling your cooler, checking you have your camera, and packing sunscreen, bug spray, and warm layers drive through the parks North Entrance station and turn east onto the Northeast Entrance Road once you arrive in Mammoth Hot Springs. If youre planning on visiting the Beartooth Highway, Beartooth Basin is a must-see destination! Sites are suitable for tent camping or boondocking. I recommend booking a rental car from Billings for this trip! 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. National park essentialsYoull need to enter: National parks pass Bears, wolves, and other predators are often visible from a distance. Hellroaring Plateau is the mountain range on the opposite side of Rock Creek Canyon. 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 cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Things to note before your trip down Beartooth Highway This is also the location of a multi-million dollar road construction project. Fees: $20/night Overnight Accommodation Along The Beartooth Highway 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. 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. Sign up for our FREE weekly email.Delivered to your inbox every Friday. 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. 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. 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. You can see where the rock slides have been as well to do be careful on your drive! The Beartooth Highway Roadtrip Guide - Drivin' & Vibin' . Spacious room with comfortable beds. 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 byway is also a great place to stop and take a break from the road, with several pullouts and picnic areas available. Well now Im really excited to get out there! With an on-site restaurant, an outdoor heated pool, and a hot tub, the Beartooth Hideaway offers well-appointed rooms just a stones throw from Beartooth Highway. You just have to get a bit creative/be flexible. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. After pass the Beartooth Plateau, Beartooth Lake is a captivating gem that offers a serene escape for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty. Also called Pilot and Index Peaks Overlook, this turn-off from Beartooth Highway is a spectacular spot to take photos. They do this by purchasing land and easements, restoring habitats, and engaging in advocacy for public lands. Beartooth Lake Campground, positioned right on a lake and below a Butte offers the chance for both, with paths leading right out of camp. Beginners should be wary of the altitude and be sure to take plenty of water along with them. 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. As you cross into Montana you enter the Custer National Forest. Beartooth Highway is an epic 68-mile byway that stretches through southwest Montana and heads right into Yellowstone National Park. 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. Built in 1936, Beartooth Highway is a 68-mile length of U.S. Route 212 near Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone Overlook But we had no choice, since we had a big driving day ahead of us (we drove through Yellowstone and out to Cody, Wyoming). Beartooth Loop - Cody Yellowstone The atmosphere would be so healthy there. 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. The highway is closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall and dangerous driving conditions, and driving it is extremely weather dependent. If youre looking for a rustic mountain lodge experience, the Alpine Lodge has several unpretentious, comfortable rooms. Because of its high altitude and the areas snowy conditions the road is only open for short time during summer. Make sure to include a stop at Lake Creek Falls on your itinerary when traveling along the Beartooth Highway. Because of violent winter storms and heavy snowfall, the highway closes annually between early October and late May, though snowstorms can occur at high elevations as late as July. When is the best time to drive Beartooth Highway? Brings back memories. Now, you are driving through alpine tundra. They have free wifi, parking, breakfast, and pet-friendly rooms. Campsites: 21 Open to hard-sided camping only, like trailers and RVs. Other animals commonly seen are mule deer, white-tail deer, marmots, elk, and pine squirrels. Unlike the Going-to-the-Sun Road, you do not need a reservation or a ticket to drive on Beartooth Highway. You can also call the Red Lodge Area Chamber of Commerce at 406-446-1718 for current conditions. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. RV Travel Tales: Traveling the Beartooth Scenic Highway The Chief Joseph Highway is plowed, meaning Cooke City is reachable if you fly into Cody, Wyoming. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. For more information on this and similar water destinations click here. The Yellowstone Preservation Trust Montana is a statewide nonprofit organization that preserves and restores the natural beauty of Montana. The Beartooth Highway is known for its stunning scenery and rugged terrain, and the 45th Parallel Crossing is a fitting milestone along the way. The Beartooth Highway is a 68-mile-long stretch of road. 01 044, Str. To check current road conditions click here. Suitable for tent camping. 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. The highway was built between 1932 and 1936 and named after the Beartooth Range, which it traverses. US Forest Service Beartooth Ranger Station 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. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Some take reservations while others are on a first-come-first-serve basis. 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. 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. For questions and concerns regarding this extensive project, you can find . Bison, elk, pronghorn, and moose are often visible with the naked eye from the roadway. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. 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. An independent brewery, taproom, and package store, Red Lodge Ales creates many different styles of award-winning beer. The owner of our lodge in Red Lodge, who has lived here for over 40 years, said that this was the latest he could remember Beartooth Highway being open. From local events, jobs, where to stay and the best things to see and do. The other route to the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone National Park is the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway. As one of the most scenic drives in the United States, driving through the Beartooth mountains in the Northern Rockies is a highlight for those headed out west. Cabins and Mountain Lodges To check the status of Beartooth Highway, visit the Montana.gov website. Moose on the Loose Mountain Villa Red Lodge Area $$$$ Though its colloquially called Beartooth Highway its official name is the Beartooth National Scenic Byway. If youre planning on visiting the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone National Park, there are several lodges, cabins, and campgrounds available within the park. Be sure to drive safely no matter your route and soak in the sights and experiences of your day. Closed to . There are also access sites for trout fishing on either side of the picnic area. Are there any fees to visit Beartooth Highway? But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. The exact opening and closing dates can vary from year to year, so its always a good idea to check the current road conditions before planning your trip. Theres a nearby store to pick up food and supplies. How to Add Beartooth Highway onto Your Visit to Yellowstone. Once you enter the park, y. Join my free Facebook community where we chat and share information about national parks, hiking, outdoor activities, and more! Really loved the place. Jagged peaks soar on all sides. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. While tickets can be purchased online, it is worth buying them in person, at their mobile offices a trailer parked at the top of the lift (cash or check only). Its a perfect choice if youd like to treat yourself to a romantic, luxurious stay. Look for high-elevation animals like marmots and pika when you picnic, but for the safety and health of the animals never feed them. 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. It was founded as a mining camp and is now a haven for tourists, with restaurants, souvenir shops, and lodging. Opening and closing dates vary from year to year. Beartooth Highway closed on October 7, during the first snowfall of the season. Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park. The end of Beartooth Highway at Cooke City is at an elevation of about 7,600 feet. 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 the end of the three-mile-long forest road 142, youll find one of the Civilian Conservation Corps decommissioned lookout towers. Our website uses cookies. With Skyline Guest Ranch and Guide Services you can book horseback rides, pack trips, fishing guides or hunting expeditions that bring you throughout the Beartooth-Absaroka Wilderness. Later on, in the summer you will enjoy yellow aspen trees that pair nicely with the dark hues of the mountains in the backdrop. 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. The project was greenlit and finally surveyed in 1927, though construction didnt begin until 1931. Its known for its charming main street, which is lined with charming shops, restaurants, and galleries. When you leave Yellowstone you first enter Silver Gate and shortly after that is Cooke City. 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. The project was greenlit and finally surveyed in 1927, though construction didnt begin until 1931. Meandering down the pass, the next body of water is Island Lake. A few years ago we went through hail and then snow in mid August. There are a few interpretive displays here that explain some of the history and geology of the area. Bison, elk, pronghorn, and moose are often visible with the naked eye from the roadway. Some accept advance reservations. I, myself, have crossed this pass more than sixty times, en route to a ranch that sits just before Cooke City, Montana. Beartooth Highway Tours Though the highway is closed during the winter, there have been some fatal car crashes in its nearly 100-year history. It's a great route to take on your Montana road trip! 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. Before doing this drive, get updates on the National Park Service website and the Montana.gov website. Northwest Wyomings Beartooth Lake is one of the most popular attractions along Highway 212. A little farther down the road is Silver Gate, another cluster of lodges and restaurants. Required fields are marked *. 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. Hike like a pro: Get an AllTrails Pro membership! Just make sure your dates of travel are from June through early October, when this road is typically open. Theres a nearby store to pick up food and supplies. Greenough Lake Campground But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Though its colloquially called Beartooth Highway its official name is the Beartooth National Scenic Byway. If you are wanting to stay in hotels, then you have a few options to consider. Be sure to bring plenty of bug spray as mosquitos are present during much of the summer. The Top of the World Store is also a great place to stretch your legs if you have been driving for a whole and need a place to rest. improving motorist safety and their driving experience, while increasing options and safety for animals in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. 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. The Beartooth Highway Is One Of The Best Road Trips In America Beartooth Lake is absolutely worth making the stop. Cooke City is also a great place to book excursions. One late spring day, we traveled from West Yellowstone, Montanta, across Yellowstone National Park to the northeast entrance and the Beartooth Scenic Highway. 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. As you cross the border back into Montana, youll see a small turn-off and a decorative Welcome to Montana sign. A high-elevation lake in the Beartooth Mountains, Gardner Lake is accessible via a fairly short but somewhat challenging trail that begins near Highway 212. 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.