Heres a brief overview of some of the major stops along the way to Red Lodge. The Beartooth Bridge, Falls, and Ravine is also a nice spot to get out of the car and do some exploring. 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. These paths became popular with settlers, fur trappers, and loggers in particular. If youre beginning in Red Lodge and traveling to Yellowstone, you can simply follow the guide in reverse. Many folks travel the Beartooth Highway after exiting Yellowstone National Park through the Northeast Entrance. Hotels The highway was built between 1932 and 1936 and named after the Beartooth Range, which it traverses. 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. I recommend booking a rental car from Billings for this trip! Its right at the intersection of Highway 212 and Highway 287, which makes it a perfect stop for tourists driving along Beartooth Highway. Youll find parking and restrooms at the trailhead. At first the pass had no name; the National Park Service called it the Cooke City Road while those in Red Lodge referred to it as the Red Lodge-Cooke City Highway. Electric sites are available for compatible RVs. Youre in and out in a few minutes but it undoubtedly adds to the mountain town experience. Beartooth Highway can be driven in either direction. Beartooth Lake is absolutely worth making the stop. Thanks a lot for sharing. If youre also visiting Yellowstone National Park, youll need to purchase a Parks Pass. 01 044, Str. In the bar, youll find top-shelf spirits and craft beers, while the cafe serves up hand-tossed pizzas and other fare made from local ingredients. Carbon County Steakhouse Your only option once you leave Red Lodge, other than the 4 rooms offered at the Top of the World. Season: Early July to Mid-September Beartooth Highway Elevations. Theres also plenty of parking at this pitstop. This is one of those Montana road trips that everyone should do at least . Driving south from Red Lodge, MT, the highway enters the Custer Gallatin National forest and climbs the switchbacks to the Montana/Wyoming state line. Sites range in size up to 32 ft long to accommodate RVs, tent campers are also welcome. You can hike the. If you have timeyou could take a stroll through Cooke Citys historic district, or hit up one of the many local trailheads to embark on an epic hike. If you click the icons on the map, you can get more information about each point of interest. There are turn outs along the road where you can safely stop to enjoy the view. Read our post Best National Parks, where we narrow down the long list into 15 must-see parks. Beartooth Highway passes through theGallatin, Shoshone, and Custer National Forests, and is frequently called the most beautiful drive in the United States. Fees: $17/night Later on, in the summer you will enjoy yellow aspen trees that pair nicely with the dark hues of the mountains in the backdrop. Read more about this in our, is an epic 68-mile byway that stretches through southwest Montana and heads right into, With only a short hike from the highway, you will come across the roaring. It starts in Red Lodge, Montana and ends at Yellowstone National Park. Know that, while you might be tempted to follow the ridge, going down into the valley and back up proves much faster. At 10,947, this is the highest point along Beartooth Highway. Now, you are driving through alpine tundra. Na Piet Say means bears tooth by the Crow Indians. Bring Water and Snacks There are so many long stretches of no exits and no places to stop for something to eat or drink. 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. 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. The Beartooth Highway is known for its stunning scenery and rugged terrain, and the 45th Parallel Crossing is a fitting milestone along the way. Beginners should be wary of the altitude and be sure to take plenty of water along with them. Along main street sit shops like the Yellowstone Trading Post, selling intricate jewelry and kitschy souvenirs, from onesie pajamas to animal hats. Beartooth Highway passes through theGallatin, Shoshone, and. 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 highway rounds the impossibly craggy Pilot and Index peaks, part of the Beartooth Mountain Range, before paralleling the sparkling waters of the Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone River. 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. At this point, you are at 9,190 feet and already 21 miles from Red Lodge. Here at this rest area, you will find jaw-dropping views of Rock Creek Canyon and an easily accessed trail that is wheelchair friendly. Jagged peaks soar on all sides. I have visited here back in 2019. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Gardner Lake Pullout is a popular scenic overlook located along the Beartooth Highway in Montana. Red Lodge is also a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with a variety of recreational activities available including hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and skiing. Various lakes, such as Beauty and Becker, are perfect picnic destinations, reachable on relatively flat ground. Cruising the Beartooth Highway/Montana Office of Tourism. Beartooth Highway is an epic 68-mile byway that stretches through southwest Montana and heads right into Yellowstone National Park. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Part classic Montana tavern, part package store, part cafe, Miners Saloon is a historic landmark in Cooke City, Montana. Technically driving the Beartooth Highway takes only 2 hours, door to door. It is a narrow, winding road edged with steep cliffs that stretches for 68 miles between Red Lodge and Yellowstone National Park. Stop the Car Trading Post Amid the widespread death and destruction, wild crea 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. Finally, if you are traveling as a family, here are the best parks to visit with kids. BEST OF YELLOWSTONE: For a list of the top experiences in Yellowstone, dont miss our article Best Things to Do in Yellowstone. 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. The viewpoint owes its name to the nearby Rock Creek stream. A six-bedroom, three-bath cabin, the Moose on the Loose Mountain Villa is a beautifully designed and furnished home with all the amenities of home. Every time we visit this area, it amazes us even more. 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. You never know. Bison, elk, pronghorn, and moose are often visible with the naked eye from the roadway. For this post, I started my drive in Yellowstone so if you starting in Red Lodge read from the bottom up! Colloquially, it is known as one of the most scenic driving routes in the world. Beartooth Pass, the highest motor crossing in Wyoming, reaches an elevation of 10,947 feet. There are a few interpretive displays here that explain some of the history and geology of the area. This gives you time for stops at scenic overlooks along the drive. 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. HEARTBREAKING photos show terrified animals trapped in zoos as Vladimir Putin's troops continue to hammer Ukraine with relentless bombing. There are also several campgrounds located in the surrounding area, including the Beartooth Basin Summer Ski Area and the Rock Creek Lodge & Cabins. No reservations, first come, first serve only. 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. And for oddball animal entertainment, don't miss . Let me know in the comments! This is the perfect place to stock up on supplies, enjoy a meal, or stay overnight before you continue along the Beartooth Highway. Categories Montana, National Parks, Wyoming. Campsites: 6 Is it safe to drive Beartooth Highway? Where can I stay near the Beartooth Highway? Fees: $17/night If you spend more than $5 you get a ticket to its museum, which consists of numerous taxidermied animals posed in their natural habitat. For a breathtaking tour along the top of the world drive the Beartooth Highway east of Yellowstone National Park. It was established in 1907 and has been the center of the towns social life for over 100 years. Jagged peaks soar on all sides. Spacious room with comfortable beds. Over the past thirty years, Ive hiked the trails just off the highway, spotted animals high upon the hillside, and slept at various campgrounds. 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. Opening and closing dates vary from year to year. 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. This is a beautiful part of the drive. With only a short hike from the highway, you will come across the roaring Crazy Creek Cascade. For around $50 you can reserve one of the 4 rooms or opt to camp for $24. 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. Planning on driving the Beartooth Highway in Montana and Wyoming? 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. A little farther down the road is Silver Gate, another cluster of lodges and restaurants. There are also several scenic overlooks along the way where you can stop and take in the breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys, as well as towns where you can grab a bite to eat and stretch your legs along the Beartooth Pass. 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. If youre visiting during mid-July, keep your eyes out for alpine flowers and other wildflowers in the prairies. Typically, opens right around Memorial Day. 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. If youre planning on visiting the Beartooth Highway, Beartooth Basin is a must-see destination! be sure to stop and take a photo with the welcome sign before you begin your journey. View All Posts Facilities: Fire rings, picnic tables, toilets, potable water, garbage pick-up Recommended jacket: The North Face Antora Jacket Open to hard-sided camping only, like trailers and RVs. The best time to drive the Beartooth Highway depends on what youre looking to experience. The road passes through the widespread Tower-Roosevelt and Lamar Valley regions of Yellowstone before travelling into thick, old-growth forests and ancient volcanic mountains that define the northeast corner of the park. Wow! From this pullout, you can hike the Beartooth Loop Trail. 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. Suitable for tent camping. 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. Part of route 212 in Montana and Wyoming, the Beartooth Highway runs between Red Lodge and the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone National Park. Red Lodge Ales Crazy Creek Falls The shelter housed around 485 dogs in a town called Borodyanka and they were kept in cages. The Beartooth Highway is typically open from late May to mid October, depending on the weather. Always check the road conditions before your trip just in case of road closures caused by snow, heavy rain, mudslides, or construction. Youll also find plenty to explore at the here, as the area is known for its interesting rock formations and fossil deposits. A local favorite, the Two Bears Inn Bed & Breakfast has great views, comfortable rooms, and classic Montana fare available at their restaurant. Since then, the Beartooth Highway has often been referred to as one of the most beautiful mountain drives in America. 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. Beartooth Hideaway Red Lodge $$ Here at this rest area, you will find jaw-dropping views of. Which spot do you plan on stopping to see some incredible views of Yellowstone? Campsites: 16 Beartooth Highway was built to connect Cooke City with Red Lodge to aid in mining operations, though it is now used primarily by tourists traveling either to or from Yellowstone National Park. 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. The Na Piet Say Rock is a popular spot for tourists to take a photo, and its also a good place to learn about the history of the area. 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. When is the best time to drive Beartooth Highway? Start from Gardiner, Montana, the North Entrance to Yellowstone National Park. It passes through theGallatin, Shoshone, and Custer National Forests. Keep in mind the Beartooth Highway is normally closed from sometime in the end of September to Memorial Day weekend. Having expanded in the 60s to include a motel, visitors also have the option of spending the night. 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. 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 . You can also learn more about the national parks (and get the full list) in our Guide to the US National Parks. It's also the highest elevation highway in both states. Moose on the Loose Mountain Villa also has two decks for outdoor relaxation and dining, as well as an outdoor fire pit. You can pull over to snap a photo if you like! It passes through theGallatin, Shoshone, and Custer National Forests. CONSIDER AN RV FOR YOUR TRIP: CHECK OUT RVS HERE, BEST OPTION FOR FAMILIES: HIGH COUNTRY HOTEL AND CABINS, BEST OPTION FOR ADVENTURERS: ALPINE MOTEL OF COOKE CITY, CONSIDER AN RV FOR YOUR TRIP: CHECK OUT RVS HERE. They do this by purchasing land and easements, restoring habitats, and engaging in advocacy for public lands. Have any questions about your trip through the Beartooth Highway? Some popular activities include hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and picnicking. About twenty minutes before entering Yellowstone, the official end to the Beartooth Highway, you reach the town of Cooke City, Montana. Julie Last updated: January 22, 2023 United States 5 Comments. Things To See Along The Beartooth Highway A little farther up the road, you get a view down to Rock Creek Vista. Enthusiasts can enjoy fishing, hiking, and even wildlife observation in this pristine haven. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. There are several options for overnight accommodations near the Beartooth Highway. Though its less than two miles long, the trail sits between 7,500 and 10,000 feet, which can challenge even experienced hikers. Fees: $15/night Beautiful highway! The highest elevation is 10,947 ft (3,337 m) above sea level, and the highway is 68. Suitable for both tents and RVs, this is a well-appointed campground that takes reservations up to six months in advance. This guide covers road trip routes, essential information about how and where to rent a car, where to stay, and more. 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. The higher you go, the better the views. From this overlook, you also look out over Clarks Fork River Valley and the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness Area. From local events, jobs, where to stay and the best things to see and do. 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. Past Top of the World Store, you reach Beartooth Lake. Many folks travel the Beartooth Highway after exiting Yellowstone National Park through the Northeast Entrance. 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). 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. Really loved the place. 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. While the Beartooth Highway is generally safe for most motorists, you should be prepared for inclement weather even in the summer. 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 . The project was greenlit and finally surveyed in 1927, though construction didnt begin until 1931. Heres a brief rundown of the major points and things to note before your visit. Theres also a snowmobile road that begins here and connects to Cooke City. Campsites: 33 Yes, it is labeled as one of the most dangerous roads in America because of the climb and switchback. The Beartooth Scenic Byway Welcome Sign is a popular landmark located at the southern end when you drive Beartooth Highway in Red Lodge, Montana. They have an on-site restaurant and bar with live entertainment, as well as a heated outdoor pool and hot tub. Some accept advance reservations.