Red Lodge is also a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with a variety of recreational activities available including hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and skiing. Miners Saloon They have an on-site restaurant and bar with live entertainment, as well as a heated outdoor pool and hot tub. The road is very wide with guardrails, so it is safe and easy to drive, just keep your eyes on the road. Facilities: Fire rings, picnic tables, toilets, potable water, firewood for purchase With a general store, rustic cabins, and equipment rentals, the Top of the World Resort makes for a unique stop near Beartooth Pass. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. 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. Fees: $20/night A license is needed and regulations vary depending on the stretch of the river you fish. Facilities: Fire grates, picnic tables, garbage pick-up, potable water, toilets Recommended accommodations Season: Early July to Mid-September MDOT has been posting videos on YouTube throughout last week of the snow removal. As you cross the border back into Montana, youll see a small turn-off and a decorative Welcome to Montana sign. This is why you must take your time. Will is a true digital nomad, taking his work on the road at every opportunity. - 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. Their tourism outfit utilizes an original bright yellow, fully restored 1937 Model 706 Yellowstone National Park Bus to take groups of up to 10 people along Beartooth Highway. The accommodation includes cabins, a bunkhouse, and RV sites for those looking for an overnight stay near the park entrance. I, myself, have crossed this pass more than sixty times, en route to a ranch that sits just before Cooke City, Montana. - Picnicking offers a relaxing way to take in views and to fuel the body for the remainder of your adventure. 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. It is a popular tourist destination because of its natural beauty, small-town atmosphere, and proximity to Yellowstone National Park. The Yellowstone Preservation Trust Montana is a statewide nonprofit organization that preserves and restores the natural beauty of Montana. 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. Unlike the Going-to-the-Sun Road, you do not need a reservation or a ticket to drive on Beartooth Highway. 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. Top of the World Resort Fees: $17/night Youll find parking and restrooms at the trailhead. Suitable for both tents and RVs, this is a well-appointed campground that takes reservations up to six months in advance. FAQs About Beartooth Highway The viewpoint owes its name to the nearby Rock Creek stream. Every time we visit this area, it amazes us even more. Beartooth Highway Yellowstone Park Highway to the Sky - Red Lodge Terrified animals stuck in Kyiv Zoo | Salon.com It was established in 1907 and has been the center of the towns social life for over 100 years. Don't be afraid to pull over and let cars go by you so you can go at a slower pace. We drove Beartooth Highway on October 5, 2021. For most, simply looking up at them proves sufficient. It's a great route to take on your Montana road trip! Season: Early May to Late September 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 . While driving over the top of the Beartooth Pass along the Beartooth Highway just outside Yellowstone National Park, we saw this gorgeous Rocky Mountain Red . The Na Piet Say Rock is a historic landmark located along the Beartooth Highway in Montana. With a general store, rustic cabins, and equipment rentals, the Top of the World Resort makes for a unique stop near Beartooth Pass. Nature up close: Pikas - CBS News While driving on the Wyoming side of the Beartooth Highway you will be in the Shoshone National Forest. Scenic Beartooth Highway - What You Need To Know You can hike the. Lake Creek Campground The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". This is a small, remote, and picturesque picnic area with a scenic view of the Beartooth Mountain Range. Related:Top 10 Things to See at Big Horn County Museum Hardin Montana. Beartooth Basin is a popular destination located along the Beartooth Highway in Montana. This guide contains affiliate links to trusted partners. But if you plan to do the short hikes and detours listed below, this drive can take a half of a day or longer. Colloquially, it is known as one of the most scenic driving routes in the world. and discover how this highway got its name. 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. 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. 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. Season: Mid-July to Labor Day Whether youre planning on visiting our national parks, hitting the hiking trail, or looking for your next piece of gear, I have you covered! 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. Cabins and Mountain Lodges As far as what to do in Yellowstone, we have tons of information about Yellowstone National Park on our website. Everything you need to know about the Beartooth Highway. 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. Want more information on Montana or Wyoming? for more inspiration and travel planning tips. 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. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. Rock Creek Vista is a popular scenic overlook located along the Beartooth Highway in Montana. Youll also find plenty to explore at the here, as the area is known for its interesting rock formations and fossil deposits. 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 Beartooth Highway is part of the larger National Scenic Byway System. 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. 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. The highway is closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall and dangerous driving conditions, and driving it is extremely weather dependent. No reservations, first come, first serve only. Theyre black and white, often depicting comical encounters between humans and nature. The Best Hotels For The Beartooth Highway BEST BUDGET HOTEL If you have plans to enter or exit Yellowstone through the northeast entrance, or if you plan to stay in Cooke City-Silver Gate, you will be at the start of Beartooth Highway, so adding on this drive is easy. The Yellowstone Preservation Trust Montana is a statewide nonprofit organization that preserves and restores the natural beauty of Montana. These are a number of places to stop while visiting along the Beartooth Highway. Colter Campground 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. Suitable for both tents and RVs, this is a well-appointed campground that takes reservations up to six months in advance. While the Beartooth Highway is generally safe for most motorists, you should be prepared for inclement weather even in the summer. Built on Beartooth Lake in 1934, it has since moved to sit right along the Beartooth Highway and serves as the only store along the pass. 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. Part of route 212 in Montana and Wyoming, the Beartooth Highway runs between Red Lodge and the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone National Park. Facilities: Potable water, toilets 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. Need gas, a snack or a place to stretch your legs? 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. What to Wear if you Visit Beartooth Highway Leave your car in park as you head out on the many trails that take you further into the Beartooth-Absaroka wilderness. Beartooth Highway has been called the most beautiful drive in America by On the Road correspondent Charles Kuralt. Campsites: 28 This road is maintained by the National Park Service. Though motorized boats are allowed on the lake, it is far more popular with canoers and kayakers. 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. Beartooth Highway passes through theGallatin, Shoshone, and Custer National Forests, and is frequently called the most beautiful drive in the United States. Also called Pilot and Index Peaks Overlook, this turn-off from Beartooth Highway is a spectacular spot to take photos. It is a narrow, winding road edged with steep cliffs that stretches for 68 miles between Red Lodge and Yellowstone National Park. Here youll find plenty of snacks and souvenirs, and maybe even a few tips on the best places to see in the area. It is a maintained road and is open all year. You can also learn more about the national parks (and get the full list) in our Guide to the US National Parks. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. It has served as a curious geological feature and landmark for centuries. Often called one of the most scenic drives in Montana as well as in America overall, the Beartooth Highway is a beloved local gem with some seriously stunning views. This overlook, which is also called Yellowstone Overlook on Google Maps, offers your first good view of Pilot and Index Peaks. 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. Wow! And for oddball animal entertainment, don't miss . Past here, lodgings are limited to campgrounds and the occasional cabin until you reach the Red Lodge area. 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. This is a small, remote, and picturesque picnic area with a scenic view of the Beartooth Mountain Range. Once youre in the park, cell phone and wifi access is limited, so write down directions in advance if you think youll need them. The other route to the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone National Park is the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway. There is a short paved trail to an overlook where you have an awesome view of Rock Creek Canyon and Hellroaring Plateau. And the drive from the east entrance of Yellowstone to Cody is another underrated scenic drive. Typically, opens right around Memorial Day. At this point, you are at 9,190 feet and already 21 miles from Red Lodge. Hellroaring Plateau is the mountain range on the opposite side of Rock Creek Canyon. However, after driving it the first time and seeing how beautiful it is, we've been over it several times over the years. Theres a nearby store to pick up food and supplies. 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. 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. Theres no place better for skiing enthusiasts than Beartooth Basin, sitting just below the summit of Beartooth Pass. The accommodation includes cabins, a bunkhouse, and RV sites for those looking for an overnight stay near the park entrance. From Red Lodge, you can take the Beartooth Highway along the Beartooth Corridor all the way to the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone National Park. With its headwaters just outside of Cooke City, Montana, the upper section of this tributary is a fishermans dream. Clarks Fork Overlook, located along the Beartooth Highway in Montana, offers breathtaking views of Clarks Fork and the surrounding mountains and valleys. Be sure to bring plenty of bug spray as mosquitos are present during much of the summer. From parts of Custer and Shoshone National Forests to the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, passers through have endless natural landscape to explore. It takes about two hours to complete the entire drive, but most tourists make at least a couple of stops along the way. Yellowstone National Park is a must-see destination for anyone driving through the Beartooth Pass. In 2003, they added additional accommodations for visitors to stay at before or after their tour with them. The park is known for its geysers, including the iconic Old Faithful Geyser, as well as its stunning landscapes, including mountains, forests, and rivers. 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. For more information on this and similar water destinations click here. According to a release from the sheriff's office, the 6-year-old cow was found dead, lying on its side and missing its tongue. This depends on how many stops you make and of course the weather but the average is 2 hours one way. Visit www.recreation.gov to check whats required and make sure to reserve space when possible. From this trail, you get to see incredible alpine vistas, forests, and meadows. 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. Beartooth Highway - Enjoy Your Parks If youre also visiting Yellowstone National Park, youll need to purchase a Parks Pass. In May, and sometimes as late as June (if snowfall has been especially heavy), the road is finally plowed. Theres also a gazebo with a fishing pond and the nearby Blackfoot River that attract many anglers. How to Add Beartooth Highway onto Your Visit to Yellowstone. Crews removing snow ahead of Beartooth Highway reopening Beartooth Lake Campground Chief Joseph Scenic Byway A list of campgrounds can be found here, along with approximate distances from both Cooke City and Red Lodge. Crazy Creek Campground It passes through theGallatin, Shoshone, and Custer National Forests. 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. 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. Busses of Yellowstone Preservation Trust The Alpine Motel of Cooke City Montana, located at the entrance to Yellowstone National Park, is a family-owned motel. Bears, wolves, and other predators are often visible from a distance. This is also the only decent bathroom stop on the highway. The Beartooth Highway is a 68-mile-long stretch of road. The byway is also a great place to stop and take a break from the road, with several pullouts and picnic areas available. The highway's summit is over 10,000 feet elevation. You just have to snowmobile there. The Beartooth Mountains, Montana - Discovering Montana 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. Beginners should be wary of the altitude and be sure to take plenty of water along with them. , Recommended hiking boots: Salomon Quest 4 Gore-tex , Recommended jacket: The North Face Antora Jacket , Recommended hiking poles: Black Diamond Trail Cork Trekking Poles , Recommended day pack: Osprey Daylite Pack , Hike like a pro: Get an AllTrails Pro membership! There are several types of passes available, and you can either get one at the Northeast Gate or in advance from the. Other recommended restaurants are Carbon County Steakhouse, Piccola Cucina at Ox Pasture (Italian), Mas Taco, and Red Lodge Pizza Company. 7 Miles (110.6 km) long. The area is also home to a number of charming cabins and campgrounds, making it a great place to stay overnight. However, if youre planning on a Yellowstone National Park itinerary, you will need to purchase a park pass. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. After pass the Beartooth Plateau, Beartooth Lake is a captivating gem that offers a serene escape for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty. Beartooth Loop - Cody Yellowstone Alpine Lodge Red Lodge Area $$ If youre beginning in Red Lodge and traveling to Yellowstone, you can simply follow the guide in reverse. For questions and concerns regarding this extensive project, you can find . It's really a wonderful scenic drive that is well worth the extra time to take. 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. Large jars of candy are on display and, as the only grocery store, food lines the wooden shelves. The highest elevation is 10,947 ft (3,337 m) above sea level, and the highway is 68. 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. July 25, 2014. After Rock Creek Vista Point you will hit the biggest part of the switchbacks on the drive. Beartooth Highway is only open from late March until early October, and additional intermittent closures can occur throughout the year. Bannock Trailhead The Beartooth Highway, a National Scenic Byways All-American Road, features breathtaking views of the Absaroka and Beartooth Mountains, and open high alpine plateaus dotted with countless glacial lakes, forested valleys, waterfalls and wildlife. In the panorama of crags, steeples, plunging canyons, snowfields and glaciers, look for the Bear's Tooth, the spire that gave the entire range its name. If youre coming from out of state, the easiest way to get to Red Lodge is to fly into Billings Logan International Airport and then rent a car. It offers breathtaking views of Gardner Lake and the mountains, making it a must-see destination for anyone driving the Beartooth Highway. YELLOWSTONE & GRAND TETON: Learn how to plan the perfect trip to Yellowstone and Grand Teton in our Yellowstone & Grand Teton Travel Planner. Managing several sites in the region, you can find information about the Abaroska Wilderness and Beartooth Highway at the Beartooth Ranger Station. While the Beartooth Highway is generally safe for most motorists, you should be prepared for inclement weather even in the summer. Various lakes, such as Beauty and Becker, are perfect picnic destinations, reachable on relatively flat ground. 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. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. Hard copies of the map are available at the parks North Entrance station and the Gardiner Visitor Information Center. Part classic Montana tavern, part package store, part cafe, Miners Saloon is a historic landmark in Cooke City, Montana. Here is a great place to stop using the restroom, get gas, and eat. You'll need a rental car for this trip Thankfully there are places to stay while en route, especially if you like to camp. Top of the World is also open year-round. Spring Beartooth Highway plowing begins - Yellowstone Insider and an easily accessed trail that is wheelchair friendly. It is also called Beartooth National Scenic Byway, Beartooth All-American Road, Highway 212, and the Red Lodge-Cooke City Highway. It's also the highest elevation highway in both states. 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. Covering 68 miles from Red Lodge, Montana to the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone National Park, it brings visitors into and through absolutely untouched wilderness. Snowstorms can occur as late as July near Beartooth Pass, so be sure to bring gear for yourself and your vehicle just in case you get caught in unexpected weather. The Beartooth Scenic Byway Welcome Sign is a popular landmark located at the southern end when you drive Beartooth Highway in Red Lodge, Montana. 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. 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. Custer National Forrest has 10 different sections around Montana and covers over 1.1 million acres. I drove the Beartooth Highwayfrom Yellowstone National Park into Billings Montana. Beartooth Highway is an epic 68-mile byway that stretches through southwest Montana and heads right into Yellowstone National Park. The lodge offers a variety of accommodations including cabins, campsites, and RV sites, with linens and showers available. Some take reservations while others are on a first-come-first-serve basis. At its summit, the road reaches 10,947 feet, making it the highest US road when it was first opened, on June 14th, 1936. Which spot do you plan on stopping to see some incredible views of Yellowstone? A map of pullouts, campgrounds, and other points of interest can be found by clicking here. 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. 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. Beartooth Pass Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park. But with all the views along the way, its well worth the trip. The project was greenlit and finally surveyed in 1927, though construction didnt begin until 1931. A 200-yard hike takes you to a viewpoint of this waterfall. Parkside Campground Your email address will not be published. Their tourism outfit utilizes an original bright yellow, fully restored 1937 Model 706 Yellowstone National Park Bus to take groups of up to 10 people along Beartooth Highway. In the winter, Beartooth Basin transforms into a winter wonderland, with cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling available. Top of the World Store is a great destination for that. On this 10 day road trip, visit Grand Teton and Yellowstone, drive Beartooth Highway, and also visit Devils Tower, Mount Rushmore, Badlands National Park, and the Black Hills of South Dakota. The Last Resort Lodge is a historic motel originally built in the 1950s. The town is located just an hours drive from Billings, Montana, making it an easy day trip or weekend getaway destination. The Beartooth Highway is known for its stunning scenery and rugged terrain, and the 45th Parallel Crossing is a fitting milestone along the way. This vast wilderness of nearly a million acres includes the majestic Absaroka and Beartooth mountains. KYIV - An animal rights group called UAminals has reported that more than 300 dogs were found dead at an animal shelter near Kyiv, Ukraine's capital. 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. There is a short road to Beartooth Pass Overlook where you can take in the view. There are several options for overnight accommodations near the Beartooth Highway. Cruising the Beartooth Highway/Montana Office of Tourism. They also have a small menu of expertly crafted classic American bar food. 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. 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. Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park. 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. 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. No reservations, first come, first serve only. The Beartooth Highway is one of the most spectacular scenic drives we have done in the USA, rivaling Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park, Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park, and the Big Sur Coast Highway in California. You will be absolutely amazed by the mountains and high elevation lakes that you'll see along the way. If you would like, you can also continue up for a Glacier National Park itinerary and a longer scenic drive, as well. It has served as a curious geological feature and landmark for centuries.
