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. This road is maintained by the National Park Service. The Beartooth Highway is a breathtaking scenic drive that winds through the mountains of Montana and Wyoming. This is why you must take your time. Since its completion in 1936, the Highway has awed millions of visitors with its astonishing views of one of the most rugged and wild areas in the lower 48 states. From this pullout, you can hike the Beartooth Loop Trail. With a general store, rustic cabins, and equipment rentals, the Top of the World Resort makes for a unique stop near Beartooth Pass. It starts in Red Lodge, Montana and ends at Yellowstone National Park. This road is named for the last chief of the Nez Perce Indians. The elevation at one end of the highway, in Red Lodge, Montana is just over 5,500 feet. 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. This guide covers road trip routes, essential information about how and where to rent a car, where to stay, and more. Beartooth Highway is a dramatic, beautiful entrance into Yellowstone National Park. Starting in Red Lodge, at 5,500 feet, it climbs up to Beartooth Pass, topping out at 10,947 feet. Sites range in size up to 32 ft long to accommodate RVs, tent campers are also welcome. You could stay in Red Lodge, Montana or you could stay at the Western end of the highway in Cooke City, Montana which is near the Northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park. They have an on-site restaurant and bar with live entertainment, as well as a heated outdoor pool and hot tub. There are so many unnamed stops along the Beartooth Highway that have amazing views and are worth the stop. Campsites: 33 24 Best Florida Books for a Florida Unit Study! Join the community!Love the outdoors? 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. The Beartooth Highway: Driving to the Sky on the Orphaned Road They have free wifi, parking, breakfast, and pet-friendly rooms. Trees and shrubs have disappeared and the landscape is a lot more barren. The area has particularly good trails, particularly theBeartooth Lakes Loop, which travels past a few smaller Alpine Lakes as well. The lodge offers a variety of accommodations including cabins, campsites, and RV sites, with linens and showers available. Bears Tooth YELLOWSTONE PARK ITINERARY: Take the guesswork out of planning your trip to Yellowstone with our Yellowstone Itinerary Planner. Facilities: Fire rings, picnic tables, toilets, potable water, garbage pick-up Close Encounters: Beartooth Highway Mountain Goats - YouTube Theres a nearby store to pick up food and supplies. Note: The highway may only be open from May- October but that doesnt mean the towns are inaccessible in winter. 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. Julie Last updated: January 22, 2023 United States 5 Comments. Part classic Montana tavern, part package store, part cafe, Miners Saloon is a historic landmark in Cooke City, Montana. Gardner Lake The sign is a popular spot for tourists to take a photo, and its also a good place to get information about the road and the surrounding area. Beartooth Highway Yellowstone Park Highway to the Sky - Red Lodge The Chief Joseph Highway is plowed, meaning Cooke City is reachable if you fly into Cody, Wyoming. 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. HAs you head down the switchbacks you get to see Beartooth Moutain from the base and it's a sight to see. This drive is absolutely spectacular. 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. This is also the only decent bathroom stop on the highway. At this point, you are 38 miles from Red Lodge and 25 miles from Cooke City. Na Piet Say means bears tooth by the Crow Indians. The Beartooth Highway: Tips, Things to Do & Photos (2023) Most animals living in alpine environments respond to cold weather by either moving or hibernating. The Clay Butte Fire Lookout Tower offers stunning views of the mountains and valleys, making it a must-see destination for anyone driving this scenic road. Hiking essentialsRecommended hiking boots: Salomon Quest 4 Gore-tex Though the highway is closed during the winter, there have been some fatal car crashes in its nearly 100-year history. Discovering Montana is a resource for those living and visiting the Treasure State. The viewpoint owes its name to the nearby Rock Creek stream. And the drive from the east entrance of Yellowstone to Cody is another underrated scenic drive. 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. As you cross the border back into Montana, youll see a small turn-off and a decorative Welcome to Montana sign. Beartooth Hideaway Red Lodge $$ 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. And for oddball animal entertainment, don't miss . 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. Beartooth Highway is only open from late March until early October, and additional intermittent closures can occur throughout the year. This 12 mile hike is rated as strenuous and takes a full day. The season usually begins around the time the highway opens in May and goes as long as the snow lasts, sometimes into July. Cooke City is located just a short drive from the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone National Park, making it a great base for exploring the park. This depends on how many stops you make and of course the weather but the average is 2 hours one way. Some sites require hard-sided camping equipment. In 2003, they added additional accommodations for visitors to stay at before or after their tour with them. This is a small, remote, and picturesque picnic area with a scenic view of the Beartooth Mountain Range. Take your time and drive slow and take it all in. Are there any fees to visit Beartooth Highway? Another short series of switchbacks takes you up to Beartooth Pass. 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. Many folks travel the Beartooth Highway after exiting Yellowstone National Park through the Northeast Entrance. They stay under the insulating snow in deep rocky burrows and are very. 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. Suitable for tents and RVs up to 40 ft. Make sure to include a stop at Lake Creek Falls on your itinerary when traveling along the Beartooth Highway. 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. Fees: $20/night Different campsites offer different services. 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. 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. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. 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 you are wanting to stay in hotels, then you have a few options to consider. Incredible Scenic Beartooth Highway - Long Version - between Montana and Wyoming "The most beautiful road in America" was coined by the late Charles Kuralt t. Soda Butte Campground 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. Need gas, a snack or a place to stretch your legs? Campsites: 21 If you click the icons on the map, you can get more information about each point of interest. Campsites: 16 If you will only have one day in Yellowstone, dont miss our guide for the Best Way to Spend One Day in Yellowstone. Will Beck 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. Cruising the Beartooth Highway/Montana Office of Tourism. If you spend more than $5 you get a ticket to its museum, which consists of numerous taxidermied animals posed in their natural habitat. Theres a wide variety of lodgings available in the region ranging from bare-bones campgrounds all the way to multi-room mountain villas. There is a sign along the Beartooth Highway midway along the high plateau that indicates which state you are actually in. Hiking trails take you around the towns perimeter and further afield into Custer Gallatin National Forest. Founded by John and Karen Potter in 1988, Yellowstone Touring Company specializes in providing tours of the Yellowstone National Park and Beartooth Highway. When is the best time to drive Beartooth Highway? Cabins and Mountain Lodges It starts in Red Lodge, Montana and ends at the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone. Stepping out of the car and taking in the view of the infamous Bear's Tooth and seeing the numerous lakes that dot the landscape really paint the possibility of what the fishing can behold on the highway and beyond. Not only will this scenic drive be one that you remember, but its well-worth adding as a wonderful activity to do when you are out west. The viewpoint owes its name to the nearby Rock Creek stream. 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. The inn was built in 1909 by two brothers who were both bear hunters so itwas originally called the Bear Hunters Inn. Top of the World Resort 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. Beartooth Lake is absolutely worth making the stop. This campground is particularly popular with anglers. Also called Pilot and Index Peaks Overlook, this turn-off from Beartooth Highway is a spectacular spot to take photos. If you are road tripping across the USA with plans to visit Yellowstone, this town is a great place to stay. Beartooth Highway is only open from late March until early October, and additional intermittent closures can occur throughout the year. If youre planning on visiting the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone National Park, there are several lodges, cabins, and campgrounds available within the park. "A straight, clean cut, with apparent precision, had been made to . Planning a Road Trip on the Beartooth Highway - Peanuts or Pretzels For questions and concerns regarding this extensive project, you can find . Incredible Scenic Beartooth Highway - Long Version - YouTube With its headwaters just outside of Cooke City, Montana, the upper section of this tributary is a fishermans dream. Put simply, yes, there have been a number of Beartooth highway deaths. Colter Campground 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. It also offers opportunities for exploring geological features, such as rock formations and fossil deposits. Beyond this point, you enter Yellowstone National Park through the northeast entrance. In the winter, Cooke City transforms into a winter wonderland, with cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling available. Recommended accommodations There are several trailheads nearby includingLake Fork Trail,Parkside Trail, andHellroaring Plateau Trail. 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. ranging from postcards to ballcaps to coffee mugs. If you plan on visiting Montana or Wyoming and you are driving through, then you are going to want to make sure to include the Beartooth Highway on your list of things to do in Montana. 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. Beyond Beartooth Pass, the road begins to make its descent. Its right at the intersection of Highway 212 and Highway 287, which makes it a perfect stop for tourists driving along Beartooth Highway. 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. Many portions of the highway were originally paths used by the Shoshone and Crow for thousands of years. National park essentialsYoull need to enter: National parks pass It takes about two hours to complete the entire drive, but most tourists make at least a couple of stops along the way. It also offers opportunities for exploring geological features, such as rock formations and fossil deposits. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Expect road closures when the weather conditions start to head into winter. Thanks Laci. The Na Piet Say Rock is a historic landmark located along the Beartooth Highway in Montana. 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). Just beyond this entrance lies Lamar Valley, one of the best places in the park for wildlife viewing. More than twenty years passed before, in 1960, the Montana State Advertising Department asked the public for name ideas. 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 . Highlights of Beartooth Highway in Stunning Photos Heres a brief overview of some of the major stops along the way to Red Lodge. The town is located just an hours drive from Billings, Montana, making it an easy day trip or weekend getaway destination. Beartooth Highway passes through theGallatin, Shoshone, and. Recommended day pack: Osprey Daylite Pack Bring Hand Sanitizer All the bathrooms I found along the highway were no more than a little room with a hole in the ground and no sinks. The accommodation includes cabins, a bunkhouse, and RV sites for those looking for an overnight stay near the park entrance. The Chief Joseph Scenic Byway is a popular side trip for visitors driving the Beartooth Highway. Facilities: Vault toilets This road passes through portions of Gallatin, Custer, and Shoshone national forests. There are several types of passes available, and you can either get one at the Northeast Gate or in advance from the. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. A 200-yard hike takes you to a viewpoint of this waterfall. Please take extra care when traveling along Beartooth Highway, and be sure to follow all published road signs as well as the direction of the National Parks Service. 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 . 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. About halfway between Red Lodge and Cooke City youll find The Top of the World, sitting at 9,400 ft above sea level. Sites are suitable for tent camping or boondocking. Campsites: 21 Season: Mid-July to Labor Day post. Let me know in the comments! Well now Im really excited to get out there! However, if youre planning on a Yellowstone National Park itinerary, you will need to purchase a park pass. 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. Cooke City 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. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. The pass is only open seasonally, typically from late May to late October, depending on the weather. Theres also plenty of parking at this pitstop. Its open year-round and offers free Wi-Fi, free continental breakfast, and a heated, outdoor pool. Just make sure your dates of travel are from June through early October, when this road is typically open. 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. They also have a small menu of expertly crafted classic American bar food. Cooke City is also a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with a variety of recreational activities available including hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and skiing. 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: Equipment rentals, like fishing gear and canoes, are also available if you wish to spend the day exploring one of the many nearby lakes. Do not try to traverse the highway at times when the National Parks Service has deemed it unsafe. 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. . From local events, jobs, where to stay and the best things to see and do. 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. Beartooth Highway has been called the most beautiful drive in America by On the Road correspondent Charles Kuralt. 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. In addition, if you live near a zoo and find that the conditions for the animals are intolerable, please write to zoo officials requesting better treatment of the animals or their relocation to appropriate sanctuaries. The Beartooth Highway Roadtrip Guide - Drivin' & Vibin' Facilities: Fire rings, picnic tables, toilets, potable water, firewood for purchase Facilities: Picnic tables, potable water, toilets, electric hook-ups 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. As you cross into Montana you enter the Custer National Forest. From parts of Custer and Shoshone National Forests to the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, passers through have endless natural landscape to explore. Expect Delays and Nighttime Closures During Beartooth Construction A local favorite, the Two Bears Inn Bed & Breakfast has great views, comfortable rooms, and classic Montana fare available at their restaurant. It is also called Beartooth National Scenic Byway, Beartooth All-American Road, Highway 212, and the Red Lodge-Cooke City Highway. Overnight Accommodation Along The Beartooth Highway For most, simply looking up at them proves sufficient. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Managing several sites in the region, you can find information about the Abaroska Wilderness and Beartooth Highway at the Beartooth Ranger Station. 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. How Long Does It Take to Drive Beartooth Highway? Beartooth Basin is one of North Americas oldest alpine ski training areas. Beartooth Lake Campground Connecting Red Lodge to the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone National Park, the Beartooth Highway is a scenic route that passes through some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in North America. Here at this rest area, you will find jaw-dropping views of. My name is Alex and Im here to help you have the outdoors adventure of a lifetime! Don't be afraid to pull over and let cars go by you so you can go at a slower pace. Campsites: 6 improving motorist safety and their driving experience, while increasing options and safety for animals in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Yellowstone Touring Company It took us just under 3 hours and we stopped frequently for photos. We did not do any of the optional hikes, since we had a lot already planned for the day. Beartooth Highway is typically open from Memorial Day through early October. There are also access sites for trout fishing on either side of the picnic area. 01 044, Str. Along the way, it passes through some of the most stunning scenery in the region, including alpine meadows and alpine tundra, crystal clear lakes, forested, valleys, and rugged peaks. While the Beartooth Highway is generally safe for most motorists, you should be prepared for inclement weather even in the summer. Recently, local officials have proposed shipping 70 of the animals to zoos and sanctuaries in Mexico and India, though experts are sceptical that the plan will succeed. A 420 foot long bridge is being erected over Beartooth Ravine. HEARTBREAKING photos show terrified animals trapped in zoos as Vladimir Putin's troops continue to hammer Ukraine with relentless bombing. There are no fees associated with driving along the Beartooth Highway or visiting any of the scenic overlooks along the way. Make sure to include a visit to this overlook on your journey along the Beartooth Highway. From this trail, you get to see incredible alpine vistas, forests, and meadows. Take advantage of it!! This is where the Beartooth Highway starts or ends depending on which direction you drive. Welcome to RED LODGE, MONTANA.. Gateway to Yellowstone Park via the beautiful Beartooth Highway.Come and experience true western hospitality in this quaint, historic, mountain town. Clarks Fork Picnic Area 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. Receiving entries such as Highway to the Clouds Highway to the Skies and Highway to the Heavens, they eventually decided on Beartooth. This allowed me to drive the famous Lamar Valley of Yellowstone and see some amazing animals. 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. Over the course of several miles, Beartooth Highway steeply ascends up into the mountains. 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. Lower Lady of the Lake Trailhead We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website.