Cooke City Montana Museum The Yellowstone Preservation Trust Montana is a statewide nonprofit organization that preserves and restores the natural beauty of Montana. Its located on the Beartooth Highway. The Clarks Fork Picnic Area offers opportunities for other outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. Be sure to bring plenty of bug spray as mosquitos are present during much of the summer. This scenic drive packs a lot into its 68.7 miles through the Beartooth Pass. You have some nice photos. With a general store, rustic cabins, and equipment rentals, the Top of the World Resort makes for a unique stop near Beartooth Pass. No reservations, first come, first serve only. Crews removing snow ahead of Beartooth Highway reopening If youre looking for a rustic mountain lodge experience, the Alpine Lodge has several unpretentious, comfortable rooms. It is also called Beartooth National Scenic Byway, Beartooth All-American Road, Highway 212, and the Red Lodge-Cooke City Highway. Several miles outside of Red Lodge is the welcome sign for Beartooth Highway. The inn was built in 1909 by two brothers who were both bear hunters so itwas originally called the Bear Hunters Inn. While driving on the Wyoming side of the Beartooth Highway you will be in the Shoshone National Forest. Red Lodge is a small but bustling town at the other end of Beartooth Highway. Theres a turn-off with a small parking lot and rest area if you care to take in the view. 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. With so much to see and do, Yellowstone is the perfect place to continue your journey after driving the Beartooth Highway. If you spend more than $5 you get a ticket to its museum, which consists of numerous taxidermied animals posed in their natural habitat. Pilot and Index, perhaps the most unique in the area, stand somewhat in isolation, drawing even more attention. The Beartooth Basin Ski Area is Montanas only ski park thats not open in the winter. There are also several campgrounds located in the surrounding area, including the Beartooth Basin Summer Ski Area and the Rock Creek Lodge & Cabins. It is the county seat of Carbon County and was founded in 1878 following the discovery of coal nearby. 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 Beartooth Highway is part of the larger National Scenic Byway System. Incredible Scenic Beartooth Highway - Long Version - between Montana and Wyoming "The most beautiful road in America" was coined by the late Charles Kuralt t. Here youll find plenty of snacks and souvenirs, and maybe even a few tips on the best places to see in the area. Its right at the intersection of Highway 212 and Highway 287, which makes it a perfect stop for tourists driving along Beartooth Highway. I drove the Beartooth Highwayfrom Yellowstone National Park into Billings Montana. 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. 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. From here, you can ascend to the summit of Beartooth Butte, another of the areas more unique landforms, in a few hours. Bring Water and Snacks There are so many long stretches of no exits and no places to stop for something to eat or drink. Note: The highway may only be open from May- October but that doesnt mean the towns are inaccessible in winter. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Basking in the Beartooths on the Beartooth Scenic Highway 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. About The Author At the far side of Cooke City look for stunning arrays of wildflowers and ambling black bears as you begin your ascent on the well-marked Beartooth Highway. It is a narrow, winding road edged with steep cliffs that stretches for 68 miles between Red Lodge and Yellowstone National Park. 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. They source their beef from Gallaghers Natural Beef & Produce, a local, family-owned business that specializes in humanely raised grass-fed beef. A beloved Cooke City institution, the Beartooth Cafe specializes in steaks and smoked trout, though they have a full menu of breakfast, lunch, and dinner favorites. If youre planning on visiting the Beartooth Highway, Beartooth Basin is a must-see destination! Thanks Laci. Red Lodge 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. You can also call the Red Lodge Area Chamber of Commerce at 406-446-1718 for current conditions. This blog is definitely helpful! 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. Know that, while you might be tempted to follow the ridge, going down into the valley and back up proves much faster. Required fields are marked *. The Pollard Hotel is a historic hotel in Red Lodge, Montana. Suitable for both tents and RVs, this is a well-appointed campground that takes reservations up to six months in advance. 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. Facilities: Fire grates, picnic tables, garbage pick-up, potable water, toilets However, if youre planning on a Yellowstone National Park itinerary, you will need to purchase a park pass. 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. 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). There are plenty of things to see and do along the Beartooth Highway. The sign marks the start of the 68-mile stretch of road that winds through the mountains of Montana and Wyoming. Dead Texas cows: Cattle corpses found with tongues, body parts gone Fees: $20/night Managing several sites in the region, you can find information about the Abaroska Wilderness and Beartooth Highway at the Beartooth Ranger Station. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. From parts of Custer and Shoshone National Forests to the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, passers through have endless natural landscape to explore. Every time we visit this area, it amazes us even more. Made from unstable rock, you cant hike to the top of either; but one can, if feeling adventurous and in possession of great orienteering skills, climb to the saddle (youll need 2 cars, as it is not a loop, and at least 12 hours). HAs you head down the switchbacks you get to see Beartooth Moutain from the base and it's a sight to see. 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. 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. We drove about 70 miles to get out of the park onto the Beartooth Highway and then, at least, another 70 miles to Red Lodge, Montana. The Beartooth Mountains have to be one of my most favorite places in the world! A map of pullouts, campgrounds, and other points of interest can be found by clicking here. We started this drive at 8 am and you will see a lot of shadows in our early photos. GLACIER NATIONAL PARK: Check out our Glacier National Park Travel Guide for important travel information, sample itineraries, and how to plan your visit. Did we get lucky or what?! It was established in 1907 and has been the center of the towns social life for over 100 years. If you have a few days in Yellowstone and want to add on this scenic drive, you will have to set aside at least half of a day. Do not try to traverse the highway at times when the National Parks Service has deemed it unsafe. Heres a brief overview of some of the major stops along the way to Red Lodge. The Beartooth Highway starts in Red Lodge Montana and ends at the Northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park. Welcome to Montana Sign Greenough Lake Campground Also called Pilot and Index Peaks Overlook, this turn-off from Beartooth Highway is a spectacular spot to take photos. Open to hard-sided camping only, like trailers and RVs. His first love is coffee, with travel a close 2nd. Highlights of Beartooth Highway in Stunning Photos Just make sure your dates of travel are from June through early October, when this road is typically open. . Open to hard-sided camping only, like trailers and RVs. You never know. 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. From this trail, you get to see incredible alpine vistas, forests, and meadows. 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. Season: Mid-July to Labor Day In a Facebook post, the Montana Department of Transportation (MDOT) said crews used a snowblower and a snowcat to clear the highway. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park. National park essentialsYoull need to enter: National parks pass Here in. The highway is open to the public and there is no charge to use it. The Yellowstone Forever store in Gardiner sells binoculars and spotting scopes for better wildlife viewing and has an interactive map showing recent sightings. This road is named for the last chief of the Nez Perce Indians. In 2003, they added additional accommodations for visitors to stay at before or after their tour with them. Gardner Lake Pullout is a popular scenic overlook located along the Beartooth Highway in Montana. Bison, elk, pronghorn, and moose are often visible with the naked eye from the roadway. 01 044, Str. To check current road conditions click here. Moose on the Loose Mountain Villa also has two decks for outdoor relaxation and dining, as well as an outdoor fire pit. It was founded as a mining camp and is now a haven for tourists, with restaurants, souvenir shops, and lodging. Sites are suitable for tent camping or boondocking. 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 . Hiking trails take you around the towns perimeter and further afield into Custer Gallatin National Forest. Beartooth Highway has been called the most beautiful drive in America by On the Road correspondent Charles Kuralt. Silver Gate is a small town in the Flathead Valley of Montana. Yellowstone National Park is a must-see destination for anyone driving through the Beartooth Pass. 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. Later on, in the summer you will enjoy yellow aspen trees that pair nicely with the dark hues of the mountains in the backdrop. There are so many unnamed stops along the Beartooth Highway that have amazing views and are worth the stop. Heres a brief rundown of the major points and things to note before your visit. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Though its less than two miles long, the trail sits between 7,500 and 10,000 feet, which can challenge even experienced hikers. 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. Pikas do neither. This is one of those Montana road trips that everyone should do at least . Your email address will not be published. There are several trailheads nearby includingLake Fork Trail,Parkside Trail, andHellroaring Plateau Trail. Many folks travel the Beartooth Highway after exiting Yellowstone National Park through the Northeast Entrance. 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. 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. In Red Lodge, Montana, the town at the southern end of the highway, there are a number of hotels, bed and breakfast inns, and vacation rentals available. I have visited here back in 2019. Meandering down the pass, the next body of water is Island Lake. 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. The Beartooth Mountain that the highway got its name from it 10,947 feet high. 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. Be sure to pick up a few olden days postcards. 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. Most animals living in alpine environments respond to cold weather by either moving or hibernating. The Alpine Motel of Cooke City Montana, located at the entrance to Yellowstone National Park, is a family-owned motel. The pass reaches the highest point of 10,947 feet and is known for its stunning views and rugged terrain. The region now had gold, minerals and humans to move but no major system of transportation to do so. They have free wifi, parking, breakfast, and pet-friendly rooms. July 25, 2014. 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. The Yellowstone Forever store in Gardiner sells binoculars and spotting scopes for better wildlife viewing and has an interactive map showing recent sightings. If youre beginning in Red Lodge and traveling to Yellowstone, you can simply follow the guide in reverse. Beartooth Highway is an epic 68-mile byway that stretches through southwest Montana and heads right into Yellowstone National Park. 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. A 200-yard hike takes you to a viewpoint of this waterfall. Let me know in the comments! It is a largely volunteer-run nonprofit, staffed largely by interns from Lewis & Clark College in Oregon. Though its colloquially called Beartooth Highway its official name is the Beartooth National Scenic Byway. The viewpoint owes its name to the nearby Rock Creek stream. The Northeast Entrance Road will take you east to the community of Cooke City, Montana, and connect you to the Beartooth Highway at the opposite side of town. Whether youre planning on visiting our national parks, hitting the hiking trail, or looking for your next piece of gear, I have you covered! Silver Gate is a small town in the Flathead Valley of Montana. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Windy roads carve into the cliffsides, creating drop offs that keep drivers on their toes and passengers at times closing their eyes. 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. Where can I stay near the Beartooth Highway? A Oleksandr Mazurchak. Mountain goats, lions, moose, bears, and wolves are among the wildlife you will encounter on your journey. If you click the star next to the title of the map, this map will be added to your Google Maps account. Here at this rest area, you will find jaw-dropping views of. Red Lodge is a great place to start your journey. For more information visit the Custer Gallatin National Forest website. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". If youre visiting during mid-July, keep your eyes out for alpine flowers and other wildflowers in the prairies. Can't wait to connect with you! Beartooth Highway is a section of US Route 212 that connects Red Lodge, Montana with Cooke City-Silver Gate, Montana. Just beyond this sign, the road begins its thrilling climb up into the mountains. But we had no choice, since we had a big driving day ahead of us (we drove through Yellowstone and out to Cody, Wyoming).
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