animals on the beartooth highway

The best time to drive the Beartooth Highway depends on what youre looking to experience. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Check out these articles: Alex on the Map offers outdoor, hiking, and national park tips and info in order to make getting outside accessible. Elk Horn Lodge Cooke City $$$$ I was sad I couldn't get a clear view of Beartooth mountain until later on in my drive but if you are lucky this is where you will get an up-close shot of the mountain that the highway takes its name from. Later on, in the summer you will enjoy yellow aspen trees that pair nicely with the dark hues of the mountains in the backdrop. Its also the highest elevation highway in both states. A little farther down the road is Silver Gate, another cluster of lodges and restaurants. Click here to see a roadmap for Yellowstone. Windy roads carve into the cliffsides, creating drop offs that keep drivers on their toes and passengers at times closing their eyes. It was established in 1907 and has been the center of the towns social life for over 100 years. 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. 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. Birds include the golden eagle, raven, Clark's nutcracker, Steller's jay, robin, mountain bluebird, finch, hawk, and falcon. Yellowstone & Grand Teton Travel Planner. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Some popular activities include hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and picnicking. Beartooth Highway Elevations. Gardner Lake The highest elevation is 10,947 ft (3,337 m) above sea level, and the highway is 68. Season: Early May to Late September It was founded as a mining camp and is now a haven for tourists, with restaurants, souvenir shops, and lodging. The inn was built in 1909 by two brothers who were both bear hunters so itwas originally called the Bear Hunters Inn. In the mid 1800s, the natural resources found around Cooke City and Red Lodge attracted entrepreneurs in droves, transforming both into well-established Montana mining towns. Thanks a lot for sharing. super and great highway reacted out to share with here, Copyright 2023 Our Roaming Hearts | Bamboo on Trellis Framework by Mediavine. Will is a true digital nomad, taking his work on the road at every opportunity. Best Way to Spend One Day in Yellowstone. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This guide covers road trip routes, essential information about how and where to rent a car, where to stay, and more. Fees: $10/night And the drive from the east entrance of Yellowstone to Cody is another underrated scenic drive. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Campsites: 18 About The Author Though its less than two miles long, the trail sits between 7,500 and 10,000 feet, which can challenge even experienced hikers. Mountain goats, lions, moose, bears, and wolves are among the wildlife you will encounter on your journey. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Here in. This is the perfect place to stock up on supplies, enjoy a meal, or stay overnight before you continue along the Beartooth Highway. However, after driving it the first time and seeing how beautiful it is, we've been over it several times over the years. Lake Creek Campground Parkside Campground To get here, it is a 3-mile drive up a gravel road. Originally founded in 1975 by husband and wife team Dr. Harold and Marjorie Woodman, the Cooke City Montana Museum is currently managed by their daughter, Kay Woodman. There are also access sites for trout fishing on either side of the picnic area. Visitors can rest at this scenic overlook while enjoying the natural beauty of the region. Beartooth Highway is only open from late March until early October, and additional intermittent closures can occur throughout the year. Beartooth Pass The fall is also a beautiful time to drive the Beartooth Highway, as the trees turn golden and red, creating a stunning contrast against the blue sky and mountains. About six miles after the Beartooth Highway crosses into Wyoming is the Crazy Creek Falls trailhead. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. In the winter, Cooke City transforms into a winter wonderland, with cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling available. Facilities: Fire grates, picnic tables, garbage pick-up, potable water, toilets 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. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. No reservations, first come, first serve only. With so much to see and do, Yellowstone is the perfect place to continue your journey after driving the Beartooth Highway. There are three main exhibits: Cooke City Memories, Cooke City Ghost Town,and Cooke City Mining. Theres also a snowmobile road that begins here and connects to Cooke City. Wear your national parks love: National parks apparel, Youll need to enter: National parks pass , Document your trip: National parks journal , Wear your national parks love: National parks apparel. It was established in 1907 and has been the center of the towns social life for over 100 years. Red Lodge In fact, it stretches between the northeast corner of Yellowstone, near Cooke City, up to Red Lodge, Montana. 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. Many folks travel the Beartooth Highway after exiting Yellowstone National Park through the Northeast Entrance. This scenic drive packs a lot into its 68.7 miles through the Beartooth Pass. Its known for its stunning alpine meadows and crystal-clear lakes, making it a great place for hiking, picnicking, and fishing. Always check the road conditions before your trip just in case of road closures caused by snow, heavy rain, mudslides, or construction. Suitable for tent camping. Another short series of switchbacks takes you up to Beartooth Pass. 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. Season: Early June to Early September While the Beartooth Highway is generally safe for most motorists, you should be prepared for inclement weather even in the summer. Though its colloquially called Beartooth Highway its official name is the Beartooth National Scenic Byway. Rock Creek Vista is a popular scenic overlook located along the Beartooth Highway in Montana. Be sure to take the necessary precautions with your food to avoid any nighttime visitors. Bison, elk, pronghorn, and moose are often visible with the naked eye from the roadway. Top of the World Store is a great destination for that. 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. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. They also have a small menu of expertly crafted classic American bar food. It's also one of the most dangerous routes. Beartooth Highway can be driven in either direction. Want more information on Montana or Wyoming? This forest covers nearly 2.5 million acres in northern Wyoming. 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 . 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. Its hard to spot so keep your eyes peeled. Perched at a precarious elevation of 9,190 ft, Rock Creek Vista is a favorite place to take photos among tourists. The Beartooth Scenic Byway Welcome Sign is a popular landmark located at the southern end when you drive Beartooth Highway in Red Lodge, Montana. Moose on the Loose Mountain Villa also has two decks for outdoor relaxation and dining, as well as an outdoor fire pit. 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. At this point, you are 38 miles from Red Lodge and 25 miles from Cooke City. This list of things to do on Beartooth Highway starts in Red Lodge and ends at Yellowstone National Park, since that is the direction that we did this drive. Beartooth Cafe Make sure to include a stop at Lake Creek Falls on your itinerary when traveling along the Beartooth Highway. From the overlook, you have a great view of Granite Peak, Montanas highest peak. The region now had gold, minerals and humans to move but no major system of transportation to do so. Along main street sit shops like the Yellowstone Trading Post, selling intricate jewelry and kitschy souvenirs, from onesie pajamas to animal hats. 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. , 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! 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. Top of the World Resort Our website uses cookies. Built in 1936, Beartooth Highway is a 68-mile length of U.S. Route 212 near Yellowstone National Park. 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. Facilities: Potable water, toilets 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. Beartooth Highway is an epic 68-mile byway that stretches through southwest Montana and heads right into Yellowstone National Park. The Chief Joseph Highway is plowed, meaning Cooke City is reachable if you fly into Cody, Wyoming. On average, it takes two and a half hours to three hours to drive Beartooth Highway. The area has particularly good trails, particularly theBeartooth Lakes Loop, which travels past a few smaller Alpine Lakes as well. Beartooth Highway is only open from late March until early October, and additional intermittent closures can occur throughout the year. You'll need a rental car for this trip Facilities: Vault toilets The Top of the World Store offers a variety of souvenirs, snacks, and beverages, making it a convenient place to stock up on supplies for your journey. So do it before you start the highway and every chance you get. The Beartooth Highway is unquestionably one of the most scenic drives on earth. Beartooth Lake is absolutely worth making the stop. Fees: $15/night Top 39 FREE Things to do in Atlanta Georgia. YELLOWSTONE & GRAND TETON: Learn how to plan the perfect trip to Yellowstone and Grand Teton in our Yellowstone & Grand Teton Travel Planner. We unfortunately did not have time to drive Chief Joseph Scenic Byway, which I have also heard is very nice. lovely indoor swimming pool- A recent guestGuest Reviews 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 this is part of a bigger road trip through the USA, visit our United States Travel Guide for more inspiration and travel planning tips. The highway was built between 1932 and 1936 and named after the Beartooth Range, which it traverses. 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. You can hike the Beartooth Loop National Recreation Trail at this point. 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). Wilderness, mountain landscapes, and heavily-forested areas await you on this scenic road trip. 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. The Beartooth Highway is a 68-mile-long stretch of road. Required fields are marked *. Fox Creek Campground 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. An independent brewery, taproom, and package store, Red Lodge Ales creates many different styles of award-winning beer. It is typically closed from early October through Memorial Day, due to heavy snowfall. In the nearby Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, there are 20 peaks over 12,000 feet. Despite its difficulty to navigate, its a designated All-American Scenic Byway and is a must-see when youre in the area. Many of the destinations I write about are the homes or sacred areas of Indigenous Peoples of North America. Once the road closes, it remains closed until the spring. Be sure to bring plenty of bug spray as mosquitos are present during much of the summer. Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone National Park, Cooke City/Colter Pass/Silver Gate Chamber of Commerce site, US Forest Service Beartooth Ranger Station. Perched at a precarious elevation of 9,190 ft, Rock Creek Vista is a favorite place to take photos among tourists. This scenic drive leads to Cody, Wyoming. There are several types of passes available, and you can either get one at the Northeast Gate or in advance from the National Parks Service website. The other route to the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone National Park is the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway. As you drive farther along Beartooth Highway, the views will get even better, but this overlook is still well worth the stop. Sites range in size up to 32 ft long to accommodate RVs, tent campers are also welcome. It starts in Red Lodge, Montana and ends at the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone. Heres a brief overview of some of the major stops along the way to Red Lodge. Youll also find plenty to explore at the here, as the area is known for its interesting rock formations and fossil deposits. There are several stops along Beartooth Lake to stop and take it in. Put simply, yes, there have been a number of Beartooth highway deaths. Cooke City Montana Museum Though there is no running water, the nearby Lake Creek streamwater can be filtered for drinking. 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. 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. Receiving entries such as Highway to the Clouds Highway to the Skies and Highway to the Heavens, they eventually decided on Beartooth. Campsites: 6 If youre in the market for quirky shirts or funny souvenirs, like elk poop candy, head to Moosley Tees. The park is known for its geysers, including the iconic Old Faithful Geyser, as well as its stunning landscapes, including mountains, forests, and rivers. About twenty minutes before entering Yellowstone, the official end to the Beartooth Highway, you reach the town of Cooke City, Montana. Some accept advance reservations. Stop the Car Trading Post Beartooth Basin Summer Ski Area Beginners should be wary of the altitude and be sure to take plenty of water along with them. 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. 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. Every Memorial Day weekend there is a celebration here to mark the opening of the highway again for the summer. If you are wanting to stay in hotels, then you have a few options to consider. Yellowstone is awesome, but vast! 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). Heres a quick glance at some of the things you wont want to miss just off of Beartooth Highway. Managing several sites in the region, you can find information about the Abaroska Wilderness and Beartooth Highway at the Beartooth Ranger Station. It has been a popular tourist destination since it opened in 1932, but despite its popularity, the Beartooth Highway has steep grades, hairpin turns, and narrow lanes. 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 is a beautiful part of the drive. If you spend more than $5 you get a ticket to its museum, which consists of numerous taxidermied animals posed in their natural habitat. Silver Gate Be sure to pick up a few olden days postcards. Here you can view the Bears Tooth and discover how this highway got its name. Visit www.recreation.gov to check whats required and make sure to reserve space when possible. There are several trailheads nearby includingMount Maurice Trail,Corral Creek Trail, andBear Track Trail. It is a largely volunteer-run nonprofit, staffed largely by interns from Lewis & Clark College in Oregon. The Best Hotels For The Beartooth Highway BEST BUDGET HOTEL Later on, in the summer you will enjoy yellow aspen trees that pair nicely with the dark hues of the mountains in the backdrop. Youll find parking and restrooms at the trailhead. But with all the views along the way, its well worth the trip. Rattin Campground The Clarks Fork Picnic Area offers opportunities for other outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. The Yellowstone Preservation Trust Montana is a statewide nonprofit organization that preserves and restores the natural beauty of Montana. Season: Mid-July to Labor Day Beartooth Highway is a dramatic, beautiful entrance into Yellowstone National Park. But if youre up for a thrilling drive and some breathtaking views, the Beartooth Highway is a must-see destination. Part classic Montana tavern, part package store, part cafe, Miners Saloon is a historic landmark in Cooke City, Montana. Join my free Facebook community where we chat and share information about national parks, hiking, outdoor activities, and more! Don't be afraid to pull over and let cars go by you so you can go at a slower pace. Are there any fees to visit Beartooth Highway? You can hike the. Theres also a snowmobile road that begins here and connects to Cooke City. 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. In 2003, they added additional accommodations for visitors to stay at before or after their tour with them. and discover how this highway got its name. Starting in Red Lodge, at 5,500 feet, it climbs up to Beartooth Pass, topping out at 10,947 feet. Theres a nearby store to pick up food and supplies. Theres a lot of information here, particularly if youre planning your first trip to Beartooth Highway. FAQs About Beartooth Highway This is why you must take your time. Campsites: 18 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. Chief Joseph Scenic Byway It's really a wonderful scenic drive that is well worth the extra time to take. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Facilities: Vault toilets The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Also called Pilot and Index Peaks Overlook, this turn-off from Beartooth Highway is a spectacular spot to take photos. Red Lodge is a small but bustling town at the other end of Beartooth Highway. Welcome to Montana Sign 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. What is the Beartooth Highway? My name is Alex and Im here to help you have the outdoors adventure of a lifetime! It is also called Beartooth National Scenic Byway, Beartooth All-American Road, Highway 212, and the Red Lodge-Cooke City Highway. 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