The highest elevation is 10,947 ft (3,337 m) above sea level, and the highway is 68. If youre also visiting Yellowstone National Park, youll need to purchase a Parks Pass. The 45th Parallel Crossing is a popular spot for tourists to take a photo, and its also a good place to get information about the highway and the surrounding area. Nonetheless, its completion in 1936 was heralded as a massive achievement for the state of Montana and was eventually added to the National Registry of Historic Places in 2014. Facilities: Fire rings, picnic tables, toilets, potable water, firewood for purchase Beginners should be wary of the altitude and be sure to take plenty of water along with them. Unlike the Going-to-the-Sun Road, you do not need a reservation or a ticket to drive on Beartooth Highway. 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. It offers breathtaking views of Gardner Lake and the mountains, making it a must-see destination for anyone driving the Beartooth Highway. The road then descends towards Cooke City-Silver Gate, winding past alpine lakes, campgrounds, and jagged mountain peaks. Yellowstone National Park is a must-see destination for anyone driving through the Beartooth Pass. From Red Lodge, you can take the Beartooth Highway along the Beartooth Corridor all the way to the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone National Park. Email 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. Season: Early May to Late September 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. A high-elevation lake in the Beartooth Mountains, Gardner Lake is accessible via a fairly short but somewhat challenging trail that begins near Highway 212. How long does it take to drive the Beartooth Highway? Such a beautiful place. Suitable for both tents and RVs, this is a well-appointed campground that takes reservations up to six months in advance. Leave your car in park as you head out on the many trails that take you further into the Beartooth-Absaroka wilderness. Related:Top 10 Places to Eat Restaurant Guide Billings MT. With only a short hike from the highway, you will come across the roaring Crazy Creek Cascade. Bring Water and Snacks There are so many long stretches of no exits and no places to stop for something to eat or drink. Once you enter the park, y. From the overlook, you have a great view of Granite Peak, Montanas highest peak. No reservations, first come, first serve only. Read our post Best National Parks, where we narrow down the long list into 15 must-see parks. Shops and restaurants of all kinds line the towns vibrant Main Street. & informative great blog by the way and thanks for sharing this amazing! Alpine Motel of Cooke City Cooke City $$ It's a great route to take on your Montana road trip! Located at the northern end of the highway, Yellowstone is the worlds first national park and is home to a wide range of geological and natural wonders. Its open year-round and offers free Wi-Fi, free continental breakfast, and a heated, outdoor pool. Season: Early May to Late September It is 68 miles long. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Bison, elk, pronghorn, and moose are often visible with the naked eye from the roadway. Colloquially, it is known as one of the most scenic driving routes in the world. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Beartooth Highway has been called the most beautiful drive in America by On the Road correspondent Charles Kuralt. 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. About six miles after the Beartooth Highway crosses into Wyoming is the Crazy Creek Falls trailhead. The highway is open to the public and there is no charge to use it. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Top 39 FREE Things to do in Atlanta Georgia. Note: This post contains affiliate links. Thanks Laci. This is also where I was able to watch the clouds roll in over the lake and where it started snowing on my drive! A classic American roadhouse with a fine-dining twist, the Carbon County Steakhouse is renowned for its attention to detail and exceptional menu. Wow! Clay Butte Fire Lookout Tower Though the highway is closed during the winter, there have been some fatal car crashes in its nearly 100-year history. The other route to the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone National Park is the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway. When the government subsequently designated Yellowstone as a National Park in 1872, the amount of people only increased, as tourists arrived in hopes of exploring its geothermal landscape. As you cross into Montana you enter the Custer National Forest. It starts in Red Lodge, Montana and ends at the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone. 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. You never know. The byway is also a great place to stop and take a break from the road, with several pullouts and picnic areas available. Just beyond this entrance lies Lamar Valley, one of the best places in the park for wildlife viewing. 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. 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. This scenic overlook is a perfect spot to rest and appreciate the natural beauty of the region. will get you an up-front and personal look at the Clarks Fork River Valley. Silver Gate is a small town in the Flathead Valley of Montana. Yellowstone & Grand Teton Travel Planner. 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. 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. This is why you must take your time. 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 would like, you can also continue up for a Glacier National Park itinerary and a longer scenic drive, as well. Everything you need to know about the Beartooth Highway. Its highway designation is US 212 and it is a designated All-American Road. Founded by John and Karen Potter in 1988, Yellowstone Touring Company specializes in providing tours of the Yellowstone National Park and Beartooth Highway. Originally constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), it is situated in the Clarks Fork Valley and has been designated as a historic site by the National Park Service. Along main street sit shops like the Yellowstone Trading Post, selling intricate jewelry and kitschy souvenirs, from onesie pajamas to animal hats. 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. The best time to drive the Beartooth Highway depends on what youre looking to experience. There are several trailheads nearby includingLake Fork Trail,Parkside Trail, andHellroaring Plateau Trail. There are also restrooms here. 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. Wilderness, mountain landscapes, and heavily-forested areas await you on this scenic road trip. I, myself, have crossed this pass more than sixty times, en route to a ranch that sits just before Cooke City, Montana. But, with so many activities, such beautiful campgrounds, and vast landscape, fully enjoying all the pass has to offer definitely requires spending a night or two. Yes, it is labeled as one of the most dangerous roads in America because of the climb and switchback. An independent brewery, taproom, and package store, Red Lodge Ales creates many different styles of award-winning beer. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. I would recommend stopping here and dipping your feet in the alpine lake! There are several options for overnight accommodations near the 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. Do not try to traverse the highway at times when the National Parks Service has deemed it unsafe. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Suitable for tent camping. 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. From the northeast entrance, it will take about an hour and a half to drive to the Rock Creek Vista, which is the overlook just before the big switchbacks into Rock Creek Canyon. 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. Its a popular destination for hikers, mountain bikers, and tourists looking to take in the breathtaking scenery. 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. Leave a Comment Cancel replyCommentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "ad745959d4cfc18c5b1397faea80cd04" );document.getElementById("a590a7590e").setAttribute( "id", "comment" );Name Crazy Creek Campground Here is a great place to stop using the restroom, get gas, and eat. Construction began in 2020 and was planned to be completed by September 9, 2021. 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. Season: Early July to Mid-September Few services are available once you exit Cooke City so pack plenty of food, water, and other provisions. If you do Beartooth Highway Chief Joseph Scenic Byway Buffalo Bill Cody Scenic Byway east entrance of Yellowstone, this will take one full day. Things To See Along The Beartooth Highway Discovering Montana is a resource for those living and visiting the Treasure State. From this pullout, you have another nice view of Clarks Fork River Valley. 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. The scenic drive along the highway takes about two to three hours to complete, but with all the stunning scenery along the way, youll probably want to take your time and stop at the various overlooks and pull-offs to take in the views. Suitable for tents and RVs up to 20 ft. Beartooth Highway is an epic 68-mile byway that stretches through southwest Montana and heads right into Yellowstone National Park. This depends on how many stops you make and of course the weather but the average is 2 hours one way. It is also called Beartooth National Scenic Byway, Beartooth All-American Road, Highway 212, and the Red Lodge-Cooke City Highway. And what an awesome way to enter Yellowstone National Park. BOOK YOUR RENTAL CAR FOR THE BEARTOOTH HIGHWAY HERE. Its open year-round and offers free Wi-Fi, free continental breakfast, and a heated, outdoor pool. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Once youre in the park, cell phone and wifi access is limited, so write down directions in advance if you think youll need them. Love the outdoors? You can pull over to snap a photo if you like! All offer a unique experience in terms of sleeping under the stars and waking with a sunrise. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. There are also access sites for trout fishing on either side of the picnic area. The Yellowstone Forever store in Gardiner sells binoculars and spotting scopes for better wildlife viewing and has an interactive map showing recent sightings. Though its less than two miles long, the trail sits between 7,500 and 10,000 feet, which can challenge even experienced hikers. Facilities: Vault toilets 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The Clarks Fork Picnic Area offers opportunities for other outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. I have visited here back in 2019. Stop the Car Trading Post Thankfully there are places to stay while en route, especially if you like to camp. Windy roads carve into the cliffsides, creating drop offs that keep drivers on their toes and passengers at times closing their eyes. Regardless, the Beartooth Highway is prime grizzly country so you need to be Bear Aware. Join my free Facebook community where we chat and share information about national parks, hiking, outdoor activities, and more! 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. 01 044, Str. It is a largely volunteer-run nonprofit, staffed largely by interns from Lewis & Clark College in Oregon. We unfortunately did not have time to drive Chief Joseph Scenic Byway, which I have also heard is very nice. Campsites: 18 Rock Creek provides the perfect location for fishing and paddling. This gives you time for stops at scenic overlooks along the drive. Nestled against the Beartooths, Montana's highest mountain peaks, Red Lodge is a place of extraordinary beauty and, wherever you turn, real smiles, genuine warmth and a welcoming, Western-style hospitality. Best Way to Spend One Day in Yellowstone. An independent brewery, taproom, and package store, Red Lodge Ales creates many different styles of award-winning beer. Need gas, a snack or a place to stretch your legs? Also called Pilot and Index Peaks Overlook, this turn-off from Beartooth Highway is a spectacular spot to take photos. Red Lodge Ales Equipment rentals, like fishing gear and canoes, are also available if you wish to spend the day exploring one of the many nearby lakes. It has served as a curious geological feature and landmark for centuries. It does not store any personal data. 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. 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 . Will Beck Bison, elk, pronghorn, and moose are often visible with the naked eye from the roadway. They do this by purchasing land and easements, restoring habitats, and engaging in advocacy for public lands. Remember to use pullouts when viewing wildlife and to maintain a safe distance to protect yourself and the animals. Fees: $20/night This road is maintained by the National Park Service. The Last Resort Lodge is a historic motel originally built in the 1950s. Season: Late May to Mid-September Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. No reservations, first come, first serve only. 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. Dont miss our article Best Things to Do in Glacier National Park for more great things to do in the park. It is a popular tourist destination because of its natural beauty, small-town atmosphere, and proximity to Yellowstone National Park. 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. Despite its size, boasting around 140 inhabitants (according to the 2000 census) you can find almost anything you need and often items you never even knew you wanted. 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. The Beartooth Highway is a breathtaking scenic drive that winds through the mountains of Montana and Wyoming. Make sure to include a stop at Lake Creek Falls on your itinerary when traveling along the Beartooth Highway. They source their beef from Gallaghers Natural Beef & Produce, a local, family-owned business that specializes in humanely raised grass-fed beef. Season: Early June to Early September Most animals living in alpine environments respond to cold weather by either moving or hibernating. The inn was built in 1909 by two brothers who were both bear hunters so itwas originally called the Bear Hunters Inn.. Put simply, yes, there have been a number of Beartooth highway deaths. They traveled up the road a little ways, the fluffy white herd . His first love is coffee, with travel a close 2nd. Heres a brief rundown of the major points and things to note before your visit. MDOT typically reopens Beartooth Highway the Friday of Memorial Day weekend and closes it for winter in mid-September. From deer to wolves and bears to moose, youre likely to find tracks or scat at the very least. Time it Right When I drove through the first weekend in September I was hit with snow at the top part of the mountains. Keep in mind that even during the open season, the weather on the Beartooth Highway can be unpredictable and its important to be prepared for any conditions, including strong winds and severe thunderstorms. At the end of the three-mile-long forest road 142, youll find one of the Civilian Conservation Corps decommissioned lookout towers. 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. About six miles after the Beartooth Highway crosses into Wyoming is the Crazy Creek Falls trailhead. Typically, opens right around Memorial Day. But if youre up for a thrilling drive and some breathtaking views, the Beartooth Highway is a must-see destination. Other Attractions along the Beartooth Highway 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. The pass is only open seasonally, typically from late May to late October, depending on the weather. If you spend more than $5 you get a ticket to its museum, which consists of numerous taxidermied animals posed in their natural habitat. At its summit, the road reaches 10,947 feet, making it the highest US road when it was first opened, on June 14th, 1936. Wilderness, mountain landscapes, and heavily-forested areas await you on this scenic road trip. The lodge offers a variety of accommodations including cabins, campsites, and RV sites, with linens and showers available. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. 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. His first love is coffee, with travel a close 2nd. 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. This guide contains affiliate links to trusted partners. These are a number of places to stop while visiting along the Beartooth Highway. Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, 16 Things to Know Before You Travel to Bhutan, Four Seasons Lanai: 11 Ways to Have the Best Stay, Your Ultimate Guide to the Beartooth Highway, Endless Activities at the End of the World, The Anniversary of New Zealand Adrenaline, The Blind Massage: A Twist on the Southeast Asian Spa Experience. improving motorist safety and their driving experience, while increasing options and safety for animals in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Some of the most beautiful mountains can be found in the Beartooth-Absaroka Range, just outside of Yellowstone. US Forest Service Beartooth Ranger Station Beartooth Highway is typically open from Memorial Day through early October. Its known for its stunning alpine meadows and crystal-clear lakes, making it a great place for hiking, picnicking, and fishing. 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: There are no fees associated with driving along the Beartooth Highway or visiting any of the scenic overlooks along the way. Fees: $15/night I recommend booking a rental car from Billings for this trip! After pass the Beartooth Plateau, Beartooth Lake is a captivating gem that offers a serene escape for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty. Related:14 Amazing Free Things to do in Billings MT. The Chief Joseph Scenic Byway is a popular side trip for visitors driving the Beartooth Highway. Crazy Creek Falls The Last Resort Lodge is a historic motel originally built in the 1950s. 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. Stop by the Beartooth Scenic Byway Welcome Sign, Conclusion: driving the Beartooth Highway, BOOK YOUR RENTAL CAR FOR THE BEARTOOTH HIGHWAY HERE, 34 of the Absolute Best Hikes in Yellowstone National Park, The Ultimate Guide to Shoshone National Park, The Ultimate Guide to the Bridger-Teton National Forest, 20 of the Absolute Best Montana Hiking Trails, Highline Trail: Logan Pass to the Loop in Glacier National Park (2023), The Best Time to Visit Glacier National Park (2023), The Ultimate Guide to Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park. For around $50 you can reserve one of the 4 rooms or opt to camp for $24. It is open for skiing in late spring and early summer, as long as the snow lasts. 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. Heres what you need to know about traveling through the Beartooth Pass in 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. post. 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. Its always a good idea to book your accommodations in advance, especially during the peak tourist season. This road passes through portions of Gallatin, Custer, and Shoshone national forests. The other route to the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone National Park is the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway. Here at this rest area, you will find jaw-dropping views of. Cooke City Montana Museum Sites range in size up to 32 ft long to accommodate RVs, tent campers are also welcome. This is the end of Beartooth Highway. It is the county seat of Carbon County and was founded in 1878 following the discovery of coal nearby. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. If youre visiting during mid-July, keep your eyes out for alpine flowers and other wildflowers in the prairies. Yellowstone Overlook Its highway designation is US 212 and it is a designated All-American Road. Electric sites are available for compatible RVs. With a general store, rustic cabins, and equipment rentals, the Top of the World Resort makes for a unique stop near Beartooth Pass. 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 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. Elk Horn Lodge Cooke City $$$$ BEST OPTION FOR FAMILIES: HIGH COUNTRY HOTEL AND CABINS Though its colloquially called Beartooth Highway its official name is the Beartooth National Scenic Byway. The project was greenlit and finally surveyed in 1927, though construction didnt begin until 1931. Cooke City 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. 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. It is 25 miles from Cooke City and 38 miles from Red Lodge. Cooke City, Montana is a Beartooth Highway basecamp/Montana Office of Tourism. JOIN HERE! Opening for business in mid-to-late May, those craving an extended season can squeeze in a few more runs, even in the heart of summer. Finally, if you are traveling as a family, here are the best parks to visit with kids. However, if youre planning on a Yellowstone National Park itinerary, you will need to purchase a park pass. Another short series of switchbacks takes you up to Beartooth Pass. This is a small, remote, and picturesque picnic area with a scenic view of the Beartooth Mountain Range. Facilities: Potable water, toilets For more information on this and similar water destinations click here. With so much to see and do, Yellowstone is the perfect place to continue your journey after driving the Beartooth Highway.
Gavin Wanganeen Siblings,
Merritt Auction Service Hibid,
What Is Jesse Spencer Doing Now,
What Happened To Morgan And Margaret On Mountain Men,
Does Bob Costas Have Parkinson's Disease,
Articles A
