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. Though there is no running water, the nearby Lake Creek streamwater can be filtered for drinking. For around $50 you can reserve one of the 4 rooms or opt to camp for $24. Soda Butte Campground Season: Late May to Mid-September The Beartooth Highway Roadtrip Guide - Drivin' & Vibin' Some of the most beautiful mountains can be found in the Beartooth-Absaroka Range, just outside of Yellowstone. Trees and shrubs have disappeared and the landscape is a lot more barren. Built in 1936, Beartooth Highway is a 68-mile length of U.S. Route 212 near Yellowstone National Park. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. With so much to see and do, Yellowstone is the perfect place to continue your journey after driving the Beartooth Highway. From the overlook, you have a great view of Granite Peak, Montanas highest peak. This is where the Beartooth Highway starts or ends depending on which direction you drive. Season: Late June to Labor Day Beartooth Highway is an epic 68-mile byway that stretches through southwest Montana and heads right into Yellowstone National Park. Note: This post contains affiliate links. 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. Hellroaring Plateau is the mountain range on the opposite side of Rock Creek Canyon. Lower Lady of the Lake Trailhead This is a beautiful part of the drive. 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. To check current road conditions click here. It was established in 1907 and has been the center of the towns social life for over 100 years. 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. These paths became popular with settlers, fur trappers, and loggers in particular. It is a thrilling drive from start to finish. Beartooth Highway Elevations. At this intersection, you can turn left to take Chief Joseph Scenic Byway. Note: The recent floods not only damaged the infrastructure in Red Lodge but it has also created road closures in and around Yellowstone National Park. It took us just under 3 hours and we stopped frequently for photos. Its also the highest elevation highway in both states. Several miles outside of Red Lodge is the welcome sign for Beartooth Highway. Suitable for tent camping. . Over 300 Dogs Found Dead in Ukrainian Animal Shelter, 150 - Briefly 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. Other Attractions along the Beartooth Highway . It's a great route to take on your Montana road trip! 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. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". 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. The other route to the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone National Park is the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway. Colloquially, it is known as one of the most scenic driving routes in the world. 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. Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park. On average, it takes two and a half hours to three hours to drive Beartooth Highway. Season: Early July to Mid-September 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. Time it Right When I drove through the first weekend in September I was hit with snow at the top part of the mountains. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. BEST OPTION FOR FAMILIES: HIGH COUNTRY HOTEL AND CABINS 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. If you have the time and you want to experience countless glacial lakes, national forests, and a beautiful drive in America, this route shouldnt be missed if you get the chance! Suitable for both tents and RVs, this is a well-appointed campground that takes reservations up to six months in advance. Planning a Road Trip on the Beartooth Highway - Peanuts or Pretzels After reaching the top of Beartooth Pass and taking in the sweeping scenery, including high-alpine lakes, either continue east to Red Lodge or retrace your route to rest at one of the many lodging options in Gardiner. Along main street sit shops like the Yellowstone Trading Post, selling intricate jewelry and kitschy souvenirs, from onesie pajamas to animal hats. Let me know in the comments! 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. Thanks Laci. Now if you are coming from Yellowstone heading towards Red Lodge then this will also mark your descent down the mountains. If you are wanting to stay in hotels, then you have a few options to consider. The Yellowstone Preservation Trust Montana is a statewide nonprofit organization that preserves and restores the natural beauty of Montana. What is the Beartooth Highway called? No reservations, first come, first serve only. Part of route 212 in Montana and Wyoming, the Beartooth Highway runs between Red Lodge and the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone National Park. The area has particularly good trails, particularly theBeartooth Lakes Loop, which travels past a few smaller Alpine Lakes as well. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Rock Creek provides the perfect location for fishing and paddling. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. When is the best time to drive Beartooth Highway? Want more information on Montana or Wyoming? The lodge offers a variety of accommodations including cabins, campsites, and RV sites, with linens and showers available. The Beartooth Highway connects Red Lodge, MT with Cooke City-Silvergate, MT, the gateway to the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone. BOOK YOUR RENTAL CAR FOR THE BEARTOOTH HIGHWAY HERE. Facilities: Fire grates, picnic tables, garbage pick-up, potable water, toilets 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. The Beartooth Highway is part of the larger National Scenic Byway System. There are also many local shops and trading posts to take in and a visitor center. From deer to wolves and bears to moose, youre likely to find tracks or scat at the very least. You have plenty to choose from, depending on how far you want to drive each day and the type of activity in which you want to engage. Because of its high altitude and the areas snowy conditions the road is only open for short time during summer. The Beartooth Basin Ski Area is Montanas only ski park thats not open in the winter. These are a number of places to stop while visiting along the. Theres no place better for skiing enthusiasts than Beartooth Basin, sitting just below the summit of Beartooth Pass. There are numerous small hotels and lodges to choose from, boutique shops, and several great restaurants. You have some nice photos. Campsites: 6 Managing several sites in the region, you can find information about the Abaroska Wilderness and Beartooth Highway at the Beartooth Ranger Station. You will cross the 45th parallel, which is the halfway point between the North Pole and the equator. Campsites: 16 Beartooth Highway has been called the most beautiful drive in America by On the Road correspondent Charles Kuralt. Document your trip: National parks journal Theres also a gazebo with a fishing pond and the nearby Blackfoot River that attract many anglers. 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. Brings back memories. These are a number of places to stop while visiting along the Beartooth Highway. Its highest point, at an elevation of 10,947 feet, is Beartooth Pass. On the outskirts of Silver Gate is the trailhead to the Bannock Ski Trail, a two-mile cross-country ski trail that follows a retired mining path from Silver Gate to just inside Yellowstone. You never know. BOOK YOUR RENTAL CAR FOR THE BEARTOOTH HIGHWAY HERE. Managing several sites in the region, you can find information about the Abaroska Wilderness and Beartooth Highway at the Beartooth Ranger Station. After pass the Beartooth Plateau, Beartooth Lake is a captivating gem that offers a serene escape for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty. Silver Gate is a small town in the Flathead Valley of Montana. 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. GLACIER NATIONAL PARK: Check out our Glacier National Park Travel Guide for important travel information, sample itineraries, and how to plan your visit. Early and late in the day, the sun is not quite high enough in the sky to illuminate the valleys, making photography tricky. Close Encounters: Beartooth Highway Mountain Goats - YouTube The Beartooth Highway is one of the most beautiful places in North America and also a great place to spot wildlife. Most campsites and grounds are open to tent and car/RV camping. It is a popular tourist destination because of its natural beauty, small-town atmosphere, and proximity to Yellowstone National Park. As you cross the border back into Montana, youll see a small turn-off and a decorative Welcome to Montana sign. The Clarks Fork Picnic Area offers opportunities for other outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. What an amazing read. This is a small, remote, and picturesque picnic area with a scenic view of the Beartooth Mountain Range. In 2003, they added additional accommodations for visitors to stay at before or after their tour with them. 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.