The town is located just an hours drive from Billings, Montana, making it an easy day trip or weekend getaway destination. 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. And for oddball animal entertainment, don't miss . This allowed me to drive the famous Lamar Valley of Yellowstone and see some amazing animals. It is 25 miles from Cooke City and 38 miles from Red Lodge. 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. Crazy Creek Falls Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park. Breathtaking Red Fox Moment on the Beartooth Plateau Near - YouTube The project begins at the west end of the Beartooth Highway Lake Bridge and proceeds westward for approximately of a mile. A short series of switchbacks brings you to a plateau that is filled with alpine lakes. - Picnicking offers a relaxing way to take in views and to fuel the body for the remainder of your adventure. The Log Cabin Cafe Theres a turn-off with a small parking lot and rest area if you care to take in the view. About The Author 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. 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. As you drive farther along Beartooth Highway, the views will get even better, but this overlook is still well worth the stop. 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. The Beartooth Mountain that the highway got its name from it 10,947 feet high. Open to hard-sided camping only, like trailers and RVs. It is the county seat of Carbon County and was founded in 1878 following the discovery of coal nearby. This road gets a massive amount of snowfall and in some years, it can be as high as 26 feet. 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. Lake Creek Falls, located along the Beartooth Highway in Montana, is a stunning waterfall that should not be missed. Starting in Red Lodge, at 5,500 feet, it climbs up to Beartooth Pass, topping out at 10,947 feet. Required fields are marked *. Electric sites are available for compatible RVs. Cooke City is also a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with a variety of recreational activities available including hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and skiing. We drove past the bridge in October 2021 and it was nowhere near being completed. Yellowstone Overlook Reservations Many portions of the highway were originally paths used by the Shoshone and Crow for thousands of years. Yellowstone Touring Company 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. 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. 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. Past here, lodgings are limited to campgrounds and the occasional cabin until you reach the Red Lodge area. Join my free Facebook community where we chat and share information about national parks, hiking, outdoor activities, and more! Campsites: 18 Cooke City is a historic mountain town located at the northern end of the Beartooth Highway. 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. The highway is closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall and dangerous driving conditions, and driving it is extremely weather dependent. How to Use This Map: Click the tab in the top left hand corner of the map to view the layers. Its also home to the Red Lodge Mountain Ski Area, arguably Montanas favorite ski resort thats been open since 1939, though its only open when Beartooth Highway is closed. 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. We did not do any of the optional hikes, since we had a lot already planned for the day. The higher you go, the better the views. These paths became popular with settlers, fur trappers, and loggers in particular. Its open year-round and offers free Wi-Fi, free continental breakfast, and a heated, outdoor pool. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. From parts of Custer and Shoshone National Forests to the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, passers through have endless natural landscape to explore. Season: Early June to Early September Construction of the highway began in 1932 and was completed June 14, 1936. It offers breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys, making it a must-see destination for anyone driving the Beartooth Highway. Heres a brief overview of some of the major stops along the way to Red Lodge. It is 25 miles from Cooke City and 38 miles from Red Lodge. Its a popular destination for hikers, mountain bikers, and tourists looking to take in the breathtaking scenery. The area is also home to a number of charming cabins and campgrounds, making it a great place to stay overnight. Do not try to traverse the highway at times when the National Parks Service has deemed it unsafe. I would recommend stopping here and dipping your feet in the alpine lake! 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. Calls for action on Colombia's hippo scourge after animal dies in road The road is very wide with guardrails, so it is safe and easy to drive, just keep your eyes on the road. 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. Yet few ever leave the comfort of their car in order to take full advantage of all thats available and accessible along the highway. 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). From this overlook, you also look out over Clarks Fork River Valley and the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness Area. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Though its colloquially called Beartooth Highway its official name is the Beartooth National Scenic Byway. 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. So do it before you start the highway and every chance you get. Depending on conditions, the basin stays open until early July and often hosts events or competitions. If youre planning on visiting the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone National Park, there are several lodges, cabins, and campgrounds available within the park. 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. The Pollard Hotel is a historic hotel in Red Lodge, Montana. It's also one of the most dangerous routes. This road is named for the last chief of the Nez Perce Indians. They do this by purchasing land and easements, restoring habitats, and engaging in advocacy for public lands. 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. RV Travel Tales: Traveling the Beartooth Scenic Highway Its highest point, at an elevation of 10,947 feet, is Beartooth Pass. Many portions of the highway were originally paths used by the Shoshone and Crow for thousands of years. Or, if you really like scenic drives, return on Beartooth Highway, turn left onto Chief Joseph Scenic Byway, and take this to Cody. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. To check the status of Beartooth Highway, visit the Montana.gov website. We also have guides to the top sights in Yellowstone, such as Old Faithful, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, how to visit Grand Prismatic Spring, and a Guide to the Geyser Basins. Though its less than two miles long, the trail sits between 7,500 and 10,000 feet, which can challenge even experienced hikers. Incredible Scenic Beartooth Highway - Long Version - between Montana and Wyoming "The most beautiful road in America" was coined by the late Charles Kuralt t. Always check the road conditions before your trip just in case of road closures caused by snow, heavy rain, mudslides, or construction. Theres a lot of information here, particularly if youre planning your first trip to Beartooth Highway. 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. If you would like, you can also continue up for a Glacier National Park itinerary and a longer scenic drive, as well. If youre beginning in Red Lodge and traveling to Yellowstone, you can simply follow the guide in reverse. Click here to see a roadmap for Yellowstone. The Beartooth Mountains, Montana - Discovering Montana It is a thrilling drive from start to finish. Custer Gallatin National Forest - Home - US Forest Service Rock Creek Vista is a popular scenic overlook located along the Beartooth Highway in Montana. 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. Snowstorms can occur as late as July near Beartooth Pass, so be sure to bring gear for yourself and your vehicle just in case you get caught in unexpected weather. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Some accept advance reservations. Island Lake Campground HEARTBREAKING photos show terrified animals trapped in zoos as Vladimir Putin's troops continue to hammer Ukraine with relentless bombing. Carbon County Steakhouse Best Way to Spend One Day in Yellowstone. The inn was built in 1909 by two brothers who were both bear hunters so itwas originally called the Bear Hunters Inn. A Oleksandr Mazurchak. post. As a popular summer route into Yellowstone, open from Memorial Columbus Day, many know of its existence and eagerly plan a trip to cross it. Suitable for both tents and RVs, this is a well-appointed campground that takes reservations up to six months in advance. 24 Best Florida Books for a Florida Unit Study! 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. Beartooth Highway is typically open from Memorial Day through early October.
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