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. 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. The Beartooth Highway starts in Red Lodge Montana and ends at the Northeast entrance of Yellowstone National Park. A little farther down the road is Silver Gate, another cluster of lodges and restaurants. The late Charles Kuralt called it "the most beautiful drive in America.". Related:Top 10 Things to See at Big Horn County Museum Hardin Montana. Its hard to spot so keep your eyes peeled. There are no fees associated with driving along the Beartooth Highway or visiting any of the scenic overlooks along the way. This is also the only decent bathroom stop on the highway. Clarks Fork Overlook, located along the Beartooth Highway in Montana, offers breathtaking views of Clarks Fork and the surrounding mountains and valleys. Also called Pilot and Index Peaks Overlook, this turn-off from Beartooth Highway is a spectacular spot to take photos. It is one of the most scenic drives in the USA. In the bar, youll find top-shelf spirits and craft beers, while the cafe serves up hand-tossed pizzas and other fare made from local ingredients. Best Things to Do in Glacier National Park, How to Drive between Mount Rushmore and Yellowstone, Yellowstone and Grand Teton Itinerary: Best Routes, Maps, & Photos, Where to Stay in Yellowstone in 2023: Best Hotels and Locations, Yellowstone, Devils Tower, and Mount Rushmore: 10 Day Road Trip Itinerary. If youre beginning in Red Lodge and traveling to Yellowstone, you can simply follow the guide in reverse. Construction began in 1931 and over the course of five years, work crews built the switchbacks for which it would become famous. This is the perfect place to stock up on supplies, enjoy a meal, or stay overnight before you continue along the Beartooth Highway. The Chief Joseph Scenic Byway is a popular side trip for visitors driving the Beartooth Highway. We drove Beartooth Highway on October 5, 2021. The area is also home to a number of charming cabins and campgrounds, making it a great place to stay overnight. Fees: $10/night At this intersection, you can turn left to take Chief Joseph Scenic Byway. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. About six miles after the Beartooth Highway crosses into Wyoming is the Crazy Creek Falls trailhead. 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. Recommended accommodations It has served as a curious geological feature and landmark for centuries. Gardner Lake document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Love this post as a Non-American I get to see and travel through others! From here, you can ascend to the summit of Beartooth Butte, another of the areas more unique landforms, in a few hours. There are several options for overnight accommodations near the Beartooth Highway. It is the county seat of Carbon County and was founded in 1878 following the discovery of coal nearby. Beartooth Highway is a dramatic, beautiful entrance into Yellowstone National Park. Na Piet Say means bears tooth by the Crow Indians. The Alpine Motel of Cooke City Montana, located at the entrance to Yellowstone National Park, is a family-owned motel. The title comes from a Crow Indian word Na Piet Say, which means the bears tooth referring to a sharp rock formation that sticks up out of the plateau toward the roads summit. Its hard to see it in this photo, but Bears Tooth is the tiny pyramidal-shaped spire located in between the two posts. When is the best time to drive Beartooth Highway? It took us just under 3 hours and we stopped frequently for photos. Overall, the Alpine Lakes are a must-see destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of the Beartooth Mountains. Recommended jacket: The North Face Antora Jacket 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. With an on-site restaurant, an outdoor heated pool, and a hot tub, the Beartooth Hideaway offers well-appointed rooms just a stones throw from Beartooth Highway. Thanks a lot for sharing. It is a largely volunteer-run nonprofit, staffed largely by interns from Lewis & Clark College in Oregon. 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. A classic American roadhouse with a fine-dining twist, the Carbon County Steakhouse is renowned for its attention to detail and exceptional menu. Busses of Yellowstone Preservation Trust Yellowstone National Park opened for partial access last weekend . Such a beautiful place. You will drive long, winding switchbacks. 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. But with all the views along the way, its well worth the trip. 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. Beartooth Highway is a section of US Route 212 that connects Red Lodge, Montana with Cooke City-Silver Gate, Montana. HEARTBREAKING photos show terrified animals trapped in zoos as Vladimir Putin's troops continue to hammer Ukraine with relentless bombing. 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. This is a small, remote, and picturesque picnic area with a scenic view of the Beartooth Mountain Range. The view from Pilot and Index Peaks Overlook (aka Yellowstone Overlook). They have free wifi, parking, breakfast, and pet-friendly rooms. There are also several campgrounds located in the surrounding area, including the Beartooth Basin Summer Ski Area and the Rock Creek Lodge & Cabins. There is a short road to Beartooth Pass Overlook where you can take in the view. How to Use This Map: Click the tab in the top left hand corner of the map to view the layers. Wilderness, mountain landscapes, and heavily-forested areas await you on this scenic road trip. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. 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. What is the Beartooth Highway called? The Beartooth Highway, nicknamed the "Highway to the Sky" and named an All-American Highway, is a segment of U.S. Route 212 that connects Yellowstone National Park to Red Lodge, Montana. Yellowstone Touring Company If youre looking for a rustic mountain lodge experience, the Alpine Lodge has several unpretentious, comfortable rooms. 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. The highest elevation is 10,947 ft (3,337 m) above sea level, and the highway is 68. It traces a series of steep zigzags and switchbacks, along the Montana-Wyoming border (45th parallel) to the 10,947-foot-high (3,337 m) Beartooth Pass in Wyoming. Season: Early May to Late September But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. MDOT typically reopens Beartooth Highway the Friday of Memorial Day weekend and closes it for winter in mid-September. This scenic overlook is a perfect spot to rest and appreciate the natural beauty of the region. Fees: $17/night According to a release from the sheriff's office, the 6-year-old cow was found dead, lying on its side and missing its tongue. The spectacle of Rock Creek Canyon unfolds as you weave along the pass toward Red Lodge, Montana. It was established in 1907 and has been the center of the towns social life for over 100 years. 01 044, Str. Theres also a gazebo with a fishing pond and the nearby Blackfoot River that attract many anglers. Northwest Wyomings Beartooth Lake is one of the most popular attractions along Highway 212. Theres also plenty of parking at this pitstop. Technically driving the Beartooth Highway takes only 2 hours, door to door. super and great highway reacted out to share with here, Copyright 2023 Our Roaming Hearts | Bamboo on Trellis Framework by Mediavine. Has anyone died on Beartooth Pass? 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. Beartooth Highway is an epic 68-mile byway that stretches through southwest Montana and heads right into Yellowstone National Park. It was proposed to congress in the early 1920s; the project was expected to cost over five million dollars and take over ten years to build. Because a railway proved unrealistic, it wasnt until the rise of the automobile in the late 1920s that the communities finally saw a potential and began lobbying for the creation of a road system. In fact, it stretches between the northeast corner of Yellowstone, near Cooke City, up to Red Lodge, Montana. The Beartooth Basin Ski Area is Montanas only ski park thats not open in the winter. Published March 2, 2022 7:53PM (EST) While Ukraine remains under attack, workers at Kyiv Zoo, the only zoo of its size in the area, have been struggling to keep their animals safe. After filling your cooler, checking you have your camera, and packing sunscreen, bug spray, and warm layers drive through the parks North Entrance station and turn east onto the Northeast Entrance Road once you arrive in Mammoth Hot Springs. Join my free Facebook community where we chat and share information about national parks, hiking, outdoor activities, and more! 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. Fees: $20/night In 2003, they added additional accommodations for visitors to stay at before or after their tour with them. The town is located just an hours drive from Billings, Montana, making it an easy day trip or weekend getaway destination. 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. The season usually begins around the time the highway opens in May and goes as long as the snow lasts, sometimes into July. Regardless, the Beartooth Highway is prime grizzly country so you need to be Bear Aware. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the menu button, go to Your Places, click Maps, and you will see this map on your list. Its a great route to take on your Montana road trip! The Pollard Hotel Red Lodge $$$ Pikas do neither. In the bar, youll find top-shelf spirits and craft beers, while the cafe serves up hand-tossed pizzas and other fare made from local ingredients. Youll find parking and restrooms at the trailhead. The season usually begins around the time the highway opens in May and goes as long as the snow lasts, sometimes into July. No reservations, first come, first serve only. Hike like a pro: Get an AllTrails Pro membership! Construction of the highway began in 1932 and was completed June 14, 1936. So let's take a look at a drive along the Beartooth highway starting at the Yellowstone National Park North East Entrance. Open to hard-sided camping only, like trailers and RVs. There are a few interpretive displays here that explain some of the history and geology of the area. Facilities: Fire grates, picnic tables, garbage pick-up, potable water There are several trailheads nearby includingLake Fork Trail,Parkside Trail, andHellroaring Plateau Trail. Discovering Montana is a resource for those living and visiting the Treasure State. Its known for its historic main street, which is lined with charming shops, restaurants, and galleries. His first love is coffee, with travel a close 2nd. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Brings back memories. They stay under the insulating snow in deep rocky burrows and are very. If youre in the market for quirky shirts or funny souvenirs, like elk poop candy, head to Moosley Tees. Tim and I stayed in a cabin at the Alpine Lodge and had dinner at Prerogative Kitchen (both are highly recommended!). The Beartooth Highway is known for its stunning scenery and rugged terrain, and the 45th Parallel Crossing is a fitting milestone along the way. "A straight, clean cut, with apparent precision, had been made to . The Clarks Fork Picnic Area offers opportunities for other outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. Chief Joseph Scenic Byway We unfortunately did not have time to drive Chief Joseph Scenic Byway, which I have also heard is very nice. When you leave Yellowstone you first enter Silver Gate and shortly after that is Cooke City. Perched at a precarious elevation of 9,190 ft, Rock Creek Vista is a favorite place to take photos among tourists. Is it safe to drive Beartooth Highway? Heres a brief rundown of the major points and things to note before your visit. Posted by amcstravel | Jul 19, 2019 | Destinations, Tips | 3 |. Also called Pilot and Index Peaks Overlook, this turn-off from Beartooth Highway is a spectacular spot to take photos. If youre also visiting Yellowstone National Park, youll need to purchase a Parks Pass. Will is a true digital nomad, taking his work on the road at every opportunity. Dont miss our article Best Things to Do in Glacier National Park for more great things to do in the park. If youre interested in history, the Clay Butte Fire Lookout Tower is also a good place to learn about the regions past, as it was built in the 1930s as a fire lookout tower. BEST OPTION FOR FAMILIES: HIGH COUNTRY HOTEL AND CABINS Heres what you need to know about traveling through the Beartooth Pass in Montana. It is a popular tourist destination because of its natural beauty, small-town atmosphere, and proximity to Yellowstone National Park. 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. The road is very wide with guardrails, so it is safe and easy to drive, just keep your eyes on the road. As you drive farther along Beartooth Highway, the views will get even better, but this overlook is still well worth the stop. Fees: $15/night From the overlook, you have a great view of Granite Peak, Montanas highest peak. 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. Named an All-American Road by the National Scenic Byways, The Beartooth Pass takes visitors through some of the most remote environment in the country. All offer a unique experience in terms of sleeping under the stars and waking with a sunrise. If youre interested in geology, youll also find plenty to explore at Rock Creek Vista, as the area is known for its interesting rock formations and fossil deposits. Recommended day pack: Osprey Daylite Pack Greenough Lake Campground Yet few ever leave the comfort of their car in order to take full advantage of all thats available and accessible along the highway. It does not store any personal data. Every room has a mountain view, it has a large living area with a wood-burning stove, and the open kitchen has stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. Red Lodge is a small but bustling town at the other end of Beartooth Highway. Its right at the intersection of Highway 212 and Highway 287, which makes it a perfect stop for tourists driving along Beartooth Highway. Always check the road conditions before your trip just in case of road closures caused by snow, heavy rain, mudslides, or construction. 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 Beartooth Highway is a breathtaking scenic drive that winds through the mountains of Montana and Wyoming. 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. It is truly one of the best places to spend time outdoors and worth exploring. 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. 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 youre visiting during mid-July, keep your eyes out for alpine flowers and other wildflowers in the prairies. The best time to drive the Beartooth Highway depends on what youre looking to experience. Top of the World Store is a great destination for that. 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. Receiving entries such as Highway to the Clouds Highway to the Skies and Highway to the Heavens, they eventually decided on Beartooth. 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. Fees: $15/night You can supplement your cooler with snacks and beverages from the Gardiner Market. Many portions of the highway were originally paths used by the Shoshone and Crow for thousands of years. View All Posts 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. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". BEST BUDGET HOTELSilver Gate LodgingBarTea/Coffee Maker In All RoomsPatio With a River ViewCHECK BEST PRICELoved the cozy cabin that was furnished with a kitchen area and a bathroom with a shower- A recent guestGuest ReviewsBEST OVERALL The Pollard HotelFitness CentreSaunaBarCHECK BEST PRICEWell located and an excellent breakfast, a charming hotel- A recent guestGuest ReviewsBEST FOR FAMILIESBeartooth Hideaway Inn & CabinsSwimming PoolFree WiFiTea/Coffee Maker In All RoomsCHECK BEST PRICESpacious room with comfortable beds. The Last Resort Lodge is a historic motel originally built in the 1950s. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Reports state that since the invasion, the canines were left there without food and drinking water. The Na Piet Say Rock is a historic landmark located along the Beartooth Highway in Montana. Facilities: Picnic tables, potable water, toilets, electric hook-ups 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. The other route to the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone National Park is the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway. The Beartooth Mountains have to be one of my most favorite places in the world! Though it was no small feat to build it is regularly called a marvel of engineering it miraculously took only half of the time and original budget that its construction was planned to consume. Season: Early June to Early September After eating breakfast at one of the towns many restaurants and coffee shops pick up a grab and go lunch from the Yellowstone Grill or Gardiner Subway where you can call the night before and place an order. 7 Miles (110.6 km) long. Various lakes, such as Beauty and Becker, are perfect picnic destinations, reachable on relatively flat ground. The Beartooth Highway connects Red Lodge, MT with Cooke City-Silvergate, MT, the gateway to the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone. 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 . This is also where I was able to watch the clouds roll in over the lake and where it started snowing on my drive! Rattin Campground Start from Gardiner, Montana, the North Entrance to Yellowstone National Park. Its highest point, at an elevation of 10,947 feet, is Beartooth Pass. 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). At this point, you are at 9,190 feet and already 21 miles from Red Lodge. 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! The Pollard Hotel is a historic hotel in Red Lodge, Montana. Though the highway is closed during the winter, there have been some fatal car crashes in its nearly 100-year history. The Beartooth Highway is a pretty remote highway through the wilderness. Large jars of candy are on display and, as the only grocery store, food lines the wooden shelves. The Na Piet Say Rock is a popular spot for tourists to take a photo, and its also a good place to learn about the history of the area. These are a number of places to stop while visiting along the. Youll also find plenty to explore at the here, as the area is known for its interesting rock formations and fossil deposits. At 7,600 feet, Cooke City lies 4 miles east of Yellowstone National Park. Julie Last updated: January 22, 2023 United States 5 Comments. Bring Water and Snacks There are so many long stretches of no exits and no places to stop for something to eat or drink. Facilities: Potable water, toilets Kyiv City State Administration. 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. This is where the Beartooth Highway starts or ends depending on which direction you drive. But we had no choice, since we had a big driving day ahead of us (we drove through Yellowstone and out to Cody, Wyoming). Check out these articles: Alex on the Map offers outdoor, hiking, and national park tips and info in order to make getting outside accessible. You'll need a rental car for this trip Reservations Season: Mid-July to Labor Day By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Facilities: Fire grates, picnic tables, garbage pick-up, potable water, toilets 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. Part of route 212 in Montana and Wyoming, the Beartooth Highway runs between Red Lodge and the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone National Park. This overlook, which is also called Yellowstone Overlook on Google Maps, offers your first good view of Pilot and Index Peaks.
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