If you equate winter with snowmobiling adventures, then consider Beartooth Highway (closed to automobile traffic during the winter) a gateway to bliss. Beginning at Red Lodge, Montana and running west toward Yellowstone National Park, a snowmobiling focus in its own right, Beartooth Highway meanders between the Montana and Wyoming borders, connecting the best of both states.
One such “best” is the Beartooth Loop Recreational Trail, just one of many trails directly off the byway. Delight in this particular 14-mile groomed trail throughout the long winter season, which lasts from November to late June or even July. Plow through evergreen forests dotted with aspens and keep an eye out for wildlife including majestic big horn sheep, snowy white mountain goats, legendary grizzly bears, and speedy snowshoe hares.
After an intense day of snowmobiling, collapse at Cooke City, a snowmobile-friendly outpost at the western end of the byway. In addition to lodging, Cooke City has snowmobile dealers, gas stations, nitrous refills, and avalanche safety equipment.
Access the same Cooke City trails that snowmobile manufacturers use as proving grounds to test their machines. Tackle this rugged winter terrain as you witness Daisy Pass’ jaw-dropping views, speed through Lulu Pass Trail’s old mining backcountry meadows, and take on Miller Trail’s challenging switchbacks.
Continue four miles past the west end of the byway to Yellowstone National Park where you can explore designated trails with an expert guide on a snowmobile tour. Choose from single or multi-day tours that include a snowmobile, meals, lodging, and, of course, an up-close look at many park highlights—Old Faithful anyone?
Also at Yellowstone, you can observe the park’s famed wildlife without ever stepping off your sled. Share the groomed trails with herds of area bison and maybe catch a glimpse of the growing, non-native wolf population through the pine and fir trees. You might also see coyotes, badgers, elk, deer, moose, and, if you are extraordinarily lucky, lynx as you snowmobile through this biologically diverse area.
Educate yourself on avalanche safety and Montana and Wyoming snowmobiling laws before you hit the trails. Both states charge a non-resident snowmobiling fee to help fund trail maintenance and require all snowmobiles to be registered.
If you're ready to experience some of the best snowmobiling in the West, take the Beartooth Highway when the snow falls. Acquaint yourself with diverse terrain, enduring winter seasons, and memories you’ll never forget.
