Beartooth Highway
Exploring "America's Most Beautiful Highway"
| Departure: | Cooke City, Montana |
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| Destination: | Red Lodge, Montana |
| Time to allow: | 1 day |
Drive one of the nation's wildest byways through high-elevation zones, in alpine tundra, and past clear mountain lakes. Please be aware that the byway closes during much of the winter due to heavy snowfall.
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Start: Cooke City
Begin your Beartooth Highway exploration in the small but adventurous town of Cooke City. Learn something about the mining history of the town as you stock up on whatever you need at a trading post, fill up your tank at a local gas station, and watch for the plentiful wildlife as you head out.
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Stop 1: Clarks Fork Trailhead
Directions from previous place: Head east on Highway 212 from Cooke City. The trail head is on the left side of the road.
Distance from Previous Site: 3 miles / 4.8 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 5 minutes Suggested Time at This Site: 2 hours A major trail head facility for entrance into the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, Clarks Fork Trail head makes a great rest stop. The site has a large parking lot, restrooms and modest picnicking amenities.
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Stop 2: Crazy Creek Cascade
Directions from previous place: Take the small pullout on the left side of the byway.
Distance from Previous Site: 15 miles / 24.0 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 25 minutes Suggested Time at This Site: 1 hour Pull over on the east side of the road for the Crazy Lakes Trail. Legend attributes the stream's odd name to the story of a Native American woman who went crazy, ran from her home in Clarks Fork Valley, and died along the flowing waters. Whether or not you believe the tale, you can still appreciate impressive view of cascading Crazy Creek only half a mile from the parking area. After you enjoy the trail and accompanying view, stop by the picnicking and camping facilities directly across the highway at Crazy Creek Campground.
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Stop 3: Lake Creek Falls
Directions from previous place: Continue along Beartooth Highway and watch for signs on the left side of the road.
Distance from Previous Site: 5 miles / 8.0 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 10 minutes Suggested Time at This Site: 20 minutes A 200-yard hike will take you to a foot bridge over the falls of Lake Creek. The original bridge was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Depression Era, but makes for a prime photo opportunity today. Glance over the side for a look at the creek's rushing waters, which have cut deep between confining granite walls.
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Stop 4: Clarks Fork Overlook
Directions from previous place: The pullout is just across the highway from Lake Creek Falls.
Distance from Previous Site: 0.5 miles / 0.8 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 1 minute Suggested Time at This Site: 15 minutes From this point, you can see Clarks Fork of Yellowstone Canyon, Wyoming's only designated Wild and Scenic River. You can also see the aftermath of the 1988 Clover Mist Fire which spread nearly 400,000 acres from its origin in Yellowstone.
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Stop 5: Clay Butte Fire Lookout Tower
Directions from previous place: Take turnout on left side of the highway, the trail to the lookout is about a mile and a half.
Distance from Previous Site: 5 miles / 8.0 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 10 minutes Suggested Time at This Site: 2 hours Once an old fire lookout, this watchtower, a one mile hike off the byway, affords panoramic vistas of mountains over 11,000 feet as well as the overall Beartooth Plateau. Inside the lookout, check out interpretive displays of the 1988 wildfires that threatened homes and businesses in Cooke City.
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Stop 6: Top of the World Resort
Directions from previous place: Continue eastward on the Beartooth Highway until you reach the Top of the World Resort.
Distance from Previous Site: 5 miles / 8.0 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 10 minutes Suggested Time at This Site: 30 minutes Stop off at the Top of the World Resort to stock up on snacks for the road, souvenirs and gifts for your friends, and gas for your vehicle. Take a gander at the local artwork, and ask about the many outdoor equipment rentals available before continuing on your journey.
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Stop 7: West Summit Overlook
Directions from previous place: Follow 212 to the pull-out on the right side of the road.
Distance from Previous Site: 10 miles / 16.0 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 20 minutes Suggested Time at This Site: 20 minutes Take in 360-degree views of the mountains and the Beartooth Plateau and experience the harsh conditions to which plant and animal life must cling during the brief summer season.
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Stop 8: Rock Creek Vista Point Rest Area
Directions from previous place: Continue along the route heading northeast, past the switchbacks. The vista point is on the east side of the byway, and a picnic area is on the west side.
Distance from Previous Site: 15 miles / 24.0 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 25 minutes Suggested Time at This Site: 30 minutes This fully developed rest area has interpretive panels portraying the history of the road and mining in the Rock Creek Valley and about alpine wildlife and ecosystems. Stretch your legs on short hiking trail that takes you to a ridge with an outstanding view.
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Stop 9: Red Lodge Mountain Ski Area
Directions from previous place: Follow the byway to Ski Run Road and follow it for six miles.
Distance from Previous Site: 15 miles / 24.0 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 25 minutes Suggested Time at This Site: 2 hours If you're in the area during wintertime, be sure to stop in at Red Lodge Mountain Ski Area. With 8 lifts, a terrain park, and a 2,400 vertical drop, there are great runs for everyone. During the summer the resort offers a variety of outdoor recreation as well.
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End: Red Lodge
Directions from previous place: Return along Ski Run Road to the Beartooth Highway. Head north.
Distance from Previous Site: 10 miles / 16.0 km Travel Time from Previous Site: 20 minutes Red Lodge, Montana is filled with tourists amenities. Check out the diverse dining options or take in the unique art galleries. Visit the Nature Center or live cowboy-style at a guest ranch. Overwhelmed with options? Stop in at the visitor center to plan further adventures in the area.
