Beartooth Mountains
Some of the most outstanding and impressive landscapes and wilderness lie in the Beartooth Mountains. Its alpine tundra, steep canyon walls, glaciated valleys, crystal lakes and soaring peaks are not to be missed whether you are traveling to or from Big Sky.
The boundaries of
the Beartooth and Absaroka Mountains have been a bit controversial at times, but
in general the Beartooths lay to the east of the Absarokas. From Livingston,
Montana the Beartooth Mountains are bordered by Red Lodge on the east, the
Yellowstone River on the west and south, and the Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone
in the southeast. The mountain range covers 3,000 square miles and is one of
the largest areas in North America that rises above 10,000 feet. Its highest
point sits above the clouds at 12,799 Granite Peak, also the highest peak in
Montana. Like many peaks in the range it is barren and covered by lichen, snow
algae, and on occasion a few wild flowers. Heading south in Montana, the abrupt
north face of the Beartooths makes the approach almost intimidating.
This range was formed from uplifting of metamorphic rock which eroded and was
then covered by glaciers. 65 million years ago volcanoes erupted on the
Yellowstone-Absoroka belt, covering the western and central Beartooths.
Although the glacial era is in recession, the Grasshopper Glacier and Skytop
Glacier, evidence of the last ice age, can still be seen today. Surrounded by
striations, erratics, moraines, bergschrunds, crevasses, and aretes, this
mountain range is a geologist's candy store.
The Beartooth Mountains are home to a massive trail system for hikers and
horses, endless fishing opportunities, and the solitude that is harder to find
in more popular wilderness areas. Some key spots for hiking or backpacking are
the forks of Rock Creek, Sundance Pass, Timberline, Island and Beartooth Lakes,
and the hanging canyon near Hell Roaring Wall. Deep Lake is one of the largest
and least accessible lakes in the Beartooths. Created by an 800 foot dam from a
natural landslide, its beauty and superior fishing make it a tempting
destination. Surrounded by almost vertical cliffs and cascades rolling from
lake to lake, the canyon above East Rosebud Lake epitomizes the Beartooths.
Cutthroat, rainbow, golden, brook trout, and arctic grayling are found in the
many crystal clear lakes, but do make sure the lake you are heading to holds
fish as many freeze over in the winter.
The Beartooth National Scenic Highway runs from Red Lodge, Montana, into
Wyoming, and back to Cooke City, which borders the northeast corner of
Yellowstone National Park. Open from Memorial Day through mid-October, the
easiest way to access the Beartooth Mountains or the scenic highway from Big Sky
is by driving through the park. This scenic byway is considered by many to be
"America's most beautiful road," passing from lush forest to alpine tundra with
views of plateaus and peaks in all directions. From its origin in Red Lodge, an
old mining town, US212 immediately starts ascending up to Beartooth Pass at
10,947 feet, just passed the Wyoming border. Before you reach the pass you can
see a pyramid shaped spire called Bear's Tooth, or Na Pet Say in the language of
Crow Indians, which is how the mountains got their name. Descending the highway
into Wyoming from West Summit Overlook, hundreds of alpine and sub alpine lakes
sitting in bowls carved out by glaciers, come into view below including Long,
Little Bear, Island, and Beartooth Lake. Beartooth and Clay Buttes, and Crazy
Creek Cascade, are sites you can't miss on the highway. There is one store and
two campgrounds along the road, and many more surrounding the mountains if you
plan to spend more time here. As a majority of the range lies above timberline
spanning broad granite plateaus, numerous receding glaciers, endless peaks,
surrounded by wildlife, it is no wonder why the Beartooth Mountains should be a
stop along your journey.
Other pages you might find helpful:
Beartooth Highway - Red Lodge Montana
Drive the scenic Beartooth Pass Highway near Red Lodge Montana!
Red Lodge Montana
Visit Red Lodge Montana, gateway to the Beartooth Mountains!
network of Travel Guides