Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Piet Say' in the local Crow language), which lends the range its name. A mile later you'll
crest the
Beartooth Pass West Summit
, the highest point at 10,947ft. You'll likely pass
15ft-deep snowbanks here as late as June (even July some years).
From this halfway point the road descends past Frozen Lake, Long Lake, Little Bear
Lake (the last two with excellent fishing) and then the Chain Lakes (on the left) to the Is-
land Lake and Beartooth Lake Campgrounds. Both offer excellent opportunities for a pic-
nic, day hike or a canoe paddle. Between the campgrounds is the
Top of the World Store
(
www.topoftheworldresort.com
)
, which offers a reviving coffee (and a fishing license if
you need one).
As the road descends, you'll see
Beartooth Butte
, a huge lump of the sedimentary
rock that once covered the Beartooths. Two miles beyond Beartooth Lake Campground,
42 miles from Red Lodge, turn right up a 2.5-mile dirt road to the former fire watchtower
at
Clay Butte Overlook
(open July and August; no RVs or trailers). The views from here
are fantastic: look for the effects of the 1988 Clover Mist fire and the 'Reef,' a snaking
line of sedimentary rock that follows the entire valley, prooving that this lofty region was
once underwater.
Back on the main road a mile further on is an
overlook
offering views of Index Peak
(11,313ft) and jagged Pilot Peak (11,708ft). Next up is the
Clarks Fork Overlook
(with
toilets) and then a small turnout by Lake Creek Falls. Less than a mile from here, forestry
road 130-1 leads 2 miles north to secluded
Lily Lake
, where you'll find a canoe ramp,
good fishing and several free primitive campsites.
The turnoff left is for Chief Joseph Scenic Hwy, which leads 62 miles to Cody and ac-
cesses Yellowstone's east entrance via the Wapiti Valley. The Beartooth Hwy descends to
several excellent fishing areas on the Clarks Fork and reenters Montana. Opposite Chief
Joseph Campground is
Clarks Fork Trailhead
, a fine place for a picnic, a day hike and a
look at the flume of the former mining power station. From here it's 4 miles to Cooke
City, via the almost imperceptible Colter Pass (8066ft).
Hiking & Backpacking
You can gain about 4000ft of elevation by car and begin your hike right from the Bear-
tooth Hwy, but it's important to allow some time to acclimatize. Also be aware that the
barren terrain offers little shade, shelter or wood. In order to protect the fragile alpine ve-
getation, hikers should not light campfires above the tree line. Grizzly and black bears are
not that common in the higher elevations; hikers have a better chance of seeing bighorn
sheep, mountain goats or elk.
