Exploring Red Lodge to Yellowstone: Beartooth Pass, Four-Wheeling, and Wild Scenery
- Cara Kerouac
- Oct 19, 2024
- 3 min read
If you're looking for an unforgettable adventure with breathtaking scenery and endless outdoor activities, Red Lodge, Montana, and Beartooth Pass are the hidden gems you’ve been waiting for. Nestled in the Shoshone National Forest, this gateway to Yellowstone offers something for everyone—from adventurous four-wheeling trails to charming downtown shops. We’re here to share our personal stories from this trip, with tips and recommendations for making the most of your time in Red Lodge and Beartooth Pass.
Exploring West Fork Road: Four-Wheeling Fun and Scenic Spots
During our stay, we spent a lot of time on West Fork Road, just outside Red Lodge. This 15-mile stretch winds through the Shoshone National Forest and offers dispersed camping spots, hiking trails, and a river that runs alongside the road. The highlight? We borrowed our friends' Polaris side-by-side for some off-road fun. It was the perfect way to explore the rugged beauty of this area.
We found some incredible dispersed camping spots right along the creek. These sites are
relatively easy to access but still provide the privacy and serenity you’d expect from a more remote location. Keep in mind that this is grizzly bear country—come prepared with bear spray or other precautions, especially since we came across a warning about a nearby moose carcass attracting grizzlies!
Red Lodge: Quaint Town, Big Adventure
Red Lodge is a charming town offering everything from eclectic shops and local galleries to outdoor activities for every season. Whether you're into kayaking, horseback riding, rock climbing, skiing, or simply strolling through downtown, Red Lodge has it all.
One of our favorite Red Lodge activities was a Silver Run Trail hike. This trail offers multiple loops, ranging from 2 to 5.3 miles, making it an excellent choice for all fitness levels. We did the 5.3-mile loop with gradual inclines, some fun bridge crossings, and plenty of opportunities for the dogs to play in the water. Our older dog, Jewels, especially enjoyed it—at twelve and a half years old, she kept up with the younger pups like a champ!
The Jaw-Dropping Beartooth Pass
When both our friends had a day off, we took a day trip up Beartooth Pass, a dramatic,
winding mountain road that connects Red Lodge to Cooke City and the northeastern entrance of Yellowstone. This drive is not for the faint of heart, with sheer drop-offs and dizzying climbs up to 11,000 feet in elevation. But the payoff? Unbelievable views of arctic tundra, alpine lakes, and towering peaks.
Even though we visited in late September, the weather at the top of the pass was freezing, with glaciers and snow visible. The pass is only open seasonally, so be sure to check ahead if you’re planning a trip. We highly recommend stopping at one of the alpine lakes—and bring
inflatable paddleboards so you can hike down and paddle out on these serene, crystal-clear waters.
Beartooth Pass is ranked as one of the top five most scenic drives in the U.S. After experiencing it ourselves, we wholeheartedly agree. The views were as dramatic as anything we’ve seen in Glacier National Park, with towering mountain ranges and cascading waterfalls around every bend.
Cooke City: A Step Back in Time
At the end of Beartooth Pass lies Cooke City, a small mining town now a quaint tourist
stop. With only a few restaurants, shops, and a gas station, it’s a quiet and charming place to grab lunch before heading back over the pass.
We stopped at Cooke City’s visitor center and took a leisurely walk through the town, enjoying the local shops and historic sights. The drive back was just as stunning, and we made sure to stop at some of the waterfalls we missed on the way in.
Final Thoughts
Red Lodge and Beartooth Pass offer an adventure-packed getaway with everything from scenic drives and secluded campgrounds to quaint downtown experiences and heart-pumping outdoor activities. Whether you’re planning to paddleboard on alpine lakes, take your dog on a hike, or explore remote camping spots, this region has something for everyone.
If you're visiting Red Lodge and Beartooth Pass soon, don't forget to check out the dispersed camping locations and trail recommendations in our blog. Stay safe, be bear-aware, and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of this mountain paradise!
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