Beartooth Pass from Cooke

This route is often called the "most beautiful drive in America" and is designated a National Scenic Byway All-American Road. It offers an epic and challenging road cycling experience due to its immense length and high altitude, taking you through a unique alpine environment often above the treeline. While not a specific trail, the Beartooth Highway itself provides an unforgettable journey bordering vast wilderness areas like the High Lakes Wilderness Study Area.

The Beartooth Pass is only open seasonally due to heavy snowfall. It typically opens on the Friday of Memorial Day weekend and closes on the Tuesday after Columbus Day. The best time to cycle is generally during the summer months, from late June through early September, when the weather is most stable and the pass is fully accessible.

You'll be cycling on a generally excellent paved road, the Beartooth Highway (US-212). The route features significant elevation gain with long, sustained climbs, numerous switchbacks, and hairpin turns, especially as you ascend above the treeline. While the average gradient is manageable, the sheer length and high altitude (up to 10,947 feet) make it a demanding ride.

No specific permits or entrance fees are required to cycle the Beartooth Highway itself. However, the route passes through the Shoshone National Forest. While there are no fees for simply driving or cycling through, some specific recreational activities or developed campgrounds within the National Forest might require a fee or permit. Always check with the Shoshone National Forest service for any specific regulations if you plan to venture off the main highway.

Cooke City, Montana, serves as a gateway to the Beartooth Highway. You can typically find parking within Cooke City itself, often near the town's amenities, to begin your ride. As it's a popular starting point, arriving earlier in the day is advisable, especially during peak season, to secure a convenient spot.

The route is packed with stunning scenery. You'll pass by the Stateline Wyoming/Montana, the beautiful Lake Creek Falls, and the picturesque Beartooth Lake. The ultimate highlight is reaching the summit at Beartooth Pass itself, offering panoramic views of the surrounding Beartooth Mountains.

This route is rated as difficult due to its significant elevation gain, long climbs, and high altitude. It is best suited for experienced road cyclists who are well-conditioned and comfortable with sustained climbing at high elevations. It is generally not recommended for beginners or families with young children looking for a leisurely ride.

The broader Beartooth Mountains region is home to diverse wildlife. While cycling, you might spot smaller animals like eagles and chipmunks. The area is also part of a vast wilderness where larger animals such as grizzly bears, lynx, wolverines, cougars, wolves, bison, and elk reside, though sightings of these larger species from the highway are less common.

While primarily a road cycling route, the Beartooth Highway does pass near or briefly intersect with several other trails. You might find sections that cross or run adjacent to the Soda Butte Creek Trail, Beartooth Loop/Houser Lake Trail, and Crazy Creek Trail, which are more suited for hiking or mountain biking.

While dogs are generally allowed on leash in the Shoshone National Forest, cycling with a dog on the Beartooth Highway itself is not practical or recommended due to the nature of the road (high-speed traffic, narrow shoulders in places, significant climbs) and the challenging conditions. If you plan to stop and explore off-road areas, always keep your dog on a leash and be aware of wildlife regulations.

Given the difficulty and high altitude, essential gear includes a well-maintained racebike, appropriate cycling apparel for varying temperatures (it can be cold at the summit even in summer), plenty of water and nutrition, a repair kit, and sun protection. Due to the remote nature, consider carrying a first-aid kit and having a way to communicate in emergencies, as cell service can be spotty.