Beartooth Highway: Breathtaking Mountain Driving Tour – Cooke City-Silver Gate, Montana

EXPERIENCE

Start by downloading the Action Tour Guide app, which will function as your personal tour guide, audio tour, and map all in one. Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together!

Your journey begins at the Bear’s Tooth View, named after the jagged, tooth-like rock that defines this mountain range a name originally given by the Crow People. As you travel between the West Summit Overlook and the top of some spectacular switchbacks, we’ll direct you to the best spot to view the iconic Bear’s Tooth.

Next, venture off to the Clay Butte Lookout, where a now-disused fire tower offers expansive views across the region. Accessible via a 3-mile unpaved but well-maintained road, this spot is perfect for most vehicles. In July and August, a small volunteer-operated visitor center welcomes explorers.

Continue your drive to Island Lake, the jewel of our tour and a hub for numerous activities. Renowned as the most sought-after campground in the area, it s the perfect stop for relaxation or adventure. Hike the Beartooth High Lakes Trail along the lake s western shore, or enjoy boating and fishing. Rental gear is available at the nearby Top of the World Resort.

Take advantage of the Vista Point Observation Site. A short trail leads to a viewing platform over the Rock Creek Valley, which showcases a U-shaped canyon carved by ancient glaciers. This panorama is truly unmissable.

Conclude your journey at the West Summit Overlook, the highest point of the drive at 10,947 feet. A brief drive on an unpaved road takes you a bit higher, squeezing out the most breathtaking views. The weather here can vary, so come prepared for anything from fierce winds to serene, warm stillness.

This tour, packed with natural wonders and scenic vistas, connects profoundly with the landscape s raw beauty. Join us to discover these marvels at your own pace, with the freedom to explore deeper into the wilds or simply soak in the views.

HIGHLIGHTS

Marvel at Bear s Tooth View, named after the jagged rock formation
Explore expansive views from Clay Butte Lookout via an unpaved road
Discover Island Lake s beauty, the drive’s most popular alpine lake
Enjoy panoramic vistas of Rock Creek Valley from Vista Point
Visit West Summit Overlook, the highest point at 10,947 feet

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