Beartooth Pass High Country Loop
Mining roads above 10,000 feet near Yellowstone
The Beartooth Pass High Country Loop takes you beyond the famous highway into Montana’s true alpine zone, where mining roads from the 1880s gold rush snake between glacial lakes and granite peaks above timberline. From the Top of the World store near Beartooth Pass, rough 4WD tracks branch off toward Clay Butte Lookout and the Mystic Lake mining district, climbing through terrain that stays snow-covered nine months of the year. The loop connects several high-country mining roads, including the challenging route to Granite Peak’s base camp area and the technical descent into East Rosebud drainage.
Expert-level terrain demanding serious mountain driving skills—loose talus, steep grades, and weather that can turn deadly without warning even in summer. Stock 4WD minimum, but lockers and low-range recommended for the technical sections. July through early September only, and even then carry winter gear as snow can hit any day above 10,000 feet. No services once you leave the highway. What you get is access to some of the most spectacular alpine terrain in the Lower 48, with views across the Yellowstone ecosystem and camping spots that feel like the roof of the world.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Expert |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 35 mi / 56.3 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 10800 ft |
| Best season | July-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD with skid plates |
| Nearest town | Cooke City, MT |
| Land manager | U.S. Forest Service |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | fs.usda.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or Wrangler handle this trail without a lift?
A stock 4WD with decent skid plates can make it, but you're pushing the limits — rocky mining roads at this elevation punish low-clearance rigs hard. A lift of 2–3 inches and all-terrain tires will save you a lot of grief. Soft-roaders and crossovers have no business up here.
When does the Beartooth High Country Loop actually open each year?
July through September is your window — snow can linger on the high sections well into June and return early in October. Don't assume it's clear just because it's summer; call the Custer-Gallatin National Forest or check conditions before you roll out.
Do I need a permit to run this trail or camp along it?
No permit required to drive the trail — it's U.S. Forest Service land with dispersed camping allowed. Follow Leave No Trace, camp 200 feet from water sources, and check for any active fire restrictions before you go at fs.usda.gov/custer-gallatin.
What's the nastiest section of this trail and what makes it technical?
The exposed rocky pitches above 10,000 feet are where it gets real — loose shale, off-camber ledges, and shelf roads with no guardrails and serious exposure. There's no bailout option mid-route, so if something goes wrong mechanically or weather rolls in fast, you're committed.
How far is the nearest gas from the trailhead and is there any cell service on the route?
Cooke City is your last fuel stop — fill up there, full tank, no exceptions, because there is zero cell service on this entire loop and the nearest help is a long way out. Carry a sat communicator; this is not a trail to run without one.
Trail track
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