Gardiner to Cooke City High Route
Gold rush wagon road through grizzly country
This 38-mile route traces the original wagon road that supplied the gold camps of Cooke City, climbing from Gardiner’s 5,314-foot elevation through the Absaroka Mountains via Jardine and Bearcat mining districts. The track passes through the ruins of Jardine’s arsenic mine and follows Soda Butte Creek through some of Montana’s densest grizzly habitat, where mining scars from the 1880s still mark the hillsides above the valley floor.
Moderate difficulty with several creek crossings and loose rock sections that demand high-clearance 4WD and bear spray within easy reach. Prime season runs June through October when Beartooth Pass stays open. No permits required, but check with Gallatin National Forest for seasonal closures during wildlife denning periods. Stock up in Gardiner—Cooke City’s one gas station can run dry. The reward is unparalleled Yellowstone backcountry access and authentic mining history few tourists ever see.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 38 mi / 61.2 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 7400 ft |
| Best season | June-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Gardiner, Montana |
| Land manager | Gallatin National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | fs.usda.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4WD high-clearance rig handle this trail, or do I need a lift?
A stock 4WD high-clearance vehicle like a 4Runner or Tacoma can manage this trail. You don't need a lift, but low-range and all-terrain tires are expected — this is not a job for a stock crossover or 2WD truck.
When does this route actually open in spring, and can you run it in October?
June through October is the reliable window. Snow can linger at elevation into early June and return by late October, closing sections without warning — check with Gallatin National Forest before you go, especially shoulder season.
Do I need a permit to run this route or camp along it?
No permit is required to drive the route. Dispersed camping is allowed under Gallatin National Forest rules — 14-night stay limit, 200 feet from water sources, and pack out everything you pack in.
What's the hardest section of this trail and what makes it technical?
The water crossings are the main challenge — they're not extreme, but depending on snowmelt runoff in early summer, depths and currents can vary significantly. The route is rated moderate overall, but wet crossings on a 38-mile stretch with no bailout nearby demand respect.
How far is it between gas stops, and is there cell service if something goes wrong out there?
Fuel up in Gardiner before you leave — it's 38 miles of backcountry to Cooke City, and cell service is spotty at best for most of the route. Carry a satellite communicator; grizzly country with no signal and a broken axle is not the place to improvise.
Trail track
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