This 1942-era fire lookout sits atop Clay Butte at 9,811 feet, providing spectacular 360-degree views of the Beartooth Mountains and Yellowstone’s northern ranges. The tower is staffed seasonally and visitors can climb up when the lookout is present. The surrounding plateau offers endless alpine hiking opportunities and wildflower displays in July.
Access requires a rough 3-mile 4WD track that branches off the Beartooth Highway near milepost 65. The road is steep, rocky, and impassable when wet. High-clearance 4WD is mandatory. Weather changes rapidly at this elevation – afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer.
Historic lookout tower with Beartooth Plateau views
Place Details
| Type | Point of Interest |
|---|---|
| Street address | 101 West Main Street, Cooke City, Montana 59020 Get directions → |
| Elevation (ft) | 9811 ft |
| Nearest town | Cooke City, Montana |
| Miles from pavement | 3 mi |
| Minimum vehicle | 4WD |
| Access road surface | Rocky |
| Cell service | None |
| Cost (USD/night, 0 = free) | Free |
| Reservation required | No |
| Best season | July-September |
| Land manager | USFS |
| Permit required | No |
| Coordinates | Open directions |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |