Red Lodge to Cooke City (Beartooth Pass Alternative)
Beartooth views without the tourist traffic
While tourists crawl up the paved Beartooth Highway bumper-to-bumper, this gravel alternative cuts through country that’ll make you wonder why anyone bothers with asphalt. Forest Road 2071 splits off near Red Lodge and climbs through pine forests before breaking into alpine meadows where elk outnumber vehicles 100-to-1. The route tops out around 9,200 feet near Haystack Mountain, giving you the same jaw-dropping views of the Beartooth Plateau without the motorcycle parade, then drops into the Clarks Fork drainage before reconnecting with civilization at Cooke City.
This is high-clearance country with loose rock, washouts, and snow that can linger into July at elevation. Stock 4WD handles it fine in good weather, but afternoon thunderstorms turn the clay sections into slip-and-slides. No permits needed, but check conditions with the Forest Service—this road closes hard with the first serious snow and doesn’t reopen until late June. Pack extra water, spare tire, and layers because weather changes fast at 9,000 feet. You’re trading convenience for solitude and getting the Beartooth experience the way it was meant to be—without guardrails or gift shops.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 38 mi / 61.2 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 9200 ft |
| Best season | July-September |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Red Lodge, MT |
| Land manager | Custer Gallatin National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Jeep Wrangler make it through this trail?
Yes, any stock 4WD with decent ground clearance will handle this gravel route fine. The surface is maintained forest service roads, not technical rock crawling.
Is this trail open in May or October?
No, snow typically blocks high-altitude sections from October through June. Stick to July-September for reliable access without snowpack.
Do I need permits or pay any fees to run this route?
No permits required for driving through Custer Gallatin National Forest on this route. Standard forest service camping rules apply if you're staying overnight.
What's the gnarliest part of this trail?
The highest elevation sections around 9,200 feet can get rough with loose rock and narrow shelf roads. Weather changes fast up there, so afternoon thunderstorms are the real challenge.
Are there decent dispersed camping spots along the way?
Yes, plenty of pull-offs and meadow camping above treeline with killer views. Just remember you're at serious altitude—nights get cold even in summer.