Beartooth Mountains
The Beartooth Mountains along with the Absaroka Mountains, located in southern Montana, make up the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness Area, an area that spans for more than 900,000 acres. The Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness derives its name from the Crow Indians. The Absarokas are named after the Crow Indians who inhabited much of south-central Montana prior to the white man's entrance into the area. The Beartooth Mountains were named afer the likeness between a jagged mountain peak in the range and a bear's tooth. more info
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Yodeler Motel - your basecamp for adventure
A nice place to relax before driving the magnificent beartooth pass to Yellowstone Nat'l Park. Enjoy our in-room steam baths. Bringing your pet along for the trip? No problem!
The highest peaks in the wilderness area are found in the Beartooth Mountains, with numerous peaks above the 12,000 foot level. Granite Peak is the highest in Montana at a lofty 12,799 feet. Granite Peak is actually one of a series of peaks in the Beartooths that roughly join to form a semicircle. Most of the peaks are barren, steep, rocky masses. Here, only lichens, snow algae, and an occasional wildflower can survive under these harsh conditions. Massive granite plateaus that are found well above timberline define the Beartooth Mountains, along with numerous small, alpine lakes. Many glaciers are also located in the Beartooth Mountains. Hiking in the area is very popular for its scenic splendor combined with the extensive amount of open country that lies above timberline, creating wonderful hiking conditions both on and off trail.
The Beartooth Mountains are composed primarily of Precambrian granite. This granite has been uplifed and exposed, forming broad, gently sloping plateaus that rise to over 12,000 feet above see level. During the past several thousand years, glaciation has carved the mountains into deep U-shaped valleys with serrated ridges. Remnant alpine glaciers remain today on the Beartooth crest. You will find parallel grooves, or striations, on rocks, which mark the grinding passage of ancient glaciers.
Recreation opportunities are vast in the Beartooth Mountains. A massive trail system exist for hikers and horses, and offers endless fishing opportunities, along with solitude that is harder to find in more popular wilderness areas. Some key spots for hiking or backpacking are the forks of Rock Creek, Sundance Pass, Timberline, Island and Beartooth Lakes, and the hanging canyon near Hell Roaring Wall. Deep Lake is one of the largest and least accessible lakes in the Beartooths. Created by an 800 foot dam from a natural landslide, its beauty and superior fishing make it a tempting destination. Surrounded by almost vertical cliffs and cascades rolling from lake to lake, the canyon above East Rosebud Lake epitomizes the Beartooths. Cutthroat, rainbow, golden, brook trout, and arctic grayling are found in the many crystal clear lakes, but do make sure the lake you are heading to holds fish as many freeze over in the winter.
Some of the most outstanding and impressive landscapes and wilderness lie in the Beartooth Mountains, and is avaiable for all to appreciate its awesome panaromic views. The Beartooth Scenic Highway, officially opened June 14, 1936, connects Yellowstone National Park to Red Lodge, Montana. This highway is breathtaking with endless views from the "Top of the World" at its highest point of 10,974 feet. Designated a National Scenic Byway in 1989, visitors are attracted to its proclaimed splendor and are amazed at the raw beauty of the Beartooth Mountains. The views of the ragged rock peaks and sheer rock walls that plunge to talus slopes and canyon bottoms are a spectacular sight.
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