Cooke City, MT
The mountain hamlet of Cooke City, Montana is the primary hub to 'America's most spectacular drive', The Beartooth Highway. This spectacular highway climbs through alpine scenery from Cooke City to an elevation of 10,947 feet to then arrive on the doorstep of Red Lodge, Montana, and is only open during the summer months. Cooke City is located at the northeastern entrance to Yellowstone National Park.
During winter months, local residents gain access to the rest of the state through Mammoth Hot Springs (inside the park) and eventually the north entrance at Gardiner, Montana. Known for its black diamond snowmobiling, Cooke City is both a winter and summer paradise. In summer, the surrounding Beartooth Mountains offer unbelievable views, hiking, fishing, wildflower meadows, views of Rocky Mountain sheep and goats, and is a popular route for motorcyclists touring Yellowstone and the rest of America. more info
Big Moose Resort offers cozy cabins for summer vacationers traveling the Beartooth to Yellowstone.
The best kept vacation secret around Yellowstone. Beartooth Hwy, low costs, family fun & adventure.
Enjoyable horseback rides into Yellowstone from Cooke City. Plus, multi-day backcountry pack trips.
Access thousands of hiking, biking and fishing trails - unlimited topos/maps and free trial!
Cooke City, Montana is a small village just outside the northeast corner of Yellowstone National Park. It is accessible year-round through the Mammoth Hot Springs entrance to Yellowstone National Park. Surrounded by natural beauty and vast wilderness areas, it's no wonder why most travelers take some time to enjoy Cooke City and its possibility for endless exploring and breathtaking views every way you turn.
In the early 1870s gold was found in the town and surrounding areas which remained within the Crow Reservation until 1882. After many difficulties between the Crow and gold miners the reservation was pushed east of its original settlement. The town was named after a mining investor named Jay Cooke Jr.
These days the population of Cooke City grows only in the summer when tourists make their way along the Beartooth Range. Throughout the rest of the year, the snow hits the area pretty hard, making travel to and from a bit more difficult.
Despite being such a quaint and welcoming town, it is home to some of the most beautiful sights available in the northern Rockies. In the summer months visitors and locals will find endless trails along and near Beartooth Pass. Yellowstone is just minutes away, the gateway to geological wonders and pristine wilderness. In the winter months the snow provides the perfect terrain for avid cross-country skiers.
As you pass through Cooke City take some time to check out a few galleries as well as chat with the welcoming locals. The town is very laid back. During your vacation it wouldn't hurt to follow suit; slow down and enjoy your surroundings.
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