Snowmobile Beartooth Pass
Grab your sled and head for some of the best snowmobiling in the west between mid-December and late March on Beartooth Pass at 11,000 feet between Red Lodge and Cooke City, Montana.
- Take an avalanche awareness course for off-trail riding and bring an avalanche beacon, shovel, and snow-probe.
- Out of state riders need to purchase a $25 temporary use permit fee available December 1.
- Pilot Creek Trailhead and Parking Area is open year-round and provides parking for snowmobile trailers near its US 212 west and WY 296 junction.
Overview
Located at the highest section of the Beartooth Highway along US Highway 212 is the 12-mile Beartooth Pass, where snowmobilers ride “on top of the world” on nearly 60 total trail miles along the Montana-Wyoming border, proceeding into Yellowstone National Park.
The groomed trail season starts in mid-December and lasts through March, with 32 miles of 3-10 feet of snow, packed and machine-groomed, with average temperatures of -30°F to 30°F. Spring weather conditions are usually great until at least late May for snowmobiling in both groomed and ungroomed areas.
Location/Directions
The Beartooth Mountain snowmobiling trail system, connecting Red Lodge to Cooke City, Montana, can be accessed via wheeled transportation on US Highway 212 before it closes for Winter and reopens by Memorial Day Weekend.
Pilot Creek Trailhead and Parking Area is open year-round and provides parking for snowmobile trailers near its junction at US 212 west and WY 296.
For weather conditions and road closure information, contact the Montana or Wyoming Departments of Transportation:
- Montana DOT: 1-800-226-7623
- Wyoming DOT: 1-888-996-7623
Rentals and Fees
Snowmobiles and all necessary rental equipment are available in Red Lodge and Cooke City.
Out of state riders need to purchase a $25 temporary use permit fee available December 1 from Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks license agents, snowmobile equipment retail shops, hotels and motels and other area businesses catering to snowmobilers.
Hire a Guide
Consider hiring an experienced guide to compliment safety and enhance a snowmobiling adventure with riding tips and any other necessary assistance.
Safety Precautions
- Be prepared for wild animal encounters as well as extreme, rapidly changing mountain weather conditions despite a good forecast.
- Consider learning how to make basic snowmobile repairs.
- Take an avalanche awareness course for off-trail riding and bring an avalanche beacon, shovel, and snow-probe with you.
View the local providers:
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