Located in the rugged Beartooth Mountains just northeast of Yellowstone National Park lies one of Montana’s most iconic backpacking routes: the Beaten Path. Stretching about 26 miles from Cooke City to East Rosebud Lake, this thru-hike is a rite of passage for backpackers who want big alpine scenery without needing months on the trail.
Why It’s Special
The Beaten Path is more than just a point-to-point hike—it’s a journey through some of the most dramatic high country in the Northern Rockies. Jagged granite peaks, jewel-colored lakes, and waterfalls tumbling from glacial cirques create a backdrop that feels almost otherworldly. Unlike many longer trails, the Beaten Path packs a lifetime of views into just a few days.
The Route
• Trailheads: Most hikers start at East Rosebud Lake (near Red Lodge) and finish at Cooke City, or vice versa.
• Mileage: About 26 miles total, usually done in 2–4 days depending on pace.
• Elevation: The route climbs over 3,000 feet to reach Dewey Pass (10,000 feet), then descends through a chain of alpine basins.
• Highlights: Fossil Lake (the highest lake on the route), Rainbow Lake, Elk Lake, and dozens of unnamed tarns tucked beneath towering cliffs.
Planning Your Trip
• Permits: No wilderness permits are required, but overnight parking at trailheads may require a fee.
• Shuttles: Because the hike is one-way, arranging a car shuttle is key. Some outfitters in Red Lodge and Cooke City offer transport services.
• Best Season: July through September, once the snow has melted from the high passes. Early season can mean lingering snowfields and high water crossings.
• Camping: Dispersed backcountry camping is allowed along the trail—just follow Leave No Trace principles. Popular sites include near Rainbow Lake, Fossil Lake, and Twin Outlets Lake.
What to Expect
• Wildlife: The Beartooths are home to mountain goats, moose, elk, and the occasional grizzly bear—carry bear spray and store food properly.
• Weather: Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, and temperatures can dip below freezing even in August. Be prepared with layers and a sturdy shelter.
• Crowds: Despite its name, the Beaten Path still feels remote. You’ll likely see fellow backpackers, but long stretches of trail feel wild and untouched.
Tips for Success
• Start early in the day to avoid storms over Dewey Pass.
• Bring a map and GPS—snowfields can obscure the trail.
• Plan water refills at lakes and streams, but always filter.
• Give yourself time to linger—the scenery deserves slow mornings and long breaks.
A Yellowstone Country Classic
Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or tackling your first thru-hike, the Beaten Path offers the perfect blend of challenge and beauty. In just a few days, you’ll pass through alpine basins carved by ice, camp beside crystalline lakes, and wake to the quiet of one of Montana’s wildest ranges. For many, finishing the trail isn’t just about reaching the end—it’s about carrying the Beartoothswith you long after you’ve left the mountains behind.
