Overview
The Beartooth Highline offers something rare in popular mountain destinations: a high-elevation traverse on the Wyoming side of the Beartooth Plateau that consistently sees less traffic than the more accessible Montana approaches. Starting near the Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone River and traversing to the Island Lake area, the route spends most of its 12 miles above 9,000 feet on open tundra, passing high-country lakes and crossing a landscape that has barely changed since the last ice age.
The Shoshone National Forest administers the Wyoming sections of this plateau, and the forest's lower visitor numbers compared to the Montana side create a noticeably quieter experience. On a typical July weekday, you may see more marmots than people.
This is a point-to-point trail requiring a vehicle shuttle, which adds logistical complexity but enables a linear traverse rather than an out-and-back. The 1,800 feet of cumulative elevation gain over 12 miles is spread across the route without any single brutal climb, making this accessible to fit hikers even though the constant altitude is a factor. Individual responses to sustained hiking above 9,000 feet vary considerably.
The Route
Miles 0 to 4: Clarks Fork End to Plateau
From the northern trailhead, the route climbs steadily from the Clarks Fork area up onto the plateau proper. The terrain transitions from forest to open tundra within the first two miles, and the views back down the Clarks Fork canyon open dramatically. By mile 4, you are on the plateau with the full highline experience underway: open sky, tundra, and a horizon that extends to distant peaks in every direction.
Miles 4 to 8: Plateau Traverse
The middle section of the route is the characteristic highline experience sustained travel across open terrain above 9,500 feet, passing multiple unnamed lakes and crossing a landscape where the geological and ecological story of the Beartooth is visible at every step. Route-marking is present but not dense; a GPS track or detailed topo map is useful.
Miles 8 to 12: Island Lake Descent
The final miles drop gradually toward the Island Lake area, where the Beartooth Highway is accessible. The descent offers views back across the plateau that are among the best on the route. The Island Lake Campground (Montana side, Custer Gallatin National Forest) is accessible at the southern end.
When to Visit
Mid-July through mid-September is the reliable window. Snow patches persist on the plateau well into July in heavy years. The Beartooth Highway must be open to access the trailheads typically late May through mid-October, but check current status before planning.
Review the conditions-checking guide for current information.
What to Bring
Many hikers carry the following for this route:
- 3 liters of water capacity with filter or purification tablets
- Full rain and wind gear; the plateau is exposed for all 12 miles
- Sun protection; UV exposure is intense at altitude
- Navigation: GPS with downloaded track and topo map
- Bear spray (grizzly bear territory)
- Emergency shelter or bivy layer for weather delays
- Snacks and a full lunch for a long alpine day
Individual needs vary significantly based on fitness and acclimatization to altitude.
Practical Details
No permit is required for day hiking as of 2026. Dispersed camping is permitted in the national forest. Follow Leave No Trace principles.
For information about the America the Beautiful pass and veteran fee benefits, see our veteran benefits guide.
Getting There
The northern trailhead is accessed from US-212 near the Wyoming-Montana border, approximately 12 miles east of Cooke City. The southern end is near Island Lake Campground on US-212. Both access points are on or adjacent to the Beartooth Highway. From Cody, the northern trailhead is approximately 90 miles by road via Chief Joseph Scenic Highway (WY-296) and US-212.