You Won't Believe This Town Is In Montana

Home to just about 100 locals in the mighty Beartooth Mountains, Cooke City, Montana, is paradise for travelers chasing an epic, off-the-beaten-path adventure. While the historic mining town no longer draws fortune seekers, today Cooke City is worth its weight in gold in many other ways. The town may be small, but its backyard is one of the best outdoor playgrounds in the country.

Remote, serene, and stunning beyond description, the rugged mountain town unveils a side of Montana many never knew existed. In place of the state’s dominant plains, Cooke City is studded with lush pine forests and receives snowfall much of the year, making it a hub for winter sports and recreation. For nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and Montanans seeking a different side of the Treasure State, Cooke City offers a gateway to postcard scenes and fun beyond the ordinary.

Montana’s Snowiest Town

Characterized by vast golden fields and sweeping grasslands, Montana’s Great Plains make up about 60% of the state. Cooke City, by comparison, is rugged and rocky, sitting around 7,600 feet above sea level. With its subalpine terrain and subarctic climate, snow generally falls here from October to May, although it sometimes falls as early as September and as late as July. According to US Climate Data, the town averages around 200 inches of snow per year, earning it a reputation as the “Snowiest Town in Montana.” With annual high temperatures in Cooke City averaging just 48ºF, summers are warm, but not typically too hot, and winters tend to be long and cold, making it a hotspot for snow sports and seasonal recreation.

The Most Scenic Drive In America

Beyond its reputation for snow, many know Cooke City for its setting along the Beartooth Highway (US Route 212), a National Scenic Byway many call “The Most Scenic Drive In America.” The 68-mile route can generally be driven Memorial Day weekend through mid-October, weather permitting. It connects the town of Red Lodge to Cooke City, skirting the border of Montana and Wyoming.

Beginning in Red Lodge, the journey takes road trippers past dramatic views of the Beartooth Range. This includes the namesake “Bear’s Tooth,” a glacier-carved, tooth-shaped peak. Along the way, other notable pit stops include the Rock Creek Vista, Lake Creek Falls, and various alpine lakes, best viewed after passing Beartooth Pass and crossing a series of switchbacks.

A Gateway To Yellowstone National Park

Cooke City is also renowned as a gateway to the Northeast Entrance of Yellowstone National Park, one of the country's most popular and beloved parks for its captivating landscapes, unique geothermal features, and diverse wildlife. For many roadtrippers taking the Beartooth Highway, Yellowstone is an exciting finale, with Cooke City serving as the perfect home base from which to explore.

For animal lovers, the Northeast Entrance is a phenomenal access point, offering visitors a front row seat to Yellowstone’s wildlife. This entrance is closest to the Lamar Valley, a hotspot for wildlife watching and animal photography. The valley is an important habitat for bison, black bears, grizzlies, and wolves. Occasionally, bobcats, red foxes, and cougars can also be spotted.

Given that the Beartooth Highway is closed in winter and, weather-dependent, generally open from the end of May to mid-October, Cooke City becomes the end of the road that runs from the North Entrance of the park, located near the town of Gardiner, approximately 55 miles west of Cooke City.

Unique Things To Do In Cooke City

Snowmobile In Spring

Unlike other winter destinations, snowmobiling in Cooke City often lasts well into spring due to the town’s high altitude and abundant snow. The season frequently runs into May and sometimes even as late as June or July, offering the perk of increased daylight hours. The town is surrounded by legendary backcountry snowmobiling trails and over 60 miles of groomed paths, including scenic routes in spots like Daisy Pass and Henderson Mountain. There are also numerous snowmobile services and rentals available in town, such as Beartooth Adventures, where you can actually ride your machine out the door and onto the trail.

Shop At The Cooke City Store

Main Street Cooke City may be small, but it is worth exploring for gems like the historic Cooke City Store. Built in 1886 to support settlers and miners, the old-timey general store has served Cooke City and its surrounding towns ever since. Honoring its heritage and history, the store has preserved many of its original charms, including the use of its original hand-crank cash register and the sale of penny candy. Open May through September, this charming slice of history is a must for your Cooke City itinerary.

Sip And Dine At The Miners Saloon

Keeping on Main Street, the Miners Saloon is known for its fresh food, great drinks, and even better atmosphere. With a Wild West storefront welcoming you in, the rustic interior is just as inviting, as is the service. Whether mingling with locals over a microbrew or ordering a hand-tossed pizza topped with locally-sourced ingredients from Sammies Café, the Miners Saloon is the perfect place to recharge or unwind before or after an outdoor adventure in Cooke City.

Discover A Side Of Montana You Never Knew Existed

With 60% of Montana covered in rolling prairies, it is easy to miss tucked-away mountain towns like Cooke City. Even for those who know about this remote community, it may be tempting to write it off due to presumptions about a lack of attractions and amenities. However, Cooke City is proof that, sometimes, there is far more to something than meets the eye. Whether enjoying mountain views from the Beartooth Highway, spotting wolves and grizzlies in Yellowstone, or snowmobiling for hours on end in June, your time in Cooke City will be well worth traveling off the beaten path.