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Beartooth Loop Trail, Wyoming

The Beartooth Loop Trail is a scenic loop trail that originates near the Gardner headwall, a well-known geologic feature adjacent to the Beartooth All-American Highway.

The Beartooth Loop Trail, located near Cody, Wyoming, offers hikers breathtaking views of the Beartooth Mountains.

This 9.25-mile loop has three different trailheads and runs alongside beautiful lakes and stunning alpine vistas, all accessible within a day's hike from the Beartooth Highway. The trail is considered moderately challenging, so plan for at least 3.5 hours to complete it.

The trail traverses a scenic section of the alpine and sub-alpine Beartooth Plateau. After a relatively steep descent from the highway to Gardner Lake, the trail follows a gentler grade in a large loop. Along the way, hikers will pass by three large lakes that are known for their small but eager fish. Wildlife in the area includes pike, marmots, mule deer, raptors, and, occasionally, grizzly bears or wolves that roam the wilderness adjacent to the trail.

This trail complements the scenic Beartooth All-American Road, which leads through the Plateau and toward Yellowstone National Park.

Driving Directions:
- From Cody, take Wyoming Highway 120 north to the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway (Wyoming Highway 296).
- Turn right onto US 212, the Beartooth Highway.
- Continue toward Red Lodge, Montana.
- Look for the turnoff for Beartooth Lake.
- Drive through the campground and follow the signs to the trailhead parking area.

Nearby Trails:

• Beauty Lake and Beartooth High Lakes Loop: A 7.6-mile loop trail near Cody, ideal for hiking and running.
• Tibbs Butte via Hauser Lake and Beartooth National Recreational Trail: A path that winds through meadows, alpine lakes, and forests.  3.5 hours to complete.

Posted February 04, 2025