1132 September 10, 2024 Beartooth Highway Part 2

It was so quiet here last night.  The stars were dazzling, tucked among the treetops.  We were a little chilly but it was way worth it!

We had our coffee by a morning fire.  We could hear squirrels working on some sort of construction project in the pine above.

The lake surface was absolutely still.

We packed our gear and headed out.  We were taking the Beartooth Highway north to Red Lodge.

Our first stop was at the Clarks Fork Overlook.  The surrounding mountains were all shrouded in a thick layer of smoke.   Our thoughts go out to those working to fight the wildfires and those whose livelihoods and homes are threatened.

We continued to climb in elevation, following the curling ribbon of road.

We took a gravel road to the Lookout Tower but we were forced to turn around at the gate.  We were at 9,400 feet.  We elected not to hike here!

Beartooth Ravine is the site of a bridge built to allow animals to pass beneath the highway.

There are tall snow poles along the roadsides.  We were told that we might encounter snow here in September.

Beartooth Falls.

Beartooth Lake was lovely with Beartooth Butte in the background.  This area was the site of an ancient sea.  The butte is composed of sedimentary rock and is full of fossils.

Near the Top of the World, we found Island Lake.

We took Forest Road 149 to Chain Lakes.

Continuing, the road was flanked by interesting rock formations all the way to the summit.  We were still climbing and the temperatures were dropping even as we were getting closer to the sun.  The road twisted and turned with multiple switchbacks. 

At Beartooth Pass, we were at 10,947 feet.  It was blustery but beautiful.  The persistent acrid and smoky air made visibility a challenge.  The scenery is stunning even with the significant haze.  On a clear day, I am sure that it is super stunning!

After the summit, we began our descent.  There were lots of lovely lakes.

There was a deep gorge with lakes nestled in the bottom.  The forces of nature that formed this amazing place are beyond my understanding.  The scenery here absolutely rivals that of any national park that we have seen.  Each is spectacular in its own way. 

We stopped at the Rock Creek Vista Point where we saw more awesome views.

Don’t plan a trip to Yellowstone without including the time to explore the Chief Joseph and the Beartooth Highways!

We stopped in the town of Red Lodge and took our dusty selves to lunch at the Kitchen Prerogative.  We enjoyed another fine meal!

I drove the 65 miles from Red Lodge to Cody.

We decided to stay here one more night and so we won’t leave here until Thursday morning.  We will see what we find to get into tomorrow.