Beartooth & Absaroka: Budget Fall Adventure from Billings
Photo by Alex Moliski on Unsplash
About This Trip
Set out from Billings, MT, on a three-day loop traversing the stunning Beartooth Highway, looping through the Absaroka Mountains and vibrant small towns. This road trip is crafted for budget-conscious nature lovers with pets, maximizing outdoor exploration, camping under dazzling fall foliage, accessible hiking, and remarkable photography opportunities. Savor crisp mountain air, crystalline lakes, and glowing aspen before returning to Billings with memories and camera rolls full.
Designed around:
Trip Route and Map
Click on the map above to open the route in Google Maps.
Route Overview
Trip Highlights
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Billings to Red Lodge: Gateway to the Beartooths
Leave Billings and travel south, winding through foothills to historic Red Lodge, before ascending the Beartooth Highway. Afternoon hike and classic campsite among golden aspens.
Stops
Start from Billings, MT
Begin your journey here
Downtown Red Lodge
Charming small-town streets with local bakeries, coffee, and historic buildings. Stretch your legs, grab a fresh pastry, and stroll among colorful shops.
Visit Coffee Factory Roasters for a local brew. Leashed pets welcome on most sidewalks.
Palisades Trailhead
Popular pet-friendly hike with vast mountain views, easy access, and photogenic fall foliage. Moderate switchbacks lead to panoramic vistas above Red Lodge.
Leash required. Bring snacks and water; the overlook makes the perfect lunch picnic.
Rock Creek Vista Point
Jaw-dropping overlook on the Beartooth Highway. Photograph sweeping valleys, forested slopes, and winding roads below—especially stunning with fall colors.
Best light in early afternoon. Look for interpretive signs describing the geology and local wildlife.
Lake Fork Campground
Peaceful national forest campground nestled among aspens and conifers, ideal for tents or campervans. Campfires under starry skies and easy access to the creek.
Arrive by midafternoon for a prime site. Vault toilets and drinking water available; bring exact cash for self-registration.
Beartooth Pass to Cooke City: Summit Peaks & High Lake Views
Wind over the 'Top of the World' Highway, cross Beartooth Pass (weather permitting), and pass dozens of glittering lakes. Explore alpine trails, then descend to the mountain town of Cooke City for evening camping.
Stops
Start from Lake Fork Campground
Continue your adventure from here
Beartooth Pass Summit
At nearly 11,000 ft, this breathtaking summit boasts panoramic views across Montana and Wyoming. Ideal for dramatic sunrise or morning photography sessions.
Dress in layers; chilly even in early fall. Parking may be limited; arrive early for the best sunrise light.
Island Lake Trailhead
Short and pet-friendly alpine hike to a crystal-clear lake set against jagged high peaks. Ideal spot to let your dog roam (on leash) and snap gorgeous fall scenery photos.
Pack a snack for lakeside views. Trail is moderate; watch for lingering patches of snow.
Clarks Fork Canyon Overlook
Unwind at this scenic pulloff with vertical rock walls, thundering river below, and the vivid glow of late-season aspens.
Good picnic spot for lunch. Keep cameras ready for potential mountain goat sightings.
Cooke City - Silver Gate
Rustic mountain town serving as gateway to Yellowstone’s northeast. Quaint cafes, old mining cabins, and curio shops await exploration. Stock up at the Cooke City Store or enjoy a slice of homemade pie.
Stop into Bearclaw Bakery. Most businesses are pet-friendly on leash.
Pebble Creek Campground
Simple, scenic forest service campground at the park boundary. Listen to the Creek and enjoy wildlife-rich surroundings at dusk. Pet-friendly, but always keep leashed—this is prime bear country.
Open through early fall if snow hasn’t closed the route. Food storage is mandatory; bring your own bear canister or use provided lockers.
Lamar Valley & West Rosebud: Wildlife and Waterfalls Back to Billings
Rise early for wildlife viewing, then travel through Absaroka foothills to pristine West Rosebud Lake before looping back to Billings. End the adventure at a tranquil mountain lake framed by golden leaves.
Stops
Start from Pebble Creek Campground
Continue your adventure from here
Lamar Valley Overlooks
Famous for wildlife, this open valley offers expansive views and a great chance to see herds of bison, pronghorn, and possibly wolves at sunrise. Epic spot for photographers and animal lovers.
Bring binoculars, telephoto lens, and stay near your vehicle. Pets must stay at the roadside or in vehicles in the park.
West Rosebud Lake & Trailhead
Hidden alpine lake with a backdrop of the Absaroka peaks. Trail to Mystic Lake begins here—enjoyable for shorter out-and-back ventures with your pet or photo stops by the shoreline.
The trail is popular with pet owners, but leashes are required. If you're not up for a long hike, the lake area is beautiful on its own.
Billings, MT
Return to Billings, bringing back memories (and plenty of mountain selfies) from your Beartooth and Absaroka adventure. Option to stop briefly in Absarokee or Laurel for a snack on your way home.
If time allows, explore Billings’ riverfront parks or dog-friendly patios downtown before concluding your journey.
Practical Information
Everything you need to know before you go
Best Time to Visit
Late September through October offers vibrant autumn foliage, crisp air, and fewer crowds. Early snow can occur, so check forecasts before heading out.
Recommended Vehicle
Regular car, small SUV, or campervan. Avoid large RVs or trailers on Beartooth Highway due to steep grades and tight bends.
Charging & Gas Stations
Fuel is available in Red Lodge and Cooke City—fill up before taking the Beartooth Highway, as there are long stretches without services.
Cell Coverage
Cell coverage is limited along the Beartooth Highway and within the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness. Download offline maps before starting.
Estimated Cost
Estimated at $75–$120/day per person for fuel, campgrounds, basic groceries, and occasional local eats. Free or low-cost camping options help keep costs down.
Parking Information
Trailheads and campgrounds offer free or low-cost parking. Arrive early at popular trailheads for best spots.
Accommodation
Mix of national forest campgrounds (approx. $10–$20/night), free dispersed camping, and an option of budget motels in Cooke City or Red Lodge if camping isn’t possible. Some campgrounds are first-come, first-served in fall.
Road Conditions
Beartooth Pass may close in late fall after early snow. Check MDT road conditions before travel. Roads are well maintained, but mountain driving requires caution, especially after frost or rain.
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