Absaroka–Beartooth Wilderness
Absaroka–Beartooth Wilderness is a rugged high-altitude landscape straddling Wyoming and Montana, known for glacial cirques, alpine lakes, and wildlife including grizzly bears and mt. goats. It offers remote backcounty hiking, climbing, and dramatic scenic drives into the Beartooth Plateau.
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Geography
| Continent | North America |
|---|---|
| Region | Northern Rocky Mountains |
| Subregion | Northern Rockies |
| Country | United States |
| State | Wyoming and Montana |
| County | Park County (Wyoming)Big Horn and Yellowstone counties (Montana) |
| District | Absaroka and Beartooth ranges |
| City | Cooke City, MT and Silver Gate, WY |
| Timezone | AmericaDenver |
| Latitude | 45 |
| Longitude | -109.5 |
| Maps |
7:13 PM LOCAL TIMEAbsaroka–Beartooth Wilderness spans roughly 3,400 km² of protected high-country in northwestern Wyoming and southern Montana. Central to its landscape are the Beartooth Plateau and Absaroka Range, where glacial cirques, knife-edge passes, and subalpine lakes like Lago di Lava sit beneath peaks surpassing 4,300 meters. Popular access points include the routes from Red Lodge, Cooke City, and -South Entrance to Yellowstone; from these bases, expect long hikes, river crossings, and variable weather. Trails link to alpine valleys, thermal areas, and backcountry camping zones; alpine climbing is possible on select peaks and north-facing couloirs. Wildlife viewing opportunities include grizzly bears, mt. goats, and elk, but visitors must practice safe food storage and bear awareness. Beyond the trails, the area's remote highlands reward solitary camping, wildlife photography, and cross-country navigation. Prepare for rapidly changing conditions, carry reliable maps and safety gear, and respect the Wilderness designation by practicing Leave No Trace principles.
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