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Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, Shoshone National Forest wilderness guide
Wilderness Area · MT, WY

Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, Shoshone National Forest

The Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness straddles the Montana-Wyoming border and offers a rugged backcountry experience with diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife.

Wilderness Area944,0004+ Trails

Designation

Wilderness Area

Total Wilderness Area

944,000

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, Shoshone National Forest

The Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness straddles the Montana-Wyoming border and offers a rugged backcountry experience with diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

The Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness encompasses over 900,000 acres of pristine high-altitude terrain, offering some of the most stunning wilderness experiences in the USA. It lies within the Yellowstone ecosystem, spanning across Montana and Wyoming. The wilderness showcases dramatic peaks, crystal-clear alpine lakes, and dense forests, offering an ideal sanctuary for myriad plant and animal species. Established in 1975, it includes two of the largest contiguous mountain ranges in the lower 48 states, the Absaroka and Beartooth ranges. Visitors can explore its extensive trail system for unparalleled hiking, camping, and fishing opportunities. Notable landmarks include Granite Peak, Montana's highest point, and the picturesque Beartooth Plateau. The area is also a hotspot for spotting wildlife, such as grizzly bears, elk, and mountain goats. Its remote nature and challenging terrain make it a favorite for avid outdoor enthusiasts seeking solitude and adventure.

Field Guide · Wilderness Area
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, Shoshone National Forest

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Mountain Majesty at Granite Peak, Montana★ 8.4⌖ 4 miMountaineering
Granite Peak

Mountain Majesty at Granite Peak, Montana

Granite Peak, Montana's highest point, offers an extreme mountaineering challenge with steep granite routes and alpine terrain. Located near Red Lodge, this remote peak rewards experienced climbers and hikers with wildflower meadows, wildlife viewing, and scenic mountain vistas during summer.

MountaineeringView Details→
Conquering Granite Peak: A Montana Adventure★ 8.5⌖ 6 miClimbing
Granite Peak, SW Ramp / Couloir TH

Conquering Granite Peak: A Montana Adventure

Granite Peak near Cooke City, MT, is an extreme climb in the Beartooth Mountains, offering a rugged 12-mile route for adventure seekers. Expect rock and snow climbing with spectacular views. Best in late summer and requires a permit.

Camping at Colter Campground★ 8.2⌖ 7 miCamping
Colter Campground

Camping at Colter Campground

Enjoy camping at Colter Campground near Cooke City, MT. Perfect for wildlife watching and hiking in the Beartooth Mountains. Best visited late spring to early fall, this scenic area offers quiet solitude and picturesque views along the Beartooth Highway.

Lower Lady of the Lake: A Tranquil Retreat★ 8.7⌖ 7 miHiking
Lower Lady of the Lake Trailhead

Lower Lady of the Lake: A Tranquil Retreat

Explore Lower Lady of the Lake Trailhead in Silver Gate, Montana. This tranquil spot offers hiking, fishing, and camping opportunities in a serene setting. Best visited in spring or fall, it's a perfect escape for adventurers seeking solitude and scenic beauty.

Nature's Retreat at Clarks Fork Picnic Area★ 7.2⌖ 7 miHiking
Clarks Fork Picnic Area

Nature's Retreat at Clarks Fork Picnic Area

Explore Clarks Fork Picnic Area near Red Lodge, Montana. Enjoy hiking, wildlife observation, and fishing along the scenic Clarks Fork River. Ideal in spring and summer for family picnics and outdoor relaxation.

Majestic Index Peak Awaits★ 8.7⌖ 9 miHiking
Index Peak

Majestic Index Peak Awaits

Index Peak, located near Yellowstone National Park, offers a unique hiking experience with stunning views and diverse ecosystems. Ideal for adventure seekers, this quiet location is best visited in late spring through fall, featuring wildlife watching and photography.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Granite Peak – The tallest mountain in Montana, a challenging climbing destination.✦ Beartooth Plateau – A vast, scenic high-altitude landscape with numerous alpine lakes.✦ Lake Plateau – Known for its high concentration of alpine lakes.✦ Deer Creek Trail – A lesser-known route that offers solitude and wildlife encounters.
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, Shoshone National Forest

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, Shoshone National Forest.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No permits required, but follow Leave No Trace principles.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, Shoshone National Forest

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Island Lake Campground

Situated near the Beartooth All-American Road, good for basecamping before exploring the Wilderness.

East Rosebud Campground

Located near the East Rosebud Trailhead, providing easy access to The Beaten Path.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, Shoshone National Forest

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Silver Gate
⌖ 10.65 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Silver Gate, Montana

A charming gateway to Yellowstone with rustic appeal and abundant wilderness adventures.

Summer and WinterExplore Town
Nye
⌖ 22.11 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Nye, Montana

A secluded gateway to the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, perfect for those seeking rugged outdoor adventures and solitude.

Summer and FallExplore Town
Roscoe
⌖ 23.10 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Roscoe, Montana

A hidden gem in Montana offering authentic wilderness experiences in the Absaroka-Beartooth Mountains.

Fishtail
⌖ 28.35 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Fishtail, Montana

A remote gateway to exploring the rugged beauty of Montana, offering solitude and adventure in the Beartooth Mountains.

Red Lodge
⌖ 29.15 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Red Lodge, Montana

A charming gateway to the Beartooth Mountains offering abundant year-round outdoor adventures and rugged mountain scenery.

Summer and FallExplore Town
Absarokee
⌖ 33.85 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Absarokee, Montana

A gateway to Montana's scenic mountains and rivers offering authentic outdoor experiences with a laid-back, rural charm.

Late Spring to Early FallExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, Shoshone National Forest

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.