Beartooth Plateau Backcountry: Montana & Wyoming’s Secret Gem
- Mike Powers
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Most travelers know the Beartooth Highway as a stunning drive through the Rocky Mountains. Yet, few realize that beyond this famous route lies the Beartooth Plateau Backcountry, a vast, rugged wilderness that stretches across Montana and Wyoming. This high-altitude plateau offers some of the most remote and untouched landscapes in the Lower 48 states. It feels like a hidden piece of Alaska nestled in the Rockies, with its expansive tundra, alpine lakes, and towering peaks.
This post explores what makes the Beartooth Plateau Backcountry so special, how to experience it, and why it deserves more attention from outdoor enthusiasts seeking solitude and raw nature.
The Vast Wilderness Beyond the Highway
The Beartooth Highway is famous for its breathtaking views and high elevation, but it only scratches the surface of the region’s wildness. Beyond the highway lies the Beartooth Plateau, a sprawling area covering over 400 square miles at elevations above 10,000 feet. This plateau is one of the least-visited wilderness areas in the Lower 48, partly because it requires effort and planning to access.
The terrain here is a mix of rocky ridges, alpine meadows, and glacial lakes. The landscape resembles parts of Alaska’s Brooks Range or the Yukon, with its tundra-like environment and sparse tree cover. Wildlife thrives in this remote setting, including mountain goats, bighorn sheep, marmots, and occasionally wolves or bears.
Visitors who venture beyond the highway find a quiet world where the only sounds are wind and wildlife. The lack of crowds makes it ideal for backpackers, hikers, and anglers looking for solitude and pristine nature.
How to Access the Beartooth Plateau Backcountry
Reaching the plateau requires more than just driving the highway. Several trailheads provide access points, but most involve long hikes or backpacking trips.
Beartooth Lake Trailhead: Located near the highway, this trail leads into the heart of the plateau. It’s a popular starting point for multi-day trips.
Lakes Trailhead: Offers access to alpine lakes and high ridges. It’s less crowded but requires good navigation skills.
Silver Gate Trailhead: On the Wyoming side, this trailhead connects to routes crossing the plateau and into Yellowstone’s northern boundary.
Hiking on the plateau demands preparation. Weather can change rapidly, with afternoon thunderstorms common in summer and snow possible even in July. The high elevation means thinner air and cooler temperatures, so acclimatization and proper gear are essential.
Backpacking trips often last several days, allowing time to explore multiple lakes, ridges, and valleys. Camping is allowed in most areas, but visitors must follow Leave No Trace principles to protect the fragile alpine environment.
What to Expect on the Plateau
The Beartooth Plateau offers a unique experience compared to lower elevation wilderness areas. Here are some highlights:
Alpine Lakes: Crystal-clear lakes dot the plateau, perfect for fishing or resting after a long hike. Many are stocked with trout, making them popular among anglers.
Wildlife Viewing: The plateau supports diverse wildlife. Mountain goats are often seen on rocky cliffs, while marmots and pikas scurry among the rocks.
Flora: The tundra hosts hardy wildflowers and grasses adapted to the harsh conditions. In summer, colorful blooms add contrast to the rocky landscape.
Views: The plateau’s elevation provides panoramic views of surrounding mountain ranges, including the Absaroka and Wind River ranges.
Visitors should be prepared for limited water sources in some areas and bring maps or GPS devices. Cell phone reception is unreliable or nonexistent.
Tips for Exploring the Beartooth Plateau Backcountry
To make the most of a trip to this remote wilderness, consider these practical tips:
Plan Your Route: Study maps and trail guides before heading out. The plateau’s vastness can be disorienting.
Pack for Weather: Bring layers, rain gear, and sun protection. Weather changes quickly at high elevation.
Carry Enough Food and Water: Water sources may be scarce or require filtering. Pack high-energy food for long hikes.
Practice Leave No Trace: Preserve the fragile environment by packing out all trash and camping away from water sources.
Be Bear Aware: Carry bear spray and know how to store food properly.
Acclimate to Elevation: Spend a day or two at moderate elevation before hiking to reduce altitude sickness risk.
Local ranger stations and visitor centers near the highway can provide current trail conditions and safety information.
The Beartooth Plateau Backcountry offers a rare chance to experience a vast, wild landscape that few people visit. It challenges adventurers with its rugged terrain and high elevation but rewards them with solitude, stunning views, and a connection to nature that feels untouched by time.